Vecere Jewelers

Expert Advice

Diamond Guide

The Four "C's" - cut, clarity, color and carat weight--are the characteristics that determine a diamond's rarity and value--and as a result, its price. Like snowflakes, no two diamonds are alike, although they may sometimes look identical to the naked eye. The Four "C's", and the many ways in which they can be combined, are the key to understanding why two diamonds of equal size may not be of equal value. A basic understanding of each classification is important for making an informed purchase.

When looking to purchase a diamond, strive for a stone that offers a combination of the Four "C's" which best match your goals. Also, since beauty is in the eye of the beholder--don't be afraid to use your eyes and trust your heart in selecting the diamond that speaks most to you. A basic understanding of the Four "C's" will help you to select the diamond that's perfect for you.

Cut is perhaps the most important of the Four "C's" because a quality cut is what unlocks a diamond's fiery sparkle. Cut is also the only diamond characteristic directly influenced by man--the other three are dictated by nature. A good cut releases the "fire" and "brilliance" of a diamond through the proportion of its 57 or 58 facets (tiny planes that create angles), allowing the maximum of light to be reflected through the diamond.

cut

In order to maximize this fire and brilliance, a diamond cutter must place each of the stone's facets and angles, which act as light-dispersing mirrors, in exact geometric relation to one another. Diamonds that are not cut to proper proportions (too deep or too shallow) lose light that spills through the side or bottom.

A diamond's clarity is determined by the degree to which it is free from naturally occurring inclusions, often called "nature's fingerprints." Almost all diamonds contain small traces of non-crystallized carbon--the element from which they were formed. These inclusions often require magnification under a standard 10-power jeweler's loupe before they become apparent to the eye. The fewer the inclusions, the rarer the stone.

Color is the most subjective of the Four "C's". While most diamonds appear white, virtually all display barely perceptible tints of color. Evaluating a diamond's color for grading purposes is done by measuring the degree to which a diamond approaches colorlessness. Gemologists and jewelers describe the color of diamonds on a letter scale beginning with D (colorless) and moving through the alphabet to Z. The degree of colorlessness is not easily discernible to the untrained eye. D, E and F color grades are more expensive because they are more rare. However, well cut diamonds with good clarity of all color grades can be equally dazzling as it is the interplay of the Four "C's" which determines each individual stone's unique beauty.

Carat refers to the weight, and therefore the size, of the diamond. One carat weighs 0.2 grams, or 1/142 of an ounce. Jewelers, however, refer to stones using "points"--one carat is divided into 100 points. Therefore, a diamond weighing 50 points is a half a carat; 25 points a quarter carat and so on. Of all diamonds mined, only a relatively small amount are considered "gem" quality. Furthermore, of those that do make it into jewelry, fewer than 5% are larger than one carat.

An important factor to consider is who has judged the diamond you are interested in. Unfortunately, there are dishonest business persons in the jewelry industry who knowingly promote diamonds for more than their appraised worth.

At Vecere Jewelers, all precious stones are carefully inspected and graded before being set or displayed in our showcase. The diamond of your choosing is accompanied with a grading report by the Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A.), so you can buy with confidence. In addition. Feel free at any time to visit our store where one of our trained associates can show you the diamond of her dreams.

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Gemstone Guide

More stones to come, please check back again.

Ruby has been the world's most valued gemstone for thousands of years. Ruby was said to be the most precious of the twelve stones God created when he created all things and this "lord of gems" was placed on Aaron's neck by God's command. The bible says that wisdom is "more precious than rubies," that is to say very valuable indeed. In the ancient language of Sanskrit, ruby is called ratnaraj, or "king of precious stones" and ratnanayaka, "leader of precious stones."

In fact, rubies are today still more valuable and rare than even the top quality colorless diamonds. The record price for a ruby sold at auction is a 16 carat ruby which sold for $227,301 per carat at Sotheby's in 1988. A 27.37 carat Burmese ruby ring sold for $4 million at Sotheby's in Geneva in May 1995, or $146,145 per carat. A 32 carat ruby sold for $144,000 per carat at Sotheby's in 1989. In contrast, eight D-color internally flawless diamonds over 50 carats have been sold in the past six years and the largest, a pear-shape of 102 carats, fetched a mere $125,000 per carat. Top rubies are so rare even the world's top gem dealers must incessantly comb estate sales and auctions to find them. Sizes above five carats are particularly rare.

Ruby is the gem quality of the mineral corundum, one of the most durable minerals which exists, a crystalline form of aluminum oxide. Corundum has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale and is also extremely tough. In its common form, it is even used as an abrasive.

Because the rich green color of emerald is the color of spring, the ancients prized it as the gemstone symbolizing love and rebirth. Treasured for at least 4,000 years by different cultures all around the world, emerald is said to quicken the intelligence as well as the heart. Legend gives its owner the gift of eloquence.

Cleopatra prized her emeralds more than any other gem. She may have dropped her pearls in her wine for Mark Anthony but she kept her emeralds for herself! The ancient emerald mines of Cleopatra, long a mystery, were discovered again a hundred years ago near the Red Sea. Some tools found in the mine were dated at 1650 B.C. but no quality emeralds were found: the mines were exhausted thousands of years ago. Mummies in ancient Egypt were often buried with an emerald on their necks carved with the symbol for verdure, flourishing greenness, to symbolize eternal youth.

The Romans also loved emeralds because, as ancient scholar Pliny said, "nothing greens greener." Pliny said that emerald was the only gem which delighted the eye without fatiguing it. He said his eyes were restored when gazing at emerald. Emperor Nero wore emerald sunglasses to watch the gladiators.

One legend says that Satan lost the emerald from his crown when he fell. The emerald was shaped into a bowl which the Queen of Sheba sent to Nicodemus. Christ used the bowl at the last supper and Joseph of Arimathea used the bowl to catch blood from the cross, founding the order of the Holy Grail.

The Moguls of India, including Shah Jahan, the builder of the Taj Mahal, loved emeralds so much they inscribed them with sacred text and wore them as talismans. Some of these sacred stones, called Mogul emeralds, can still be seen in museums and collections today.

Emerald is the birthstone for May, the month of springtime romance, and the anniversary gemstone for the twentieth year of marriage, the perfect emblem of an enduring love.

Tanzanite is an alluring blue gemstone with a hint of purple hue. It was discovered in 1967 within the mineral rich soil at the base of Mount Kilamanjaro in Tanzania, East Africa. To date, Tanzania is the only location on Earth where Tanzanite may be found. Tanzanite gets its name from the country where it is mined.

As one of the most popular blue gemstones in jewelry fashion today, Tanzanite is available is a variety of shapes and sizes as well as a beautiful assortment of tonal qualities. The stone almost always displays its striking overtones of purple and is rarely pure blue. Smaller size stones tend towards lighter tones where lavender is more common. While in larger sizes, Tanzanite usually displays a deeper, richer color.

Extrapolated from The American Gem Trade Association

Symbolizing hope, innocence and purity, Opal has fueled the imaginations of men and women for over 2000 years with magical flashes of fire. This multicolored gemstone is unique amidst all others providing a vast array of color and versatility of wear. Today's supplies of Opal come primarily from Australia, Mexico and the United States.

Most Opals are cut into rounded or free-form cabochon that enhance their display of color. Opal is found in several different colors including black Opal, whose blue, gray or black body color enhances the play of fire; white Opal with a lightish or white body color flashes. Boulder Opal has color flashes intertwined with rock matrix. Different in appearance is Fire Opal, a transparent gemstone of brilliant yellow, orange or red, often cut with facets.

Opal, along with Tourmaline, is the birthstone for October and the suggested gift for the fourteenth anniversary

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Jewelry Care

Choose chemicals, brushes and techniques for the softest, most vulnerable gem in a piece. When using chemical cleaners, be sure to purchase the appropriate solution for your specific piece. Silver polish, for example, works fine for sterling alone, but can damage porous gems (like opal, pearl, coral, lapis, turquoise, and amber) set in it. Ammonia is a particular threat to fragile gems. Always check with your jeweler about special care or repair considerations. Generally, the best way to clean most of your gem-set jewelry is to use a mild soapy solution in warm water, a soft brush, and a soft cloth to pat dry.

Vecere Jewelers offers free jewelry cleaning, so when in doubt, bring your jewelry in for a professional cleaning to keep your precious gems looking their best.

Or use the following chart as a guideline when cleaning your fine jewelry.

Alexandrite - Use soapy water, alcohol or commercial cleaning solutions. An ultrasonic cleaner or steamer is safe.
Amber - Use warm soapy water, no brush, pat dry. Avoid mechanical cleaners, abrasives, chemicals and heat.
Aquamarine - Use warm soapy water and a soft brush. Mechanical cleaners are generally safe. Avoid chemicals, heat and excessive cleaning.
Coral - Wipe with a soft, cool, damp cloth. Do not use a brush or mechanical cleaners. Avoid abrasives, chemicals and heat.
Diamond - Mechanical cleaners, ammonia-based cleaners, and mild solvents are generally safe. If using warm soapy water, rinse well and pat dry to avoid residue.
Emerald - Use a soft, damp cloth, warm water and a soft brush. Do not use mechanical cleaners. Avoid chemicals and heat that will dissolve the oils used during cutting and processing. . Have a jeweler re-oil your emerald every few years. Although emerald is harder than quartz, its crystal structure makes it brittle. Avoid impacts.
Garnet - Use warm soapy water and a soft brush. An ultrasonic cleaner is safe for most garnets. Do not use a steamer.
Gold - Use warm soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners are safe but check gem requirements. Avoid ammonia and mercury. The higher the gold percentage the softer the metal.
Jade - Use warm soapy water. Mechanical cleaners are safe. Avoid warm acids.
Lapis Lazuli - Use warm soapy water. Do not scrub or soak. Wipe with a soft cloth. Do not use mechanical cleaners or chemicals.
Opal - Use a soft dry or damp cloth. Do not soak. Do not use mechanical cleaners. Avoid impacts, heat, and chemicals.
Pearls - Wipe after each use with a soft, dry or damp cloth. Mild soapy water is fine. Do not use mechanical cleaners, heat or chemicals.
Peridot - Use warm soapy water and a soft brush. Do not use an ultrasonic cleaner or steamer. Avoid acids.
Platinum - Use warm soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners are safe but check gem requirements. Avoid ammonia, iodine and mercurochrome. Platinum is the most durable of the noble metals.
Quartz (amethyst, citrine & ametrine) - Use warm soapy water. An ultrasonic cleaner is usually safe, a steamer is not. Avoid acids, intense heat, and prolonged bright light.
Ruby & Sapphire - Use soapy water or commercial solvent and brush. Mechanical cleaners are generally safe.
Silver - Use warm soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners are safe but check gem requirements. Foams and liquids work but remove some silver in the process. Cleaning cloths are safer. Avoid ammonia. Silver easily dents and tarnishes.
Tanzanite - Same care as peridot.
Topaz - Same care as emerald. Although it is hard, it cleaves and a sudden temperature change or impact can cause a break.
Tourmaline - Use warm soapy water and a soft brush. Do not use mechanical cleaners.
Turquoise -Wipe with a soft damp cloth and dry. Do not soak or use mechanical cleaners. Avoid chemicals.

In addition to considering how you clean your gems and jewels, also be sure to store them properly. Here are some tips to help your jewelry last a lifetime:

Remove all jewelry before activities such as housework, gardening or sports where jewelry is susceptible to impact and/or chemicals.
Never remove jewelry by pulling on a gem to avoid loosening the stone from its setting or exposing it to perspiration, skin oil and dirt.
Check for loose gems and clasps often.
Restring pearl and bead necklaces every two years, annually with frequent wear.
Never store jewelry in piles to avoid gems and metals rubbing against each other or chains entangling.
Avoid applying cosmetics, perfume and hairspray while wearing jewelry, particularly earrings and necklaces.

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Birthstones

Wedding Anniversary Symbols

What is Platinum?

A piece of platinum jewelry contains more fine metal than most other jewelry. Platinum is either 95% or 90% pure compared to 18K gold, which is only 75% pure. Platinum's high degree of purity also makes it hypoallergenic.

The strength and durability of platinum are the best guarantees for securing diamonds and precious stones. Platinum never wears out: an invaluable quality for pieces such as wedding bands and chains which must tolerate long, hard wear.

Platinum is found in only a few places around the world, including Africa, Russia and the USA. Only 65 tons of platinum compared to 3,300 tons of gold was used for jewelry in the world each year.

Platinum's rich, white luster enhances the brilliance and will maintain its shining luminosity forever, unlike other white metals, which, in time, turn yellow, or tarnish.

Only the most skilled and talented jewelers can work in platinum. Owning and wearing platinum is a unique and personal pleasure, preferred by people who enjoy jewelry that is sophisticated and elegant.

The white luster of platinum is the hottest fashion in jewelry. Platinum jewelry has become the favorite of the younger generations. Designers in the world's capitals are creating exciting new collections in variety of styles and price ranges.

The sophisticated allure of platinum jewelry creates a unique style: discreet, elegant and exclusive. Platinum is for discriminating individuals: those who desire style and substance, not just a status symbol.

Purity, rarity and strength -- these qualities of platinum are equivalent to the ideals of eternal true love. All over the world, engagement rings, wedding bands and anniversary rings made in platinum symbolize the everlasting endurance of love.

Rarity, purity and strength -- these and other unique qualities of platinum make it the most precious of all jewelry metals. Owning or giving a piece of platinum jewelry is a unique experience, which will remain with you throughout your life.

Because of its beauty and value, platinum jewelry has always been given as a special expression of love for engagements, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays.

One of the rarest precious metals, platinum is found in only a few locations around the world. Platinum has a rich and noble history. The ancient Egyptians first used it about three thousand years ago. Eight hundred years later, the Incas worked with platinum. The first platinum jewelry in Europe appeared around the year 1780, at the court of Louis XVI of France. Many of the world's most famous diamonds, including the Hope Diamond, are set in Platinum. Carl Fabergé, the famed 19th-century Russian jewelers, prized working in platinum, as did Louis Cartier of Paris and many other great jewelers throughout history.

Platinum is among the finest, purest, and rarest precious metals. It has an understated elegance that appeals to both men and women. One of the strongest and most enduring of metals, it is also one of the heaviest. A piece of jewelry containing 90% pure platinum weighs 60% more than a 14k gold piece of similar size. Platinum is ideal for jewelry that's worn everyday because it shows little wear. It's also hypoallergenic and resists tarnish.

Platinum jewelry is pure. In the United States platinum jewelry generally contains anywhere from 85% to 95% pure platinum. By comparison, 18-karat gold is 75% pure gold and 14-karat gold is only 58% pure gold.

If a piece of platinum jewelry is marked "Platinum" then it contains at least 95 percent pure platinum. Jewelry with 85% to 95% pure platinum is marked "950 Plat." or "950 Pt.," "850 Plat." or "850 Pt.," etc. Both the two-and four-letter abbreviation for platinum is used.

Jewelry containing at least 50% pure platinum and at least 95% platinum group metals (platinum, palladium, iridium, osmium, rhodium, and ruthenium) is marked with the platinum content followed by the content of the other metal. For example: "600 Plat. 350 Irid." or "600 Pt. 350 Ir."

Jewelry containing less than 50% pure platinum content cannot be marked with the word "platinum" or any abbreviation thereof.

Platinum is rare. To produce a single ounce of finished platinum, a total of 10 tons of ore must be mined. In comparison, only three tons of ore are required to produce one ounce of gold. This rarity gives platinum its cachet.

Platinum is lustrous. Platinum's rich, white luster complements diamonds and other precious gems while its neutral color enhance a stone's brilliance and depth.

Platinum is fashionable. Platinum jewelry appeals to many people today because of its subtle beauty and understated elegance. Many platinum jewelry designs are accented with 18k gold, creating a sophisticated, versatile and fashionable look.

Whether you choose a ring, pin, bracelet, earrings, necklace or bridal jewelry, you can find new and sophisticated platinum designs. Some are all platinum for a sophisticated look, but many feature 18k gold accents. As platinum's pure white luster, strength and durability are recognized and admired, bridal couples worldwide are rediscovering platinum as the metal of choice for engagement, wedding and anniversary jewelry.

A diamond and its setting should last forever. Because platinum is superior to other metals in strength and durability, it offers a diamond the greatest protection. The breathtaking radiance of a diamond fused with the timeless elegance of platinum creates a rare and enduring symbol of love.

Platinum, one of the world's strongest metals, is hypoallergenic, tarnish-resistant, and extremely durable.

No, it is quite different. During World War II, the U.S. government prohibited platinum use in nonmilitary applications, including jewelry. Because of strong consumer preference for platinum's pure white luster, white gold was substituted in platinum's absence. To create white gold, yellow gold is alloyed with other metals to achieve a white look. However, platinum is white to begin with and maintains its white luster permanently. Its purity, strength, rarity, durability and naturally rich, white color make it the best choice.

Platinum jewelry should be cleaned the same way you clean other fine jewelry. Use a good prepackaged jewelry cleaner available at your local jeweler or have it professionally cleaned by your local jeweler. As with all precious jewelry, handle with care, not allowing pieces to touch or scratch each other.

Signs of wear, including scratches, will inevitably appear in all precious metals, even in platinum. However, due to platinum's durability and strength there are usually little metal lass when the piece is scratched. If your platinum jewelry does develop visible scratches, you could have the piece polished by a professional jeweler.

Will it coordinate with my gold jewelry? Platinum's white color beautifully contrasts with yellow gold and adds versatility to your existing wardrobe.

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Appraisals

YEAR	TRADITIONAL	MODERN

1st	paper	clocks
2nd	cotton	china
3rd	leather	crystal, glass
4th	books	electrical appliance
5th	wood	silverware
6th	sugar, candy	wood
7th	wool, copper	desk sets
8th	bronze, pottery	linens, laces
9th	potter, willow	leather
10th	tin, aluminum	diamond jewelry
11th	steel	fashion jewelry
12th	silk, linen	pearls, colored gems
13th	lace	textiles, furs
14th	ivory	gold jewelry
15th	crystal	watches
20th	china	platinum
25th	silver	silver
30th	pearl	diamond
35th	coral	jade
40th	ruby	ruby
45th	sapphire	sapphire
50th	gold	gold
55th	emerald	emerald
60th	diamond	diamond
75th	diamond	diamond