Jewelry Hallmark Guide

If you own a piece of precious metal jewelry, you have likely noticed a small stamp on a hidden part of the ring, necklace, bracelet or earring. These stamps are known as a jewelry hallmark, and appear on almost all precious metal jewelry. Jewelry hallmarking can give you clues as to the jewelry’s country of origin, metal content, purity, and the name – or initials – of the maker.

European Hallmarks

Hallmarking has a long and illustrious history that began in Europe during the 14th century. English and French jewelers in particular hallmarked their jewelry with elaborate designs and animal symbols to denote the origin of the jewelry, the metal, the purity, and the maker. Though intricate and lovely, the European hallmarks can be tough to decipher and are easily misinterpreted by a novice. Luckily for Americans, the U.S. jewelry hallmarking system is much easier to read.

American Hallmarks

Though many countries require jewelers to hallmark their precious metal jewelry, the United States interestingly does not. Yet despite the absence of a law mandating hallmarking, most U.S. fine jewelry does indeed come stamped to assure the purchaser of the quality of the metal. Since the purity of the metal is a major indicator of the jewelry’s value, many jewelry buyers feel more comfortable purchasing a piece that is hallmarked. However, it is important to note that a hallmark can also give a buyer a false sense of security since it is not tightly regulated in the U.S. Unscrupulous jewelers or street vendors can create their own hallmark to pass off poor quality jewelry as quality pieces. The most important factor is always to buy from a reputable jeweler.

Here is a quick rundown of the most common jewelry hallmarks that indicate the metal and purity:

U.S. Platinum Jewelry Hallmarks

Plat - A platinum ring marked with Plat or 950 Plat is considered nearly pure platinum (95% platinum) and is therefore quite expensive. 950 is the highest grade of platinum available for jewelry.

IridPlat - Platinum rings with this hallmark are 90% pure platinum with 10% other metals mixed in. These rings, also often marked with .90 Plat, cost less than their purer platinum counterpart above.

U.S. Gold Jewelry Hallmarks

10k - 10 karat gold is the lowest karat gold, and is composed of 10 parts gold to 14 parts other metals. 10 karat gold costs much less than higher gold purities.

14k - 14 karat gold is one of the most popular gold purities for gold jewelry. 14 karat gold is composed of 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metals.

18k - 18 karat gold is very high quality gold, and is composed of 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metals.

24k - 24 karat gold is pure gold, and is the most expensive and most malleable gold composition. The addition of other metals to gold makes it stronger and more durable, since 24 karat gold is quite soft and is easily dented, dinged and bent.

U.S. Silver Jewelry Hallmarks

900 - The 900 stamp on silver denotes that the metal is 9 parts pure silver and one part alloy metal. This stamp was used mainly on silver coins and is not commonly used on jewelry in modern times.
925 - 925 is the hallmark stamp for sterling silver. This is the most common hallmark seen on silver jewelry, and means that the jewelry is composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals. Sterling silver is the highest quality silver used in jewelry, since pure silver is much too malleable to be worn on a daily basis.

Apples of Gold carries a wide variety of precious metal jewelry in different purities. This allows customers to choose the right gold karat for their taste and budget.  Check out our selection of beautiful gold and platinum wedding bands, earrings, bracelets and necklaces at Apples of Gold.com.

Top Selling Gold Bracelets

Some gold jewelry pieces have a way of appealing to all walks of life and different personalities.  This ability to cross cultural and economic lines is what best selling jewelry is all about.

Gold bracelets are especially admired this season because they have the ability to be mixed and matched with any fashion style while still having an elegant and classic look that can be passed down throughout the generations.  Here’s a look at a few best selling gold bracelets available at Apples of Gold:

The Elliptical Link Bracelet

Fall in love all over again with the best selling Elliptical Link Bracelet.  This 14K two-tone gold bracelet creates an extraordinary connection between yellow and white gold through links and shapes.  The gold jewelry’s assembly features 7 bundles of yellow gold oversized ovals connected together by 6 bundles of smaller white gold circles; all in an alternating blueprint and protected with a lobster claw clasp.

Predicted to be hot in 2009 jewelry trends, the Elliptical Link Bracelet is available in 7 or 8 inches and weighs between 8 and 9.25 grams.

The Byzantine Bracelet

Another bestselling gold bracelet at Apples of Gold is this graceful and dazzling Byzantine Bracelet in 14K yellow gold.  At first glance, it seems like a simple gold bracelet with a lobster claw clasp.  However, if you look closely you will see an exotic Byzantine design with each section completing the next.

This gold bracelet measures in at 4 mm wide, 7 or 8 inches long, and 3.6 or 4.1 grams in weigh respectively. If you fall in love with the Byzantine Bracelet you’ll be glad to know you can finish your look with a matching necklace or another bracelet in 14k white gold or 14k rose gold.

The Solid Gold Mesh Bracelet

Lastly, but not least, the best selling gold bracelet from Apples of Gold is this 14K Solid Gold Mesh Bracelet.  It’s stunning appearance speaks for its popularity and charm. Expertly crafted from the finest 14K gold this bracelet measures 9 mm wide and includes a design that hold many surprises in shape, direction, and architecture.

Enjoy Spring 2009 fashions with these best selling gold bracelet picks from Apples of Gold.

Pricing Gold Chains Like Jewelers

Gold chains are by far the simplest types of gold jewelry to price. Learn how to price gold chains like professional jewelers!

The most important thing to look for is the gram weight of the gold chain in question. Once you have determined the gram weight, you are equipped for price comparisons.

Of course, keep in mind that price alone is not always the sole factor. Purchase jewelry only from reputable jewelry stores, and make sure they have a strong return policy, an established reputation, and excellent customer service.

Pricing Basics

Let’s use a 3mm gold rope chain for our pricing model. If a gold rope chain costs $450.00 and weighs 14.0 grams, you can do the math and realize that you are being charged $32.14 per gram of gold that is in that chain.

Quick Formula: Price of Gold Chain / by Gram Weight = Price per Gram.

You find another 3mm gold rope chain priced at $500.00. This chain appears to be $50 more expensive. Upon closer examination, the chain weighs 16.5 grams.  Using the above simple formula:

$500 divided by 16.5 = $30.30 per gram.

The second chain is actually the better deal when you consider the gold content ($30.30 per gram of gold vs. $32.14).

This is hypothetical of course and prices can vary significantly from store to store. We have found that most online jewelers charge an average of 30% more for the same gold chain as Apples of Gold Jewelry.

This is why we are not afraid to disclose what many other jewelers fear to share.

Watch out for jewelers who do not disclose gram weights

Jewelers to stay far, far away from are ones who do not disclose the gram weight of their chains or who use a wide range to list the gram weight–such as, “Chain weighs between 16 – 23 grams”.

There should not be more than a maximum of a 10% variance in the gram weight of a gold chain or substantial piece of gold jewelry. So if a gold chain is advertised at 10.0 grams, it should weigh somewhere in the 9 – 11 gram range (and that is being liberal).

Reputable jewelers will also honor the gram weights of their chains by adjusting the price of a gold chain if the chain turns out to contain a significantly less gram weight than advertised.

There’s Always an Exception to the Rule

There are always a few exceptions. It is often not customary to advertise gram weights of wedding bands, diamond rings, and gemstone rings (although if asked, jewelers should always disclose the weight if available).

The reason being that items such as wedding bands or diamond rings, for example, are not solely based on the precious metals content. Much larger factors come into play, such as design, the labor of love and time it takes to create such rings, and in the case of gemstones and diamonds: the quality and rarity of the stones weigh far greatly than the few grams of gold such rings often contain.

These types of fine jewelry are often sold by the piece, rather than by the gram (don’t be surprised if a jeweler takes it personally when the mistake is made of evaluating such items based on gram weight alone. Just hang your head in shame at this point and swiftly apologize).

Price Matching

Jewelers who want your business will do their best to price match or beat other advertised prices. Of course, keep cool and reasonable. Don’t expect a quality jeweler to match the price of a gold chain you found at a shoddy looking jewelry website whose prices haven’t been updated for 5 years and who don’t provide a customer service phone #. Identify and compare with jewelers’ real competitors to get a better price.

Gold Volatility

Lastly, keep in mind that gold prices can be volatile and the gold chain that you saw advertised at $300 today may soon hit $350 if gold prices continue to rise, as historical gold prices have indicated over the last several years.

Likewise, with a significant downturn in the price of gold, you should expect gold chain prices to decrease over time.

Keep in mind that other factors such as inflation, increased business expense, and the struggle for many businesses to survive in tough economic times, may play a role in determining whether to increase or decrease the price of gold jewelry.

The price of gold is a large determinant of the price of gold jewelry, but it is also often a guideline–not a stringent policy.

Gold Hoop Earrings: An Endless Tradition

Somewhere between 2,500 and 3,000 BC in Iraq someone was buried in a royal grave with hoop earrings on, leading us to the oldest earrings ever unearthed by archeologists.  It is rather fascinating that hoop earrings for women continue to be a fashion staple in wardrobes around the world. Maybe we will never discern why the world is spellbound with hoop earrings; maybe it’s the endlessness and versatility of the circle, or the elegant arches of made possible by gold jewelry?   Whatever the reason, Apples of Gold Jewelry has a number of ways to tastefully and elegantly incorporate design gold hoop earrings into your wardrobe.

A grand statement can be made with Apples of Gold Hammered Hoop Earrings.  These elegant 14K gold hoop earrings gets its name from the intricate hammer like design lovingly applied to the 22.5 mm diameter hoop. Each hammer-like imprint reflects light at different angles creating a sparkling motif.

Another choice is the Flat Italian Hoop Earrings which make a gallant statement using sheer size and elegance.  Created entirely of 14K yellow gold, these Flat Italian Hoop Earrings measure at 1 3/4 inches wide and 3mm thick creating a great and stunning silhouette.

Lastly, for the boldness of the Hammered Hoop Earrings and the size of the Flat Italian Hoop Earrings, another superb choice would be Apple of Gold’s Beaded Hoop Earrings.  These hoop earrings are made of 14K gold beads that complete the hoop which measures 1 1/4 inches in diameter and 2mm thick.  Weighing approximately 2.6 grams, these Beaded Hoop Earrings close with a secure latch and provide a lovely and slender side view.

It’s a pleasure to consider that each piece of jewelry we wear today was influenced by the struggles and lifestyles of our ancestors; and each piece of jewelry worn tomorrow will be influenced by us.

Gold Bible Verse Rings

Some of the most inspirational and encouraging stories of human strength and survival has allowed people to overcome amazing situations through the strength of bible verses.  One amazing story is of the Alexander family who found themselves in the middle of a gun battle in Taiwan while being held hostage by Chen Chin-hsing, a Taiwan most wanted criminal.  As their story unfolds on National Geographic’s Locked Up Abroad Taiwan, the family began to quote Psalms 24 for encouragement in unison, amazingly through gunshots and wounds, every member of the family made it out alive.

It is important to remember that in the happiest or lowest of times, bible verses have helped us get through.  Apples of Gold understands the power those small reminders of faith and has an amazing collection of bible verse gold rings that can be easily personalized to remind you daily of your faith through the good and the bad. One of my favorite bible verse gold rings from Apples of Gold is the Romanesque Cross Bible Verse Ring.

The 14K solid gold Romanesque Cross Bible Verse Ring has a unique design where the gold band grows in width from the back (4mm) to the front (8mm).  At the largest part of the ring a motif of a Romanesque Cross sits proudly in white.  A bible verse inscription of your choice is secretly, yet comfortingly, etched inside the ring.  The wearer can personalize what scripture is placed inside ring from Apples of Gold’s Bible Verse Listings or from your own choosing.  This ring is the perfect gift as a promise ring, wedding band, or a personal gift to you.

Another of great choice is the 14K Yellow Gold “I am My Beloved’s” Wedding Band.  This ring boldly showcases one of Christianity’s most prominent scriptures of commitment and love, “I Am My Beloved’s and My Beloved is Mine” from the Song of Solomon.  “I am My Beloved’s” is laser engraved on the outside of the ring and “My Beloved is Mine” is laser engraved on the inside of the gold ring. This ring is also available in a number of karats, widths and sizes depending on the intended wearers ring size.

These two Gold Bible Verse Rings are just a sample of the large collection of Apples of Gold’s Christian jewelry and rings and can be personalized with a number of Bible verses.  A few of my favorite verses include “But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love” from 1 Corinthians 13 and “Treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness, and kindness that your connection deserves” from an Apache Wedding Vow

Get connected to God today in marriage, in life, or with family with Apples of Gold Bible Verse Gold Rings.

2008 Jewelry Survey

Holiday shoppers may not be spending with reckless abandon this holiday season, but they will be spending. An interesting jewelry survey by National Jeweler, explains the psyche of the 2008 jewelry enthusiast.

Online spending grow only 1% in October 2008 compared to spending in 2007, the lowest monthly rate of growth since Comscore began “measuring the digital world” in 2001.

The good news is, jewelry, especially gold jewelry, is still on jewelry shopper’s list, according jewelry industry news magazine, National Jeweler. According to their October 2008 survey, 51% of those surveyed plan on still buying fine jewelry this holiday season.

One has to ask whether National Review surveyed their subscriber base of jewelry enthusiasts to come up with a majority of shoppers wanting jewelry this year. Still, the results are educational to say the least, with gold jewelry remaining on the top of jewelery shoppers lists (50% of respondents). This was followed by silver jewelry (38%) and diamond jewelry (35%). Other survey choices included gemstone jewelry (21%), fine watches (14%), and pearl jewelry (12%).

Many jewelers were surprised to hear that gold jewelry ranked #1 among jewelry shoppers, given the precious metals higher than average prices over the last several years. Some jewelers, Apples of Gold Jewelry, among them, has also noticed a resurgence in yellow gold among its customers. White gold, of course, had been the industry leader from some time.

Although most surveyed say they prefer shopping at independent jewelers, Internet jewelers ranked high relative to discount jewelers, warehouse clubs, and television shopping. Internet jewelry stores rose from 9% of those surveyed to 13% compared to the previous year. Price considerations and increased reliability among internet jewelers has played a factor in this steadily growing surge.

Given the “gloomy” and unpredictable economic fears facing Americans this year, respondents considered price and value the #1 factor influencing their decisions (42% ), followed by personal taste (37%), and the opinion or suggestion of a “significant other” (22%).

While the majority of those shopping jewelry plan on buying jewelry less than $100 (21%), this was followed by $100-$500 (16%), and by those who say they will spend $500-$1,000 (9%). 6% of shoppers surveyed said they will buy Jewelry over $1,000.

Aside from price, shoppers overwhelmingly said they want personal attention when shopping. What jewelery shoppers did not seem to care much about was: what celebrities are wearing (2%), what they see in magazines (3%), internet ads (3%), and TV ads (5%)–in other words, consumers want to be influenced by their own tastes, considerations, and qualities.

Top Four Ways To Keep Gold Looking Great

Your investment in gold jewelry should last for generations to come, as long as you properly care for it. When buying a beautiful piece of jewelry, taking care of it is often an afterthought. But regular wear requires regular care if you want your pieces to look their shiny, beautiful best. Here is a list of the Top Four Ways to Keep Gold Looking Great:

1. There is a Time to Wear, and a Time to Put it Away.

Sounds simple, right? It may be easy, but it’s a rule that is often forgotten. Even if you are absolutely in love with your wedding band, there are times when you should part with it. For example, gold should not ever be worn in swimming pools or jacuzzis due to the chlorine that can oxidize it.

Another time to take off your gold is when you are moving, building something, playing sports, or doing major housework. Higher Karat gold is very malleable, and is easily scarred for life with dents, dings and scratches from continual wear and abuse. Take it off for the heavy lifting, and wear it with love after the hard work is done to preserve gold’s smooth finish.

2. Avoid Chemicals like the Plague.

Chlorine is gold’s public enemy number one. Extended exposure will ruin your gold by oxidizing the metal and turning it black. Exercise extreme caution while wearing gold jewelry around all household cleaning products, pools, jacuzzis, and detergents. Bleach is another top offender that should never come in contact with gold. Keep your jewelry safe by removing gold rings, watches and bracelets before doing the laundry.

A list of lesser evils includes perfumes, cologne, hairspray and lotions. These can all temporarily tarnish your gold, so make a habit of putting on your jewelry after all personal grooming is done.

3. Safe Storage is a Must.

Jewelry boxes should be lined in velvet or satin to prevent the gold from getting scratched. Also, never keep multiple gold pieces in a pouch together, especially if they have gemstones. The gemstones are much stronger than the gold and will scratch it if kept together. Wrap smaller pieces of gold (stud earrings, for example) in tissue paper if they are stored next to other items.

4. Clean Well and Clean Regularly.

There are many different ways you can clean your gold jewelry. However, high-tech and expensive cleaning gadgetry is not always the most effective solution. For an affordable, easy cleaning method either purchase a jewelry cleaning kit specifically formulated to clean gold, or make an at-home mixture of gentle dish soap and water.

To make your own cleaning solution, mix one part soap to three parts water. Try to use filtered water to eliminate chlorine and other elements that are present in tap water. Soak the gold piece for thirty seconds or so, and then use a very soft toothbrush or clean sponge to remove dirt and debris. Never use toothpaste, as the abrasiveness can permanently dull your gold. Finally, rinse the jewelry off in cold, filtered water and polish with a soft, clean cloth. Polishing jewelry is one of the best ways to keep it shining and beautiful.

If your most-worn gold pieces have gemstones, it is wise to take them into a reputable jewelry store once a year for a professional cleaning. Also have the jeweler check the prongs and fasteners to ensure that they are holding the gemstone snugly and safely.

Following these four simple steps will keep your gold looking its best and brightest for generations to come. Happy Wearing!

Apples of Gold Jewelry Launches Its Official Blog

After eight years as a leading online jeweler, Apples of Gold Jewelry has launched its official weekly blog.

Covering major jewelry industry news and topics, Apples of Gold’s objective is to provide interactive and trustworthy content to its customers and jewelry enthusiasts.

Apples of Gold is expecting a powerhouse of qualified writers, including Yelena Jenkins, who has worked as Senior Editor for California luxury lifestyle magazine, Hills & Lagoons as well as Style Editor for StarStyle.com. She currently writes for eHow.com, Celebrations.com, Shoetube, and Elite Hawaii Weddings. Yelena will be covering the Jewelry Trends, News, & Tips category for Apples of Gold.

Learn more about our writers, which include professional fashion blogger, Tierra Wilson and freelance writer Sheryl Martinez.  Tierra Wilson’s work can also be seen on Gadget Spice, The Watchery, and Stylefeeder with an insightful and penetrating look at fashion and luxury products. Cheryl Martinez, business owner and freelance writer, will be giving us an in depth look at jewelry history.