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Jewelry Secret Reports!
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Buying Gemstones Without Being Ripped-Off
By Sam Serio
Buying gemstone jewelry can be fun, exciting and confusing. Whether you’re considering a gift of gemstone jewelry for someone special or as a treat for yourself, take some time to learn the terms used in the industry. Here’s some information to help you get the best quality gemstone jewelry for your money, whether you’re shopping in a traditional brick and mortar store or online.
Gemstones
Natural gemstones are found in nature. Laboratory-created stones, as the name implies, are made in a laboratory. These stones, which also are referred to as laboratory-grown, {name of manufacturer} - created, or synthetic, have essentially the same chemical, physical and visual properties as natural gemstones. Laboratory-created stones do not have the rarity of naturally colored stones and they are less expensive than naturally mined stones. By contrast, imitation stones look like natural stones in appearance only, and may be glass, plastic, or less costly stones. Laboratory-created and imitation stones should be clearly identified as such.
Gemstones may be measured by weight, size, or both. The basic unit for weighing gemstones is the carat, which is equal to one-fifth 91/5th) of a gram. Carats are divided into 100 units, called points. For example, a half-carat gemstone would weigh .50 carats or 50 points. When gemstones are measured by dimensions, the size is expressed in millimeters (for example,
7x5 millimeters).
Gemstone treatments or enhancements refer to the way some gems are treated to improve their appearance or durability, or even change their color. Many gemstones are treated in some way. The effects of some treatments may lessen or change over time and some treated stones may require special care. Some enhancements also affect the value of a stone, when measured against a comparable untreated stone.
Jewelers should tell you whether the gemstone you’re considering has been treated when: the treatment is not permanent; the treated stone requires special care; or the treatment significantly affects the value of the gemstone.
Some common treatments that you may be told about and their effects include:
• Heating can lighten, darken or change the color of some gems, or improve a gemstone’s clarity.
• Irradiation can add more color to colored diamonds, certain other gemstones and pearls.
• Impregnating some gems with colorless oils, wax or resins makes a variety of imperfections less visible and can improve the gemstones’ clarity and appearance.
• Fracture filling hides cracks or fractures in gems by injecting colorless plastic or glass into the cracks and improves the gemstones’ appearance and durability.
• Diffusion treatment adds color to the surface of colorless gems; the center of the stone remains colorless.
• Dyeing adds color and improves color uniformity in some gemstones and pearls.
• Bleaching lightens and whitens some gems, including jade and pearls.
About the Author
The Authors of the above Article, Sam and Tami Serio have been passionately involved with Jewelry and Gemstones for over fifteen-years. You are cordially invited to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com for a wealth of information about the fascinating world of Jewelry and Gemstones. Together they also shelter 20 abandoned and abused dogs & cats. A portion of their profits goes to the care and feeding of the animals.
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Online Jewelry Auction Sites
eBay Jewelry -
What can we say? eBay is the largest online marketplace, period. Jewelry is a major category on eBay and there are always great deals to be found. Still need to register? Click here to sign up now!
ubid Jewelry - This site gets less traffic than eBay, so you can often find excellent bargains. Most auctions start at $1, and you can save up to 70% on jewelry.
Specialty Jewelry Retailers
Heavenly Treasures -
Unique selection of fine jewelry with prices from 10%-50% off, including the highly demanded Zoppini Italian charm bracelet collection.
Iced Out Gear - Hip hop "bling bling" fashion accessories including custom name belts, spinning rims, bling bling watches and other bling.
Italian Charm Bracelets -
JJ Kent's online bracelet builder is genious. Choose from over a thousand different charms. Simply drag and drop charms onto your bracelet to see what it will look like.
Je Gem Artisan Gemstones -
Premier artisan gemstone jewelry specializing in modern and traditional birthstones, hand selected and handcrafted by gifted designers using techniques handed down for generations.
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Jewelry & Diamond Wholesalers
Jewelry Television™ -
Their mission is to open the world of fine jewelry and gemstones to everyone. Whether it’s a special gift, rare gemstone, or fast-paced auction that you’re looking for, Jewelry Television™ has it all!
Ultra Diamonds -
Ultra's buyers travel the globe to find the best deals in fine jewelry and then pass those savings on to you. They reinforce this philosophy with a "Lowest Price Guarantee" - if you find a lower priced identical piece, they will beat that price.
GoldenMine -
They offer the largest selection of gold jewelry at wholesale prices. Gram per gram, carat per carat, GoldenMine always offers the lowest prices on the web so you are guaranteed to save money.
Goldspeed.com -
With over 50,000 different items available for immediate shipment they are arguably the largest online jewelry retailer, earning the prestigious Yahoo! 5-Star Top Service Award each year since they began in 1999.
CZ Jewelry -
They are America's # 1 cubic zirconia jewelry manufacturer. Their jewelry is made so beautifully, and with such precision, it will look like you have been shopping at a world class diamond jewelry store.
Jewelry Avenue -
With over 30 years of experience, they offer high-quality diamonds and jewelry at outstanding prices, and are committed to providing customers with the best value, quality, service, and selection on the web.
Watches
eWatches.com -
They only offer name brand watches and watch lines of proven quality. Don't get scammed into buying a fake watch online. It's worth buying from a trusted source like eWatches.com.
FOSSIL - The maker of the popular FOSSIL and RELIC watch lines offers great deals online, and also a very cool build-your-own-watch online tool where you can design and order your own custom watch.
Don't forget to bookmark this page so you can come back whenever you need to find a great jewelry deal.
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