The big night is close by, you've picked out the perfect heels, found that unbelievable little black dress and you're almost done. You just can't decide on what jewellery you are going to wear to complete your outfit.
You know that you need something simple, plain and yet classy and chic. All of a sudden you know, it's so clear. A solid silver necklace, a diamond cut curb chain, sitting just above the cleavage. It fits the bill perfectly, elegant and stylish, absolutely perfect.
You know that on the night you will draw lots of admiring looks as the light plays on the shiny metal chain as it moves fluidly on the dance floor. The next day you chose to keep wearing the silver necklace with your jeans and t-shirt, and it doesn't look at all out of place. A quality silver necklace can be worn with almost anything, dressed up and dressed down.
Chain Me Up is an online jewellery store that exclusively sells Australian made solid 9ct gold and 925 sterling silver jewellery. Custom made chains in any length with your choice of clasp or padlock.
Saturday 31 March 2012
Silver bracelets for men
When choosing jewellery for your man it is important to buy a jewellery chain that is thick enough to be considered masculine. A thin silver bracelet may look great on a lady, but doesn't work so well on a man.
Men's silver chain bracelets should normally be around 7mm or thicker.
The most popular styles of silver bracelets for men include curb, figaro and belcher. There are a number of widths available for all these chain types, as well as variations in the design of each.
Most men will need a bracelet of 21cm or longer. If you measure the wrist and add 2 or 3 centimetres, then you will be close to correct length. If you want the bracelet to sit higher or lower on the hand, adjust the length accordingly.
If you aren't sure, then it's better to go too long, as a jeweller can much more easily remove a link, than find a matching one to add to a bracelet.
Men's silver chain bracelets should normally be around 7mm or thicker.
The most popular styles of silver bracelets for men include curb, figaro and belcher. There are a number of widths available for all these chain types, as well as variations in the design of each.
Most men will need a bracelet of 21cm or longer. If you measure the wrist and add 2 or 3 centimetres, then you will be close to correct length. If you want the bracelet to sit higher or lower on the hand, adjust the length accordingly.
If you aren't sure, then it's better to go too long, as a jeweller can much more easily remove a link, than find a matching one to add to a bracelet.
Sterling Silver Charms
Solid sterling silver charms are very affordable and there is a massive range to choose from. Before we get carried away, we need to consider what we are going to have them fitted to. A solid silver charm bracelet won't cost an arm and a leg and will last your whole life time, even with everyday wear, which is important when you consider that a silver charm bracelet is an everyday piece of jewellery, not just to be wheeled out on special occasions.
When choosing a bracelet chain, a design with many small links will give you the most options for fitting your sterling silver charms. Start fitting your charms with even spacing around the bracelet and as your collection grows, you simply fill in the gaps. As you purchase charms, they will normally have open jump rings so you can attach them to your bracelet. When you have positioned the new charms, have a jeweller solder the rings shut to prevent loss.
When choosing a bracelet chain, a design with many small links will give you the most options for fitting your sterling silver charms. Start fitting your charms with even spacing around the bracelet and as your collection grows, you simply fill in the gaps. As you purchase charms, they will normally have open jump rings so you can attach them to your bracelet. When you have positioned the new charms, have a jeweller solder the rings shut to prevent loss.
Customised Gold Chains
Wouldn't it be nice to be able to walk into a jeweller and select any chain they stock and have it made to the length you want? Many jewellers only sell gold chains at the length they have in their displays
.
Luckily, some online jewelry stores let you chose to have any chain made to the length you want. This is terrific, because you can select a style you like and have it made into a bracelet, necklace or anklet or have a matching set created. You can even take your pick of Kartier (bolt ring) clasps or decide to fit a heart shaped padlock.
This is a level of customisation that the majority of jewellery shops are unable to provide because less and less jewelry stores actually have jewellers in their stores. Normally it only takes a couple of weeks to have a custom chain made and delivered to your home from our online store.
.
Luckily, some online jewelry stores let you chose to have any chain made to the length you want. This is terrific, because you can select a style you like and have it made into a bracelet, necklace or anklet or have a matching set created. You can even take your pick of Kartier (bolt ring) clasps or decide to fit a heart shaped padlock.
This is a level of customisation that the majority of jewellery shops are unable to provide because less and less jewelry stores actually have jewellers in their stores. Normally it only takes a couple of weeks to have a custom chain made and delivered to your home from our online store.
Friday 30 March 2012
Sterling Silver Charms
Finding a gift that will be loved and appreciated can be a difficult task. Everyone would like to see their money spent well when buying presents for friends and partners, so a wise choice may be a piece of quality jewellery.
Gold is priced at the upper end of the market, but charms or chains made of solid sterling silver are much more affordable and are still beautiful to behold.
If you gift is for someone who already wears sterling silver chains, then they will likely be most pleased to add to their range of jewellery. A bracelet with some relevant sterling silver charms can be a terrific gift for your child and as it can be worn every day.
When looking for a gift make sure you buy a quality product that will last a lifetime. This means you should be looking towards solid sterling silver jewellery. Silver plated jewellery will only look good for a very short period of time if worn frequently and should be avoided.
Gold is priced at the upper end of the market, but charms or chains made of solid sterling silver are much more affordable and are still beautiful to behold.
If you gift is for someone who already wears sterling silver chains, then they will likely be most pleased to add to their range of jewellery. A bracelet with some relevant sterling silver charms can be a terrific gift for your child and as it can be worn every day.
When looking for a gift make sure you buy a quality product that will last a lifetime. This means you should be looking towards solid sterling silver jewellery. Silver plated jewellery will only look good for a very short period of time if worn frequently and should be avoided.
Why does silver tarnish?
Many people are confused as to why some silver appears to tarnish more quickly or more deeply than other silver items.
Silver tarnish is actually a chemical reaction between silver and sulphur compounds. There are sulphur compounds in the atmosphere because of car and industrial pollution, but most people don't realise that there are sulphur compounds in many of the foods we eat.
Quite often pieces of jewellery such as silver chains are thought to be of poor quality because the owner finds that they tarnish quickly. Usually, this same owner will have problems with all their silver jewellery and may give up wearing it altogether.
Well, it has nothing to do with the quality of the silver jewellery! Pure silver, sterling silver and any other form of silver product will tarnish if it is exposed to sulphur. It's no different to steel rusting. Steel plus water equals rust. Silver plus sulphur equals tarnish.
Back to why food is a factor in tarnishing. Eating sulphur rich foods such as eggs, garlic, cabbage, even broccoli and asparagus can promote tarnishing of silver charms and chains you are wearing. The sulphur compounds in these foods are present in your perspiration and come into contact with your jewellery. People who sweat excessively are very often the ones "who can't wear silver."
Environmental factors also make silver tarnish more quickly, a humid climate and high levels of UV radiation both speed the tarnishing process. Living or working in industrial areas is also going to make any jewellery your wear tarnish more rapidly.
An effective, but expensive way to prevent or greatly reduce the tarnishing process is to have your silver jewellery rhodium plated. Avoiding wearing your jewellery while playing sports or doing other physical work will also help in keeping tarnish to a minimum.
Silver tarnish is actually a chemical reaction between silver and sulphur compounds. There are sulphur compounds in the atmosphere because of car and industrial pollution, but most people don't realise that there are sulphur compounds in many of the foods we eat.
Quite often pieces of jewellery such as silver chains are thought to be of poor quality because the owner finds that they tarnish quickly. Usually, this same owner will have problems with all their silver jewellery and may give up wearing it altogether.
Well, it has nothing to do with the quality of the silver jewellery! Pure silver, sterling silver and any other form of silver product will tarnish if it is exposed to sulphur. It's no different to steel rusting. Steel plus water equals rust. Silver plus sulphur equals tarnish.
Back to why food is a factor in tarnishing. Eating sulphur rich foods such as eggs, garlic, cabbage, even broccoli and asparagus can promote tarnishing of silver charms and chains you are wearing. The sulphur compounds in these foods are present in your perspiration and come into contact with your jewellery. People who sweat excessively are very often the ones "who can't wear silver."
Environmental factors also make silver tarnish more quickly, a humid climate and high levels of UV radiation both speed the tarnishing process. Living or working in industrial areas is also going to make any jewellery your wear tarnish more rapidly.
An effective, but expensive way to prevent or greatly reduce the tarnishing process is to have your silver jewellery rhodium plated. Avoiding wearing your jewellery while playing sports or doing other physical work will also help in keeping tarnish to a minimum.
Wednesday 28 March 2012
Solid gold charms
With around 500 beautiful hand finished solid gold charms on our website, you are sure to find something that will be a wonderful reminder of an event in your life. Many people start out with just one or two charms on their bracelet and add to it with charms that are a reflection of a special event or time.
A solid 9ct gold charm is also a great gift idea to mark a special birthday - especially the 16th, 18th and 21st birthdays. Many wear charms that signify the things that they love, a sport, maybe tennis or football, or the birth of a new baby.
We have many styles of chains that can be made to your length, so a perfectly fiiting charm bracelet is only a matter of measuring your wrist, adding 2 or 3 cm and selecting that length when ordering. We can even fit the charms for you if you purchase them at the same time.
A solid 9ct gold charm is also a great gift idea to mark a special birthday - especially the 16th, 18th and 21st birthdays. Many wear charms that signify the things that they love, a sport, maybe tennis or football, or the birth of a new baby.
We have many styles of chains that can be made to your length, so a perfectly fiiting charm bracelet is only a matter of measuring your wrist, adding 2 or 3 cm and selecting that length when ordering. We can even fit the charms for you if you purchase them at the same time.
Gold Bracelets for men.
Some men are not overly keen on wearing jewellery but this seems to be a changing trend away from when only a watch was an acceptable article to be seen on the stronger sex.
Many men are more comfortable wearing necklaces or gold bracelets as long as they are sufficiently thick and masculine. Finer chain jewellery is much more suited to women with the exception of a fine necklace chain if worn with a pendant.
A solid gold bracelet for a man will generally be quite thick and chunky and this can drive the cost up as chain jewellery is priced based on the weight of the precious metal more so than any other factors. With gold prices continuing to rise and no change in the foreseeable future, many are turning to silver as a cheaper alternative at a much reduced cost in comparison.
Both types are equally beautiful and cost isn’t the only factor in choosing one over the other. Silver jewellery just looks better on some people and as it is all about impression, you would have to choose firstly for this reason.
Many men are more comfortable wearing necklaces or gold bracelets as long as they are sufficiently thick and masculine. Finer chain jewellery is much more suited to women with the exception of a fine necklace chain if worn with a pendant.
A solid gold bracelet for a man will generally be quite thick and chunky and this can drive the cost up as chain jewellery is priced based on the weight of the precious metal more so than any other factors. With gold prices continuing to rise and no change in the foreseeable future, many are turning to silver as a cheaper alternative at a much reduced cost in comparison.
Both types are equally beautiful and cost isn’t the only factor in choosing one over the other. Silver jewellery just looks better on some people and as it is all about impression, you would have to choose firstly for this reason.
Monday 26 March 2012
Why solid gold chains are best
Looks may be deceiving but time will reveal all. Buying solid gold chains as opposed to gold filled or gold plated necklaces or bracelets may seem expensive when they both look exactly the same.
Immediately you will notice the difference in weight between the two, the solid gold chains will feel considerably heavier and sturdier and they are.
The gold filled chains will look great when you first wear them but it won’t take long before the thin coating wears through and the cheap base metal becomes visible and completely spoils the look of your necklace. Plated jewellery will suffer from the same problem only it will happen more quickly.
Either way, the money you have spent on an imitation chain will have been wasted and a replacement will be needed.
A solid gold chain however will always look as good as it did on the day you bought it with a little cleaning now and then.
Immediately you will notice the difference in weight between the two, the solid gold chains will feel considerably heavier and sturdier and they are.
The gold filled chains will look great when you first wear them but it won’t take long before the thin coating wears through and the cheap base metal becomes visible and completely spoils the look of your necklace. Plated jewellery will suffer from the same problem only it will happen more quickly.
Either way, the money you have spent on an imitation chain will have been wasted and a replacement will be needed.
A solid gold chain however will always look as good as it did on the day you bought it with a little cleaning now and then.
Cleaning your silver bracelet or necklace
The hardest thing about cleaning a silver bracelet chain is getting in between where the links join and into the centre of each individual link.
I have found that soaking the chains first in a bowl of hot (not boiling) water with a couple of drops of a mild dishwashing detergent helps to loosen most dirt and grime. It is a good idea to leave them in for 10 or 15 minutes and swish them around every couple of minutes while they are soaking.
If you have stones on your bracelet check that water won’t harm them before doing this. Jewellery with opals for example should never be allowed to get wet.
When the soaking is finished brush gently between the links of your silver bracelet with a soft bristled toothbrush, starting at one end and working down towards the other. When you are done rinse the silver bracelet or necklace well under very warm running water and dry thoroughly.
I have found that soaking the chains first in a bowl of hot (not boiling) water with a couple of drops of a mild dishwashing detergent helps to loosen most dirt and grime. It is a good idea to leave them in for 10 or 15 minutes and swish them around every couple of minutes while they are soaking.
If you have stones on your bracelet check that water won’t harm them before doing this. Jewellery with opals for example should never be allowed to get wet.
When the soaking is finished brush gently between the links of your silver bracelet with a soft bristled toothbrush, starting at one end and working down towards the other. When you are done rinse the silver bracelet or necklace well under very warm running water and dry thoroughly.
Sunday 25 March 2012
Dressing up your gold necklace
Sometimes we like to dress up some of our plain jewellery. A gold necklace chain can have a pendant added for example, but what if you would like a necklace to be worn alone and still show some individuality?
Normally the clasp sits at the top of a necklace behind your head and isn’t seen. An alternative to this could be changing the clasp for a Kartier, or heavy bolt ring, clasp and wearing it at the front. This looks especially good on a heavier gold necklace for both men and women.
You could instead decide upon a fob that was matched to the thickness of your gold chain. It is quite a common practice to have a heart shaped padlock on a bracelet, but these plain or filigree style locks look really good on a gold necklace as well.
This gives you another way of wearing a simple necklace chain that will be different from most other peoples chains.
Normally the clasp sits at the top of a necklace behind your head and isn’t seen. An alternative to this could be changing the clasp for a Kartier, or heavy bolt ring, clasp and wearing it at the front. This looks especially good on a heavier gold necklace for both men and women.
You could instead decide upon a fob that was matched to the thickness of your gold chain. It is quite a common practice to have a heart shaped padlock on a bracelet, but these plain or filigree style locks look really good on a gold necklace as well.
This gives you another way of wearing a simple necklace chain that will be different from most other peoples chains.
Silver as an alternative to white gold
The decision to buy either yellow gold or white gold is most often decided by a preference for one metallic hue over the other. Some people prefer the cooler shade of silver over the warmer yellow gold.
With the price of gold rising quite dramatically in recent times, those who would normally have chosen white gold are beginning to look more closely at a 925 silver necklace as an alternative. Silver is almost indistinguishable to white gold in looks but it can be subject to tarnishing. Rhodium plating can be used to prevent this from happening in the same way that most white gold is also rhodium plated.
It isn’t cheap to have done and needs to be re-plated every 12 or 18 months depending upon how often the jewellery is worn. In any event it is still going to be significantly cheaper to buy a silver necklace than a similar white gold necklace.
With the price of gold rising quite dramatically in recent times, those who would normally have chosen white gold are beginning to look more closely at a 925 silver necklace as an alternative. Silver is almost indistinguishable to white gold in looks but it can be subject to tarnishing. Rhodium plating can be used to prevent this from happening in the same way that most white gold is also rhodium plated.
It isn’t cheap to have done and needs to be re-plated every 12 or 18 months depending upon how often the jewellery is worn. In any event it is still going to be significantly cheaper to buy a silver necklace than a similar white gold necklace.
Saturday 24 March 2012
Gold charms as a gift
Young men often find it difficult to choose a jewellery present for their girlfriends. The budget is often small but they want to buy a present she will really appreciate without sending them bankrupt.
A solid gold necklace or bracelet will cost several hundred dollars and possibly as much as several thousand which often prevents this from being a realistic choice. However a 9ct gold charm can be bought for less than one hundred dollars and often half that.
A very personal gift of a suitable gold charm that represents something very special in the girls life might just be the ticket. If she already wears a gold charm bracelet the decision is easy and the charm can be purchased with an open jump ring that a jeweller can solder closed later.
For those without bracelets but fine gold necklaces, then the charms can be bought with soldered closed jump rings which allow them to be safely worn as a pendant on a gold chain.
A solid gold necklace or bracelet will cost several hundred dollars and possibly as much as several thousand which often prevents this from being a realistic choice. However a 9ct gold charm can be bought for less than one hundred dollars and often half that.
A very personal gift of a suitable gold charm that represents something very special in the girls life might just be the ticket. If she already wears a gold charm bracelet the decision is easy and the charm can be purchased with an open jump ring that a jeweller can solder closed later.
For those without bracelets but fine gold necklaces, then the charms can be bought with soldered closed jump rings which allow them to be safely worn as a pendant on a gold chain.
Friday 23 March 2012
Silver Chains for men
Masculinity is a trait that many men demand when selecting the jewellery they are prepared to wear. Some men feel uncomfortable if their jewellery is not ‘manly’ and has a thickness that implies strength.
Many mens silver chains are quite thick which gives a rugged impression and exudes a look of solidness which the owner finds important. With this in mind a silver necklace for a man should be at least 5 or 6mm across unless it is worn to display a pendant which will allow for a finer chain than that for a necklace worn solo.
Bracelets for men should be thicker again, 7 or 8mm will look masculine, less than that is probably more suited to the fairer sex. Heavy bolt ring clasps are a good way to dress up a silver chain and still remain manly in appearance.
The right jewellery will be appreciated and happily worn by many men, but chains that are too fine are likely to be put away in a drawer and never seen again.
Buying gold necklaces
There’s nothing a girl likes more than having and wearing beautiful jewellery. It gives a feeling of warmth and happiness knowing she carries a piece that will be admired by others.
Jewellery really has no practical function, its sole function is to delight and draw attention from others, much like the beautiful feathers of a peacock attract other birds. Quality jewellery doesn’t have to be expensive and the value for money is better than that of cosmetic chains and pendants because it should last you forever.
Solid precious metal chains like gold necklaces should be hallmarked with the carat rating, look for this before buying. Sometimes small jewellery won’t have a hallmark, tiny items like silver and gold charms aren’t normally suitable for stamping as it can damage them. A laser may be used instead of a stamp, but often they won’t be marked at all.
Your jeweller should be able to provide you with a guarantee that they are in fact solid and of the carat amount stated.
Jewellery really has no practical function, its sole function is to delight and draw attention from others, much like the beautiful feathers of a peacock attract other birds. Quality jewellery doesn’t have to be expensive and the value for money is better than that of cosmetic chains and pendants because it should last you forever.
Solid precious metal chains like gold necklaces should be hallmarked with the carat rating, look for this before buying. Sometimes small jewellery won’t have a hallmark, tiny items like silver and gold charms aren’t normally suitable for stamping as it can damage them. A laser may be used instead of a stamp, but often they won’t be marked at all.
Your jeweller should be able to provide you with a guarantee that they are in fact solid and of the carat amount stated.
Thursday 22 March 2012
Charm Bracelets
For those of you who don't know, we have a wide range of jewellery that has grown considerably since we opened our doors in July 2010. Initially we only sold silver chains and gold chains with the option of a standard clasp or padlock. Around December 2010 we added around 500 gold charms and silver charms to the range.
As our silver and gold chains are custom made, it made a lot of sense that we allowed for the creation of custom charm bracelets. Simply select your silver or gold chain and matching charms from our range and tell us how you would like to have your silver charms or gold charms arranged on your new bracelet.
Normally we can have it sent out to you within 10 working days of your order being placed.
Cheers
Ross
As our silver and gold chains are custom made, it made a lot of sense that we allowed for the creation of custom charm bracelets. Simply select your silver or gold chain and matching charms from our range and tell us how you would like to have your silver charms or gold charms arranged on your new bracelet.
Normally we can have it sent out to you within 10 working days of your order being placed.
Cheers
Ross
Wednesday 21 March 2012
Dichroic Glass Pendants
In try to keep our range of jewellery fresh we have just added 20 new dichroic glass pendants to our store. It is really hard to get good photos becuase of the reflections and they look different from even a slight change of angle.
None the less they are now online and we will see how much interest they generate. This batch has silver plated bails, but future items in the range will be solid sterling silver in keeping with our store's policy of only quality jewellery.
see them here
None the less they are now online and we will see how much interest they generate. This batch has silver plated bails, but future items in the range will be solid sterling silver in keeping with our store's policy of only quality jewellery.
see them here
Sunday 18 March 2012
Choosing the right chain length for jewellery
It's often a difficult decision when it comes to choosing the right length of chain for a bracelet or necklace.
So what are the considerations?
Are you going to wear a pendant on your necklace?
How long should I make my bracelet?
What about children's jewellery, they may grow out of it?
For the answers to these questions and a guide to the weight of a necklace or bracelet take at look at the full article.
So what are the considerations?
Are you going to wear a pendant on your necklace?
How long should I make my bracelet?
What about children's jewellery, they may grow out of it?
For the answers to these questions and a guide to the weight of a necklace or bracelet take at look at the full article.
Friday 16 March 2012
Half Price Scams
The markup most jewellery stores place on items can range from 4 times the cost on gold up to as much as 7 times on the cost of silver.
We all understand that a business needs to make a profit, but how can they justify the massive markups on their jewellery?
Even when they have one of their 'weekly' half price sales, their profit is at least 100%. It's about time the public woke up to this appalling practice and demand fair pricing.
full article
We all understand that a business needs to make a profit, but how can they justify the massive markups on their jewellery?
Even when they have one of their 'weekly' half price sales, their profit is at least 100%. It's about time the public woke up to this appalling practice and demand fair pricing.
full article
Tuesday 13 March 2012
Dichroic Glass Jewellery
Dichroic glass contains multiple layers of oxides and or metals which give the glass its optical properties.
The glass has the special property of reflecting one colour and refracting light of another colour.
This makes the glass display an array of different colours that will also change with the angle of view.
A number of ultra thin layers of different oxides (aluminium, titanium, magnesium, chromium) and metals (silver / gold) are vapourised in a vacuum chamber by an electron beam. This creates a vapour which condenses onto the surface of the glass in the form of a crystal structure.
A finished piece of this glass may have up to 50 layers deposited during the manufacturing process.
full article
The glass has the special property of reflecting one colour and refracting light of another colour.
This makes the glass display an array of different colours that will also change with the angle of view.
A number of ultra thin layers of different oxides (aluminium, titanium, magnesium, chromium) and metals (silver / gold) are vapourised in a vacuum chamber by an electron beam. This creates a vapour which condenses onto the surface of the glass in the form of a crystal structure.
A finished piece of this glass may have up to 50 layers deposited during the manufacturing process.
full article
Monday 12 March 2012
Precious Metal Testing
Have you ever wondered how a gold chain is tested to find out how much gold is really in it?
The oldest and most commonly used test was using acid. A known sample of a gold alloy would be compared with the piece that was unknown using either nitric acid or Aqua-Regia.
It is quite accurate but there are better and less destructive testing methods available.
The term 'acid test' that is commonly used is daily speech generally means "a sure test that gives a result that can't be contested" and this came from the testing of gold with acids.
full article
The oldest and most commonly used test was using acid. A known sample of a gold alloy would be compared with the piece that was unknown using either nitric acid or Aqua-Regia.
It is quite accurate but there are better and less destructive testing methods available.
The term 'acid test' that is commonly used is daily speech generally means "a sure test that gives a result that can't be contested" and this came from the testing of gold with acids.
full article
Sunday 11 March 2012
Basic Jewellery Cleaning
The following information relates purely to the cleaning of solid precious metal chains and charms WITHOUT settings of gem stones, pearls or opals etc.
In other words the entire piece is composed ONLY of precious metal.
This information is not appropriate for items of jewellery set with stones or other gems. Pearls, opals and many other gem stones require special procedures so as not to cause damage to them. Please consult a jeweller regarding the correct cleaning instructions for these pieces.
Pure gold is extremely resistant to reacting with any chemicals. In fact it takes a mixture of 2 acids called aqua regia (1 part concentrated nitric acid and 3 parts concentrated hydrochloric acid) to dissolve it, strangely neither acid alone can. However, almost all gold jewellery is made from gold alloyed with other metals, often silver and copper. Exposing gold alloys to chlorine based chemicals can in fact damage the alloy.
full article
In other words the entire piece is composed ONLY of precious metal.
This information is not appropriate for items of jewellery set with stones or other gems. Pearls, opals and many other gem stones require special procedures so as not to cause damage to them. Please consult a jeweller regarding the correct cleaning instructions for these pieces.
Pure gold is extremely resistant to reacting with any chemicals. In fact it takes a mixture of 2 acids called aqua regia (1 part concentrated nitric acid and 3 parts concentrated hydrochloric acid) to dissolve it, strangely neither acid alone can. However, almost all gold jewellery is made from gold alloyed with other metals, often silver and copper. Exposing gold alloys to chlorine based chemicals can in fact damage the alloy.
full article
Jewellery Hallmarks
A hallmark is used as an indication of the metal content in precious metal jewellery and is usually stamped into the piece.
A hallmark guarantees the purity of the metal as determined by assaying (testing) the metal by one of several methods.
Some of these assay methods are destructive but highly accurate (to 1 part in 10,000) and used to test random samples from a manufacturer for compliance.
Other methods are completely non-destructive but with a corresponding loss of accuracy (around 2 to 5 parts per 1000) and these would be used during a jewellery valuation to test a piece assumed to be of value.
full article
A hallmark guarantees the purity of the metal as determined by assaying (testing) the metal by one of several methods.
Some of these assay methods are destructive but highly accurate (to 1 part in 10,000) and used to test random samples from a manufacturer for compliance.
Other methods are completely non-destructive but with a corresponding loss of accuracy (around 2 to 5 parts per 1000) and these would be used during a jewellery valuation to test a piece assumed to be of value.
full article
Friday 9 March 2012
Tumbling Jewellery
Tumblers are machines that rotate a barrel filled with soap flakes and water and stainless steel shot as well as the items to be polished.
The inside of the barrel is not round but has protrusions to help agitate the contents.
For polishing precious metal jewellery the shot is normally stainless steel in several different shapes and sizes. These include balls, pins, ovals and ellipses.
Tumbling precious metal will give it a beautiful shine as well as hardening the metal.
full article (including video)
The inside of the barrel is not round but has protrusions to help agitate the contents.
For polishing precious metal jewellery the shot is normally stainless steel in several different shapes and sizes. These include balls, pins, ovals and ellipses.
Tumbling precious metal will give it a beautiful shine as well as hardening the metal.
full article (including video)
Ultrasonic Jewellery Cleaners
Ultrasonic cleaners have dropped to prices where most households could easily afford to own one.
How do they work?
Ultrasonic cleaners use high frequency sound waves to agitate a solution, quite often tap water. This creates thousands of tiny bubbles that collapse and release an enormous amount of energy. As these bubbles are so small the force they place on the items in the solution is only enough to remove surface contaminants such as dirt, grease, fungus, polishing compounds and oils.
To help reduce surface tension in a water solution a small amount of detergent is usually added. The water temperature is normally quite warm, 50 to 60 degrees celcius.
full article
How do they work?
Ultrasonic cleaners use high frequency sound waves to agitate a solution, quite often tap water. This creates thousands of tiny bubbles that collapse and release an enormous amount of energy. As these bubbles are so small the force they place on the items in the solution is only enough to remove surface contaminants such as dirt, grease, fungus, polishing compounds and oils.
To help reduce surface tension in a water solution a small amount of detergent is usually added. The water temperature is normally quite warm, 50 to 60 degrees celcius.
full article
Thursday 8 March 2012
Why does silver tarnish?
Tarnish is when a chemical reaction causes the silver to turn from being bright and shiny to a faint then deep yellow and then to black.
Tarnish is the formation of silver sulphide and is caused when the silver comes into contact with sulphur compounds. This can be through contact with hydrogen sulphide in the air caused by car exhaust or industrial pollution.
More commonly tarnishing occurs when silver comes into contact with the sulphur compounds that are found in these foods and everyday items: garlic, eggs, cabbage, mustard, broccoli, asparagus, ammonia, wool, latex, rubber bands, perfumes, hair sprays, onions, body oils and many cosmetic lotions.
People who eat foods containing sulphur will release sulphur compounds in their perspiration. These sulphur compounds will then react with any silver jewellery they are wearing and tarnishing will start to occur. Tarnishing also occurs more rapidly in humid climates and in areas with higher UV radiation from the sun.
Moral of the story? Don't eat lots of garlic and then go out in strong sunlight on a humid day and sweat!
Often people who perspire readily and eat a diet rich in sulphur will complain about how often their jewellery needs to be polished and are quick to blame the jewellery as being low quality.
It is always best to put on your jewellery after using any cosmetics, perfumes, lotions and so forth.
Don't expose your silver (or gold) jewellery to cleaning products containing chlorine.
Tarnish is the formation of silver sulphide and is caused when the silver comes into contact with sulphur compounds. This can be through contact with hydrogen sulphide in the air caused by car exhaust or industrial pollution.
More commonly tarnishing occurs when silver comes into contact with the sulphur compounds that are found in these foods and everyday items: garlic, eggs, cabbage, mustard, broccoli, asparagus, ammonia, wool, latex, rubber bands, perfumes, hair sprays, onions, body oils and many cosmetic lotions.
People who eat foods containing sulphur will release sulphur compounds in their perspiration. These sulphur compounds will then react with any silver jewellery they are wearing and tarnishing will start to occur. Tarnishing also occurs more rapidly in humid climates and in areas with higher UV radiation from the sun.
Moral of the story? Don't eat lots of garlic and then go out in strong sunlight on a humid day and sweat!
Often people who perspire readily and eat a diet rich in sulphur will complain about how often their jewellery needs to be polished and are quick to blame the jewellery as being low quality.
It is a fallacy that only poor quality silver will tarnish.
All silver tarnishes when exposed to sulphur compounds.
It is always best to put on your jewellery after using any cosmetics, perfumes, lotions and so forth.
Don't expose your silver (or gold) jewellery to cleaning products containing chlorine.
Wednesday 7 March 2012
Children's jewellery
When buying precious metal jewellery for children there are some extra considerations that should be addressed.
Whether gold or silver, the necklaces, bracelets or anklets will normally need to be made to a smaller size than an adult would wear. But what happens when the child grows and they no longer fit?
You could go to a jeweller and have him try to find matching links and have the chain lengthened. Sometimes there will be a matching chain available, but what if there isn’t? Making links may require building them by hand to match and that will not be cheap.
If you buy chains that fit the child now, they may not fit when they have grown up. This is especially true of bracelets, an adult could never wear a 13cm bracelet, it simply wouldn’t go around the wrist.
If you buy chains to fit them when they have grown, they may be too large to wear until that day, a 20cm bracelet would fall over the hand of a child.
Why not use common sense and buy a chain to fit an adult, so they can wear it for their whole life, BUT have it made up to the length that fits them today. The extra chain can be put aside to be included into the chain as time passes.
A jeweller can easily add links when he has matching ones available.
full article
Whether gold or silver, the necklaces, bracelets or anklets will normally need to be made to a smaller size than an adult would wear. But what happens when the child grows and they no longer fit?
You could go to a jeweller and have him try to find matching links and have the chain lengthened. Sometimes there will be a matching chain available, but what if there isn’t? Making links may require building them by hand to match and that will not be cheap.
If you buy chains that fit the child now, they may not fit when they have grown up. This is especially true of bracelets, an adult could never wear a 13cm bracelet, it simply wouldn’t go around the wrist.
If you buy chains to fit them when they have grown, they may be too large to wear until that day, a 20cm bracelet would fall over the hand of a child.
Why not use common sense and buy a chain to fit an adult, so they can wear it for their whole life, BUT have it made up to the length that fits them today. The extra chain can be put aside to be included into the chain as time passes.
A jeweller can easily add links when he has matching ones available.
full article
A day at the shops
Last year I decided to see what other jewelelry stores were up to, this is what happened:
Today (Sunday, July 10th 2011) I went to the Robina Town Centre (at home on the Gold Coast, Queensland) to practice a bit of industrial espionage.
It's always best to keep an eye on what the competition are up to, so we can make sure that we are keeping ahead of them.
I was wearing a 21cm gold plated silver bracelet (no, we don't sell them) that is about 4 months old and is showing signs of the gold plating wearing through.
It's a fairly chunky bevelled diamond cut curb chain , weighing in at 38.3 grams, so it would be about 42.1 grams in 9ct gold. (9ct gold is about 10% heavier than the same chain made of sterling silver.)
The cover story was that I was unhappy with the plating wearing through and I wanted to buy a similar chain in solid 9ct gold.
I would of course be shopping around and wanted to take a photo so I could get the approval of my better half before purchasing a new chain.
The first challenge was to find a similar chain to get a fair comparison. The second challenge was to get detailed information (weight) on the replacement chain.
full article
Today (Sunday, July 10th 2011) I went to the Robina Town Centre (at home on the Gold Coast, Queensland) to practice a bit of industrial espionage.
It's always best to keep an eye on what the competition are up to, so we can make sure that we are keeping ahead of them.
I was wearing a 21cm gold plated silver bracelet (no, we don't sell them) that is about 4 months old and is showing signs of the gold plating wearing through.
It's a fairly chunky bevelled diamond cut curb chain , weighing in at 38.3 grams, so it would be about 42.1 grams in 9ct gold. (9ct gold is about 10% heavier than the same chain made of sterling silver.)
The cover story was that I was unhappy with the plating wearing through and I wanted to buy a similar chain in solid 9ct gold.
I would of course be shopping around and wanted to take a photo so I could get the approval of my better half before purchasing a new chain.
The first challenge was to find a similar chain to get a fair comparison. The second challenge was to get detailed information (weight) on the replacement chain.
full article
Selling your Scrap Gold
Quite often people find that they have jewellery that they no longer wear because it is damaged or they just don't like the design.
A substantial amount of money can be tied up in unwanted jewellery and this can be redeemed for cold hard cash.
Second hand stores will offer to buy your unwanted gold but often the price is well below the actual gold value. So what to do?
Firstly you need to know what it is you are selling. Is it 9ct, 14ct or 18ct gold?
In fact is it solid gold or is it a gold filled or plated piece? Read about hallmarks and what they mean.
You can calculate the amount of gold in a piece by weighing it and knowing the carat value of the piece.
full article
A substantial amount of money can be tied up in unwanted jewellery and this can be redeemed for cold hard cash.
Second hand stores will offer to buy your unwanted gold but often the price is well below the actual gold value. So what to do?
Firstly you need to know what it is you are selling. Is it 9ct, 14ct or 18ct gold?
In fact is it solid gold or is it a gold filled or plated piece? Read about hallmarks and what they mean.
You can calculate the amount of gold in a piece by weighing it and knowing the carat value of the piece.
full article
Tuesday 6 March 2012
Allergies to Nickel Jewellery
| Nickel is sometimes used in jewellery as it is quite corrosion resistant and binds well with other metals which make it good for alloying with gold and as a binding layer over a silver item which is to be plated with gold. Nickel does react with compounds of nitrogen, the amino acids in our bodies belong to this group. If you have an allergy to nickel, your body will react to contact with this metal, usually in the form of a rash. Once you have become sensitive to nickel, smaller amounts will be enough to trigger a reaction. |
As an example, you have never had a reaction to nickel. However, you have your ear pierced with a nickel plated stud and the nickel binds to the cells in your blood. If the cells change their composition sufficiently, your body will think that you have an infection and your immune system steps in to fight it. When this happens this tissues swell up and more antibodies are sent to fight it which will dissolve more nickel and things escalate.
full article
Pandora Closing 100 stores
Pandora's sales have been down over the past 12 months and they will be closing 100 accounts before the end of March in Australia and New Zealand.
Personally, I'm not terribly surprised. Although the jewellery they sell is quite beautiful, it is based upon a fad that had to run it's course. Like yo yos and platform heels it was going to be a big hit and then the excitement would fade.
The other reason I believe for this decline is that it is so proprietary, you have to buy their bracelets and necklaces to put their beads on.
They are not cheap and they are trying to sell in a market where many of the customers can't afford the outrageous prices they have been charging. (calculate how much per gram they are asking for, ouch!)
Beautiful they may be, but Tiffany, they are not.
The best jewellery is timeless, not a flash in the pan.
Personally, I'm not terribly surprised. Although the jewellery they sell is quite beautiful, it is based upon a fad that had to run it's course. Like yo yos and platform heels it was going to be a big hit and then the excitement would fade.
The other reason I believe for this decline is that it is so proprietary, you have to buy their bracelets and necklaces to put their beads on.
They are not cheap and they are trying to sell in a market where many of the customers can't afford the outrageous prices they have been charging. (calculate how much per gram they are asking for, ouch!)
Beautiful they may be, but Tiffany, they are not.
The best jewellery is timeless, not a flash in the pan.
Think before you buy!
We sell customised jewellery.
Chains can be ordered to any length with a choice of clasps. Charms can be bought with open or closed jump rings or a lobster clasp.
Consider what you are going to do with your jewellery before deciding on the clasp, length or fitting. It does make a difference.
As an example, will you wear a pendant on your necklace? This will affect the length you will require and the type of fitting. We have a detailed list of considerations you should know about.
Take a quick read before you buy.
Chains can be ordered to any length with a choice of clasps. Charms can be bought with open or closed jump rings or a lobster clasp.
Consider what you are going to do with your jewellery before deciding on the clasp, length or fitting. It does make a difference.
As an example, will you wear a pendant on your necklace? This will affect the length you will require and the type of fitting. We have a detailed list of considerations you should know about.
Take a quick read before you buy.
Fake Silver Chains From China
I was at the factory where my chains are manufactured last week and got to talking with the manager about business in general and current markets trends.
He talks to all the major retailers frequently and has a good grasp on what is going on throughout the retail sector.
One of his other customers had pointed out that he could buy sterling silver chains direct from China at a price well below what the manufacturer here could achieve. In fact he could buy fully manufactured chains for less money per gram than silver bullion sells for on the world market.
This can only lead to two conclusions:
1. The manufacturer is making chains from real silver, paying all the expenses to run a factory including wages, taxes, electricity, rent and so forth and selling his goods at a big loss.
2. It isn’t real silver.
My guess is option 2.
A business cannot survive by selling their products below cost. It comes back to the old adage “You get what you pay for” and “let the buyer beware” (Caveat emptor)
full article
He talks to all the major retailers frequently and has a good grasp on what is going on throughout the retail sector.
One of his other customers had pointed out that he could buy sterling silver chains direct from China at a price well below what the manufacturer here could achieve. In fact he could buy fully manufactured chains for less money per gram than silver bullion sells for on the world market.
This can only lead to two conclusions:
1. The manufacturer is making chains from real silver, paying all the expenses to run a factory including wages, taxes, electricity, rent and so forth and selling his goods at a big loss.
2. It isn’t real silver.
My guess is option 2.
A business cannot survive by selling their products below cost. It comes back to the old adage “You get what you pay for” and “let the buyer beware” (Caveat emptor)
full article
Monday 5 March 2012
Well I had a strange one today
A customer had purchased a charm from me about a month ago and it had been posted to him but he wasn't there when it was delivered. Australia Post neglected to leave notification in his mailbox of the attempted delivery and returned the package to the local post office.
He quoted me the tracking number he received in an email when the item was posted. I checked online and that is when I found they had attempted delivery but no one was home.
The email we send out when an item is posted has the tracking number in the link at auspost.com.au and all he had to do was click it to find out where the item was.
I wonder why he didn't do that?
He quoted me the tracking number he received in an email when the item was posted. I checked online and that is when I found they had attempted delivery but no one was home.
The email we send out when an item is posted has the tracking number in the link at auspost.com.au and all he had to do was click it to find out where the item was.
I wonder why he didn't do that?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)