Chalcedony Sterling
Smart Shopping – Jewelry available for sale on the internet
To the un-trained eye, much of the handmade jewelry available for sale on the internet, in boutiques and at craft fairs may look to be essentially the same. However, this is not the case. Jewelry designers have a myriad of choices when creating their pieces. It is important to be aware of the different materials that may be used and how they compare; both in quality and in price.
Metals
The most common metals found in handmade jewelry are some form of silver or gold. Most jewelry buyers, however, are unaware of the differences between materials that bear similar names.
Fine Silver
Fine silver is the purest form of silver that is commonly used in jewelry. It is 99% pure silver. As well as being more costly, fine silver is softer than sterling, and will not tarnish.
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is the most common form of silver used in handmade jewelry in the United States. Sterling silver is 92.5% silver, the rest is a combination of other metals including nickel and copper. This makes sterling more affordable, but it also makes the jewelry more likely to tarnish.
Silver Plate
Silver plate is a very, very thin layer of silver over a base metal, commonly brass. Over time, the silver plating will wear off and reveal the duller metal below.
Karat Gold
This is what most people think of as gold. The higher the karat number, the purer and more valuable the gold. Common variations are 10, 14, 18, 22 and 24 karat gold. As the karat number increases, so does the bright yellow color of the gold and the softness. Gold is also available in white and rose colors.
Vermeil
This material is actually gold-plated sterling silver. Many people prefer vermeil because it is a more affordable option than pure gold, but is still entirely made of precious metal. Most vermeil is plated with high-karat gold, and has a bright yellow color.
Gold Filled
Gold filled beads, wire and chain are made by applying a coating of gold to a base metal core. It is also called rolled gold. Unlike plating, this layer is quite thick and is very unlikely to rub off in the life of the jewelry. It is an affordable and durable alternative to karat gold. Most gold filled components are made with 14 karat gold.
Gold Plate
Like silver plate, gold plate is made by covering a base metal with a very thin layer of real gold. The layer of gold is likely to rub of, generally within several years of purchase, depending on how often the piece is worn, and what it is subjected to. While plating offers a very affordable option for trendy jewelry, it is not a good choice for jewelry that is intended to be worn often, or to become a family heirloom.
Gemstones
There are many varieties of natural, synthetic, and enhanced gemstones available to jewelry designers today. Although most people have no idea about the vast range of possibilities there are when buying gemstones, it is very important to be aware of the differences when buying handcrafted jewelry.
Dyeing Gemstones
Dyeing gemstones is not necessarily a bad thing. It can bring life to otherwise dull materials. Be aware that jewelry made with dyed stones may bleed color if it gets wet. This may be avoided if the designer rinses the beads before using them in finished pieces.
Many quartzes, including garnet, amethyst and rose quartz are commonly dyed to enhance their natural color. Howlite and malaysian jade (not really jade) are also often dyed in very bright hues of purples, pinks and blues.
Chalcedony is another stone that is often dyed into brighter shades. It is important to be aware that some dyed chalcedony will fade over time. To avoid fading, do not store your chalcedony jewelry in direct sunlight.
Freshwater pearls are commonly dyed as well, but do not seem to have a problem with fading or bleeding their color.
Enhancing Gemstones
Enhancing gemstones is the process of treating them either with chemicals, heat or pressure to increase their value or durability. Smoky quartz is commonly enhanced to improve its color. Turquoise is often stabilized, or impregnated with a resin substance to make it harder and less absorbent of water and oils which may damage it.
Synthetic Gemstones
This is where it’s most important to know exactly what you’re buying. Many natural gemstones have very convincing synthetic counterparts. Some common ones are turquoise, jade, coral, and many types of quartz.
The synthetic quartzes, actually made of glass, are now found in a rainbow of colors and a wide variety of names. When these synthetic quartzes were first introduced to the United States by overseas manufacturers, they fooled some very experienced bead retailers and jewelry designers. Common varieties of synthetic quartz are tanzanite quartz, amethyst quartz, lilac quartz, and “fruity” quartzes. These include strawberry, cherry, blueberry and pineapple.
Synthetic gemstone beads can be gorgeous and affordable additions to a designer’s palette. Some very lovely variations include opalite and goldstone.
Putting it all Together
It is always a good idea to ask the designer direct questions about the materials used in his or her designs if you are at all concerned about authenticity or quality. Most designers will greatly appreciate your interest and happily answer your questions.
All of the choices can be overwhelming, but this shouldn’t deter you from buying handcrafted jewelry. A design created by an artist is unique and special. Armed with your new knowledge, you’ll be able to find the perfect piece of jewelry that you’ll enjoy for years to come.
About the Author
Latest collections of Pearl Necklaces and Tahitian Pearls and Akoya Pearls on lagunapearl site.
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Hearts on Jade and Chalcedony $187.5 The Hearts on Jade and Chalcedony features sterling silver charms with Jade, known to find love and protect all who wear it, and Chalcedony, symbol of good will. Stretch comfortable band to fit all sizes. |
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Chalcedony Princess Earrings $34 Chalcedony princess earrings are gorgeous. Three chalcedony briolette stones dangle from 14k yellow gold filled or sterling silver circles. Earrings measure 1 inch long. Shepherdâs hooks for pierced ears. |
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Chalcedony pendant necklace, ‘Whisper’ (India) $67.95 Nestled amid sterling moonbeams, blue chalcedony is mesmerizing. India’s Bhavesh presents a necklace of eternal femininity. .925 Sterling silver |
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Chalcedony link bracelet, ‘Whisper’ (India) $209.95 Nestled amid sterling moonbeams, blue chalcedony is mesmerizing. India’s Bhavesh presents a bracelet of eternal femininity. .925 Sterling silver |
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Bamboo Chalcedony Cabochon Bangle $750 The chalcedony cabochon station bangle has an effortlessly chic design that looks beautiful when worn alone or stacked in multiples.The sterling silver bracelet is detailed with four stations of milky blue chalcedony cabochon stones in oval bezel settings.This classic piece is perfect for everyday wear or for upcoming special occasions. |
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Blue Chalcedony Pendant Necklace $155 The blue chalcedony pendant necklace features a gorgeous mix of metals and textures. The polished blue square chalcedony has rounded edges and is set in shiny sterling silver. The luminous stone is framed by marcasite detailing and a 14k gold plate border. The chain necklace fastens with a polished lobster-claw clasp. |
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Blue Chalcedony Drop Leverback Earrings in Sterling Silver $198 Sterling silver faceted Blue Chalcedony earrings. (334FD19E) 198 21.7 ctw faceted Chalcedony Triangle shape gemstones measure 16mm Weighs approx 6.2 grams Measures 1 3/8″ long x 11/16″ wide Leverback earrings are for pierced ears only Comes in a nice gift box |
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Chalcedony link bracelet, ‘Bliss’ (India) $94.95 Luminous chalcedony evokes billowing clouds in a bracelet of blissful beauty. From Bhavesh, it presents the gems in sterling silver links. .925 Sterling silver |
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Chalcedony dangle earrings, ‘Imagine’ (India) $103.99 Suspended on sterling twists, three teardrop gemstones fall in a graceful cascade. Hema selects chalcedony to adorn these earrings. .925 Sterling silver |
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Chalcedony cufflinks, ‘Blue Halo’ (India) $59.95 Gemstones illuminate this design by Mahavir. Showcasing their blue glow of love, he sets chalcedony in sterling silver cufflinks. .925 Sterling silver |
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Chalcedony dangle earrings Imagine (India) $103.99 Suspended on sterling twists, three teardrop gemstones fall in a graceful cascade. Hema selects chalcedony to adorn these earrings. .925 Sterling silver |
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Chalcedony cufflinks Blue Halo (India) $59.95 Gemstones illuminate this design by Mahavir. Showcasing their blue glow of love, he sets chalcedony in sterling silver cufflinks. .925 Sterling silver |
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Chalcedony link bracelet Bliss (India) $94.95 Luminous chalcedony evokes billowing clouds in a bracelet of blissful beauty. From Bhavesh, it presents the gems in sterling silver links. .925 Sterling silver |
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JeGem Sterling Silver Chalcedony Pendant $176.99 Material: sterling silverStone(s): a high-grade authentic chalcedony cabochonOverall Dimension (including bail): 1.6 x 0.7 x 0.3 inchWeight: 6.3 gramsInner Bail Diameter: 3 mmStamp / Mark: 925 |
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JeGem Sterling Silver Chalcedony Bracelet $375.99 Material: sterling silverStone(s): 9 high-grade authentic chalcedony cabochonWidth (widest section): 0.55 inchInner circumference: 7 inchesWeight: 35.7 gramsStamp / Mark: 925 |
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JeGem Sterling Silver Chalcedony Ring $190.99 Material: sterling silverStone(s): a high-grade authentic chalcedony cabochonRing Face Dimension: 1.2 x 0.9 x 0.5 inchWeight: 22.5 gramsRing Size: 9.5Stamp / Mark: 925 |
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Triple Chalcedony Drop Earrings $42 Triple chalcedony drop earrings are lovely additions for your fashion jewelry collection. Three smooth sea blue chalcedony stones are wire wrapped to an ear wire so drop beautifully from your ears. Choose from 14k gold fill or sterling silver wire. Earrings hang 1 3/8 inches long from your ears. |