You’ve probably seen more than a few TV ads hawking the idea of selling your old gold jewelry to take advantage of the high price of gold. I’ve even sign-swingers on busy street corners waving passerby’s into pawn shops with the promise of “top dollar” for gold jewelry. Seems like a good idea. Unfortunately, you do need to be wary. You’ll probably get short-changed by the most popular “cash for gold” companies. With the price of gold hovering close to $1,000 and ounce, what exactly does “top dollar” mean? Who makes the determination?

I’ve found that people simply don’t know if they’re being low-balled on the overall value of their jewelry. If you are financially-strapped and truly need to convert your jewelry to its cash value, your best bet is to take the items to your local jeweler.

A full-service jewelry store like Gold & Gems typically is a member of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) – the industry’s guardian of ethics and integrity. Here are JVC’s tips for selling gold jewelry.

TIPS FOR SELLING GOLD JEWELRY

• Choose a reputable jeweler, someone that’s known to you or has been recommended by a trusted source. Preferably, select a jeweler that’s a member of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee.

• Set off on your expedition with reasonable expectations. When you bought the jewelry you paid for more than the value of the gold. The price included labor, packaging and the retail mark-up of the item. The jeweler will only pay you for the actual gold in an object. Since gold is always blended with other metals to make jewelry, expect that a substantial percentage of the object is made of something other than gold.
• Don’t expect to be paid for the non-gold component of the jewelry. The jeweler may conduct a test to determine how much gold is in the jewelry – known in the trade as its “karat fineness.” This is called a “scratch” or “acid” test. Expect the jeweler to actually scratch the gold to conduct the test.

• The price offered to you by the jeweler may not be the market price of gold that day. Prices are not regulated, so the parties are free to negotiate a price that’s acceptable to both sides.

• Bring a form of government issued identification. Some jewelers are also required by anti-money laundering laws to obtain seller identification.

Please know that with rare exceptions, it’s unlikely that weight value will come anywhere close to the original cost of the item. If you’re not completely cash-strapped, but simply tempted by the relentless media push to empty your jewelry box, then I suggest you ask yourself if you truly want to sell something as scrap that at one time held some sentiment for you. Once it’s gone, you can’t take it back! I’d be delighted to talk to your about redesigning or refurbishing your outdated treasures. Check out my Customized Jewelry blog to see samples of pieces I’ve designed for other clients.

As certified jewelers, the Gold & Gems staff is highly skilled at appraisal, design consultation, model making, carving, metallurgy, filing, burnishing, polishing, gem-setting, and much more. With a fine jeweler’s touch, almost any unwanted jewelry becomes valuable again and saves you the hassle of selling your old gold jewelry.

At GoldAndGems.com we carry several of the most prestigious brands of jewelry on the market today. I’ve fielded more than a few questions from shoppers about the reasons for purchasing a brand name wedding ring versus a less-expensive generic wedding ring. Believe me there are several VERY IMPORTANT reasons to go with a brand name. Here are my top five:

1) Fine design. Brand name manufacturers like Gabriel & Co., and ArtCarved employ award-winning artists with a passion for design. These skilled artisans have a great deal of experience creating wedding rings of exquisite beauty and enduring style. And, or course, they are duly compensated for their talents!
2) Superior manufacturing processes. As an authorized dealer, I’ve toured the production facilities and met with the management of several of our manufacturers. I am deeply impressed with these high-tech facilities: laser welding, computerized temperature-controlled vacuum casting equipment, and clean room quality control. Teams of highly specialized craftsman are tasked to ensure perfection at every step. Polishers, stone setters, metallurgists – they all have their eye on quality and attention to detail. You won’t see anything like that at a generic jewelry assemble line.
3) Certified top-quality diamonds. There is a HUGE difference in the rating or grade of gemstones that ring and necklace designers use. Even pieces with the smallest diamonds are subject to the standardized GIA or AGSL rating scale. (Click on “Choosing A Diamond” for more info.) The higher the grade, the greater the gem value. Brand name manufacturers like Black Ice Diamonds™ select and purchase only the higher grade gems for use in their black diamond necklaces. I assure you, generic necklaces and rings are typically made with the lesser grade gems AND inferior metal blends.
4) Luxury and prestige. Indulgence in life’s finer things is also an act of appreciation and gratitude. Plus, it’s nice to be equated with quality. Our brand name manufacturers – ArtCarved, Garbriel and Co., Simon G., Hot Diamonds, and many more – go to great expense and effort to secure their brands’ reputation. You’re reaping the rewards of their efforts by purchasing a brand name wedding ring.
5) Warranty. A brand name wedding ring manufacturer can stand behind their product because they know it’s of the highest quality. For example, ArtCarved, founded in 1850, will re-size or replace your wedding ring free of charge FOREVER*. A generic ring manufacturer may not be in business next year or even next month. So why take the risk?

So, when it comes to sanctifying your vows with a ring you’ll wear daily for years to come, closely consider these five reasons to choose brand name wedding rings.

*ArtCarved’s Forever Free Lifetime Replacements & Repairs do have a small shipping, insurance & handling charge put in place to cover processing expenses. Typically $30 to $49…still the best warranty in the business!

Black diamonds became popular in the early 1990’s and have seen a renewed interest from celebrities and fashion enthusiasts alike.  Black Diamonds are most definitely high fashion celebrity jewelry. Here are some of the latest trends in black diamond designs.

Black Diamond brooches are being been worn by celebrities such as Danii Minogue and Dame Judi Dench (wearing a Black Diamond poppy brooch).

Olga Kurylenko, who stars as the latest Bond girl Camille in the latest 007 movie Quantum of Solace, was licensed to thrill as she showed off a dazzling Kleshna poppy brooch in London’s Leicester Square. The James Bond 007 beauty has been seen often in Black Diamond Necklaces.

Victoria’s Secret is continuing with their over the top Black Diamond Fantasy Bra Collection this year with one of their hottest Angels. Designed for maximum cleavage enhancement and adorned with nearly 3,900 stunning gems, Adriana Lima made her way to the catwalk with her 34 ellow supermodels, Lima had the honor of wearing the luxurious $5 million Black Diamond Fantasy Miracle Bra

Carmen Electra shows off her new black diamond engagement ring.

Cate Blanchett in black diamond earrings black diamond bracelet.

A Jewelry designer can create custom pieces to your specifications. It is important to consult a designer well in advance, especially if the piece is intended as a gift for a special occasion. Handmade jewelry is crafted individually and it often requires many hours to create that special gift.

Another way to create that custom unique gift is to work from an existing piece of jewelry you already own. The adding of additional diamonds or stones can add beauty and meaning to an already cherished piece of jewelry.

Custom jewelry is the perfect gift for any occasion. Sending an unexpected present will be a welcome surprise guaranteed to brighten anyone’s day. Hand crafted, custom jewelry never goes out of style and will be cherished and remembered for years to come. If you are looking for a unique and creative gift, consult a jewelry designer to create one for you.

When it comes to choosing a wedding ring, the decision does not have to be complicated. The first thing you need to ask yourself is if you like yellow gold wedding rings, white gold bands, platinum, palladium or a combination of the different precious metals. The choice of stone(s) comes next. Traditionally, diamonds adorn wedding rings, so consideration to specific areas of a diamond needs to be addressed in diamond wedding bands.

The diamond is a true marvel of nature. Magical, mysterious and universally treasured, no two diamonds are exactly alike. Any explanation of a diamond’s beauty and value centers on three key quality factors: cut, color and clarity, and one unit of measure: carat weight. Collectively these are known as the four Cs.

The first “C” stands for Cut. A diamond that is masterfully cut displays maximum brilliance and fire. Cut and proportion are extremely important because they have the greatest influence on the sparkle and value of a stone. A diamond that is well cut reflects light from one facet to another and disperses it back through the top of the stone.

The second “C” stands for Color. A diamond’s body color can range from totally colorless to light yellow. Value increases with the stones clarity or lack of color. Also, the less color in the stone, the easier it is for light to pass through and be dispersed back into the spectrum of colors, like a rainbow.

The third “C” stands for Clarity. Nature is rarely perfect. So it is very rare to find a diamond that is completely pure or free of inclusions – minerals or crystals trapped within the stone at the time it was formed. Without ten-power magnification, you may never see these tiny inclusions. But they are the fingerprint that makes each diamond unique.

The fourth “C” stands for Carat Weight. The size of a diamond is defined by its weight, which is expressed in carats. One carat weighs one-fifth of a gram, and is divided into 100 points – like pennies to a dollar. The larger the diamond the more rare and costly it is. However, depending on their color, clarity and cut, two diamonds of the same carat weight can vary widely in their value.

There is also a unofficial Fifth “C” – Confidence. Know your jeweler. Purchase this special item from a qualified, seasoned jeweler that will make your wedding ring purchase as special as it should be.

Understanding the “C”’s will help you choose a diamond that you will admire and be happy with.  Learn what to look for, decide your priorities, then make an informed choice that’s right for you.

1. Avoid the “Deal of the Week”

It is a common mistake buy a ring that was reduced for quick sales. Obviously, if this ring was desirable, it would have sold by now and the company selling it would not placed it on the closeout rack. This is the very most important ring you will ever buy. Buy one that you like. Buy a wedding ring that she likes. Get the one that sings. Get the ring that you will want to smile about for the rest of your life. You should be warned not to buy this very important wedding ring simply based on the price.

2. Know your lady

She needs to be carefully “interviewed” as to what she likes. I have seen countless examples of the man with great intentions, selecting something that he thinks is perfect, only to find out a year later that she really had her heart set on a particular ring. Usually, she will not be so demanding as to insist that he buy her a certain ring. Guys; you need to do your research.

3. Metal choice

I can’t tell you how many times I have taught people about the pro’s & con’s of the many different metal choices for their wedding rings. Platinum, Palladium, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, Two-Tone, Tri-Tone, Titanium, Tungsten, Silver, Mokume Gane’, and even Steel. With all of these options it could be very confusing. Get the right one – for you.

4. Diamond quality

Some companies often misrepresent the diamond qualities contained in the rings they sell. If a person only bases their buying decisions on the price, they will pay dearly in the end. It is very easy to be untruthful regarding the quality of the diamonds and it’s very, very important to buy diamond wedding rings from reputable companies. It might result in spending a little more money but you will be receiving a diamond ring that is actually luxurious and beautiful. There are so many companies that run their businesses with honesty and integrity. The price may be a little higher, but you get tenfold the advantage of what you get from the “lowest price” companies. Folks; do your homework, but always keep in mind that you get what you pay for. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

5. Warranty

It is absolutely critical to make certain that the products you buy are covered by a favorable warranty. Any company worth their weight will back up their products with a warranty. It is expected that a company will offer your money back if there are any defects in the product, in this case it’s fine jewelry. If the company has an authorized dealership arrangement with the brand company, it will be true that the brand warranty will come with the purchase of the brand product. It is increasingly common for companies to “resell” jewelry and watches. What happens is the company will make an arrangement behind closed doors to sell the brand at a discount. Then, they will express that “any returns, repairs and warranty claims need to be directed through the company in which the jewelry or watch was purchased”. This is widely considered fraudulent business activity, you might agree.

The bottom line, after all is explained and settled, is that it ALWAYS benefits the buyer to pay a little more to a legitimate authorized dealer for products as specialized as jewelry and watches. Could you have bought it for less? Probably. But the long term costs and headaches will outweigh the savings by way too much.

The most recent example of this issue/problem was when a customer came into my store with a TAG HEUER Watch that had water damage and a discolored dial. I asked where the watch had been purchased and he told me that he “got a good deal at a shopping club”. I sent the watch to TAG HEUER USA through my Authorized repair account. A week later I received a letter from TAG stating that they will not work on this watch. It was a grey-market watch that was distributed outside the lines of distribution authorized by TAG and the serial numbers did not adhere to any numbers labeled by TAG HEUER USA.

My customer was disheartened, to say the very least. He was stuck with a broken timepiece that couldn’t be fixed, and he paid $950 for it. This is a substantial amount of money. Had he paid $1195 for the watch, he not only would have gotten great service from TAG, but he would have been able to chose up-to-date styles. The watches that are offered through un-authorized dealers are “yesterdays” models. Forget the low-price lure and pay for the product you actually want, Rocket science? I think not.

To summarize, it is very tempting to be lured into the countless offers for the lowest price on the block. However, their are multiple factors involved when it comes to buying fine jewelry and watches includding knowing the person you’re buying the ring for and what metal is desired.
Have a sparkling day, and watch your wallet!
Ron

A true artist possesses the ability to communicate with his or her audience through the senses. The artist’s ultimate goal is to stimulate emotion, whatever emotion that may be intended.

At Gold & Gems Fine Jewelry, artist & fine jewelry designer Ron Hansen uses his abilities to communicate emotion. “Art is, to me, a creative dimensional expression of feeling, combined with the technical ability to pull it off,” Ron said.

A lot of Ron’s art medium and style revolve around beauty, love, and feeling good. Ron believes that fine jewelry makes a statement. Often that statement is best described as a celebratory achievement for one’s accomplishments.

Gold and Gems - Custom Jeweled Bracelet

Ron creates highly customized one-of-a-kind jewelry for his clients by first being a good listener. He listens to his customers’ desires and does concept renderings using both freehand sketching and digital technology.

The next step in the process is creating a hand-carved model with preview and style revisions from the client. All of Ron’s clients are unique and Ron likes to involve them every step of the way.

Next comes the traditional casting, pouring of molten metal followed by sanding, shaping, filing, finishing, polishing and texturing. It is a time consuming process, and Ron has the patience and craftsmanship to realize attention to detail is crucial.

Finally, the last step is the precision gem setting. The piece is now finished, everything done in house for best value, care and security.

Ron has a real talent for using the customer’s old gems to create an exciting, fresh, new piece. One of his recent projects was a piece that was completely transformed. His customer brought in an old ring with a triangular tanzanite, an old ruined gold chain and some miscellaneous small baguette-cut diamonds. After a brief design consultation he gathered that her taste and style had changed a bit. She was drawn towards shiny, white metal and contemporary styling. She really wanted a fine pendant, on a chain. Ron used her gold as partial payment and proceeded to design and create a perfect piece exclusively for her (see photo, below).

Transforming a tanzanite ring into a new fine pendant

Ron has been designing and creating amazing and beautiful fine jewelry this way for more than 25 years. His work has been featured in Gems & Gemology, an international trade magazine and he has assembled a clientele of well known figures in music and sports, including a World Series MVP and a multi-platinum recording artist (names withheld out of respect for their privacy).  Ron said, “It gives me a huge sense of pride to be chosen as their personal jeweler when they could buy their jewelry anywhere in
the world.”

Ron is accessible to anyone, with his friendly and professional demeanor, he sets everyone instantly at ease. The prices for his custom artistry are
very reasonable.

When you see a piece of fine jewelry that turns your head, it wasn’t by accident. It was done by an accomplished jeweler.
Ron Hansen can be reached at Gold & Gems Fine Jewelry, 25 N. Main St., on the Plaza, Ashland, OR and at  (541) 488-2753.