Jewelry divisions

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It is not an easy task to make simple classification of jewelry. However, it is important to have some points of reference in order to make the right choice. The following three categories are the most important ones that differentiate one piece of fine jewelry from another: Quality, Design origin and Edition

1. Quality

Low end

There is a perception that the low end pieces are cheap…Wrong!! Even taken at dead weight value they are in most cases overpriced.

Assessment points:

• Ladies shank thicknesses less than ¾mm.

• Diamond quality I2 to "Frozen Spit".

• Colored gemstone quality low commercial to reject.

• Two-tone look achieved by rhodium plating selected areas.

• Metal wall thicknesses less than ¾mm.

• Channel setting achieved by graver ticking.

• Hollowing allows for almost no "heft”.

• Design is limited to elements suitable for mass finishing

• Price pointed at amazingly low prices.

• Not designed to last

• Design and mastering costs amortized over thousands of pieces

• Finish is inferior with blurred edges and corners

• Porosity is often present especially on the solder joints

• Pave stones set with beaded patches in between sometimes wider than the stone itself.

Well made commercial

Here we get some value for money. If you do not conceder yourself a jewelry connoisseur or you don’t mind seeing exactly the same ring on somebody else’s finger, this is the area to explore. Here you will not overspend and with a bit of understanding what to look for, acquire a piece which you can pass to your children.
Assessment points:

• Ladies shank thicknesses greater than 1mm.

• Accent Diamond quality SI to I1. Center diamonds I1 or better.

• Colored gemstone quality high commercial to gem.

• Two-tone achieved by really using two colors of metal.

• Metal wall thicknesses greater than ¾mm.

• Channel setting achieved by hammering metal over the edges of gemstones.

• Moderate hollowing

• Design is executed with wax reproducing in mind

• Price pointed at prices suited to middle and upper quality stores.

• Designed to last for years to a lifetime, usually.

• Design and mastering costs amortized over hundreds of pieces.

• Finish is crisp with sharp articulated edges and corners

• No visible porosity.

• Pave stones set close to very close

High end

Highly recommended if you can afford it
Assessment points:

• Ladies shank thicknesses greater than 1mm.

• Accent Diamond quality VS to SI. Center diamonds I1 or better.

• Colored gemstone quality high commercial to top gem.

• Two-tone achieved by really using two colors of metal.

• Metal wall thicknesses greater than 1mm.

• Channel setting achieved hammering metal over the edges of gemstones.

• Hollowing rarely used, pieces are usually solid.

• Not price pointed. Design is usually modified to meet client's budget                concerns.

• Designed to last for years to a lifetime

• Design and mastering costs amortized over one single piece.

• Finish is crisp with sharp articulated edges and corners

• Back of the piece have the same quality of finish as the front.

• No porosity or excess solder visible under 10x magnification.

• Pave stones set very close, with as less visible metal in between as possible.

• Each stone held by at least 3 beads.

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