Precious Metals » Info

Pet Peeve-Hollow gold Jewelry

Administrator — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 18:09:34 +0000

I just had a lovely woman come into the store with her favorite necklace. She purchased it because it is a great all occasion piece. It is a 14K gold chain with big circular links in different thicknesses and diameters. The problem is that the thinner links are deforming. When she took the necklace off and handed it to me, I immediately cringed. It was a piece of hollow gold jewelry. The links were made from tubes not solid wires, so that as the necklace was worn the tubes had started to collapse. Once a hollow piece has collapsed or dented, there is almost always no cure.

I HATE hollow gold pieces. I hate telling customers that their favorite piece of jewelry is unrepairable (or could be repaired at a huge expense). I especially hate it when they tell me that the piece is less than a year old.

Here’s the deal. Companies make hollow pieces because it is a great way to get the same look as a big heavy gold piece without the huge price tag. Customers buy hollow gold pieces because they see that a solid piece of similar size and style is 3 to 4 times as expensive as the hollow piece. But, as with most things, you get what you pay for. If you only wear the piece on special occasions, the hollow piece might work well for you. If you wear the piece everyday, it is only a matter of time, usually a few short years sometimes even months, before your jewelry is totally destroyed. Rings and bracelets take the most abuse and will wear out the fastest. Necklaces tend to fair a bit better, but the hollow piece are just not meant to be durable. The look big and flashy, but they don’t last.

If you are making a jewelry purchase look out for pieces that look heavy but feel light. Ask the sales person if the piece is hollow. If they don’t know, ask the manager. If the piece you like is hollow, keep in mind that you are buying something that might not be meant for everyday wear. If you already have hollow pieces, treat them with care. Don’t wear them to the gym or while you are doing chores or to bed. If you want to purchase an item which you plan to pass down to your children and will wear often, spend the extra money to buy a solid piece.

My personal opinion is that there is only one piece of hollow jewelry that is acceptable: the hollow earring. When it comes to earrings the lighter weight is not just less expensive, it is often more comfortable. Most gold hoops on the market are hollow, so you really don’t have much choice. The trick is to never, ever, ever wear the earrings to bed. 99% of the customers who bring me their hollow earrings that have been dented admit that the damage occurred when they were sleeping. Taking the earring off when you use the telephone is another way to extend its life.

This particular customer is pretty lucky. We are going to slowly replace her hollow links with links made from solid wire. It will extend the life of the necklace and restore the original look of the piece.

Braille Jewelry- LOVE IT!!!

Administrator — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 19:49:34 +0000

I’ve always been fascinated with braille. Both of my parents are eye doctors (one optometrist and one ophthalmologist), and worked closely with the Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired (CCVI) in Kansas City. I was amazed at how quickly the students there could read the little bumps, which to my fingers seemed completely random. At First Sight has created a line of braille jewelry designed to help people learn braille as well as to make people aware of the fact that the majority of the blind can’t read. According to statistics, only one in ten blind people know how to read braille. Compare that to the literacy rate for the U.S. as a whole, which is around 99%. Programs like CCVI are working hard to turn those numbers around and this jewelry is a great way to raise awareness. I urge you to check out both sites, buy a bracelet, and make a donation.

Go to At First Sight

It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! It’s… Caffeine?

Administrator — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 15:26:04 +0000

Wearing Inspirations and Paying Homage to a New Level

Most of the custom pieces we make at Precious Metals are non-representational, and use classic elements such as filigree, beading, and traditional diamond settings. Every once in a while we are commission to do a piece that uses images and symbols that are close to the customers heart. Recently a customer asked us to design an intricate bumble bee ring.

This blog post is dedicated to representational designs that go above and beyond the typical and ordinary, and create the distinctive and extraordinary. Some of these pieces are whimsical, and some of these pieces are funny. No matter what their aim is, one must admit they are very clever. The themes of the jewelry pieces were inspired by nature, mythology, science, art, and more.

* Precious metals Will Not copy the designs of another artist. If you like the works below follow the links to the designers’ websites, where you may make purchases directly from the artist.

This ring was based on a Japanese wood cut. Please note the original art work does not have a copywrite.

A swallow necklace by Julez Bryant that can be purchased at Precious Metals. The swallow bird symbolizes health, wealth, and loyalty.

An Au (thats gold, for those of you who dont know) element inspired ring. Perfect for a chemist, and much better than that boring old periodic table poster that we had to stare at in chemistry class. Available at the Itsnoname website.

I guess you might say I'm blinding you with science with all these scientific themed jewelry pieces. Check out the Made with Molecules site for these molecular structure themed pieces. Why settle for drinking red wine, when you can wear it?

This chalet might not fit any people in it, but it will sure get their attention. It would be a real estate agents dream to be able to flip a house with an easy swift motion of one hand. Check out more of Philippe Tournaire's architecture themed inspired rings.

Warning, pouring tea or coffee into this cup with saucer will result in third degree burns. Doesnt mean you cant sport this adorable ring by Kacchan on Etsy.

Wedding Bands

Administrator — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:40:53 +0000

About 6,500 U.S. citizens get married a day, according to the jewelry information center. Finding wedding bands can be a tricky task. Remember, this ring is going to be on your finger, hopefully, for your entire life. Don’t settle for a ring you sort of like, or don’t mind wearing. Why not create the band that is ideal to your needs?

You be the designer! Choose your metals, styles, inscriptions, designs, settings, and more. Precious Metals can help you create the perfect wedding bands for you and your spouse. We can customize and recreate rings.

The safe, plain, boring wedding band is out. Say “I do” with chic and stylish bands. Some of the newer trends are stacking rings, colorful stones, vintage inspirations, and diamonds. Yep, mens bands are starting to be decked out with diamonds.

Vintage Inspiration Double Band

Crossed Band Sapphire Ring

Matched Wedding Band and Engagement Ring

Matched Dual wedding Bands

Stacking Rings

The Other White Metal

Administrator — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:43:07 +0000

Yellow or white?

This is a question that arises often when buying jewelry, especially an engagement ring. It really all comes down to personal preference. Most pick one color over the other, and while two-tone jewelry is fun, very people mix the colors. So if you plan on buying your significant other a piece of jewelry, be sure to note what which color and metal they like the best.

If you like yellow, you will be getting gold. In the U.S. Yellow gold typically comes in 10 karat, 14 karat, and 18 karat. . Pure gold is 24 karats. The other karats are alloys, part gold and part other metal (usually copper or nickel). The number in 10k, 14k, 18k, and 22k represents the parts out of 24 that are pure gold.

The purer the gold means the richer the yellow color. An 18 karat piece has a rich and luxurious yellow hue. Contrary to popular belief, 18k is not significantly softer than 14k. The two karats wear about the same way.

If you like to don a white piece there are several options. They are Silver, white gold, platinum, and palladium. Silver is the least expensive, and is one of the most popular metals for jewelry pieces. Silver is very soft, and sterling silver tarnishes easily (this means lots of up keep). Sterling silver is 92.5 % pure silver. Fine silver (pure silver) is 100% silver.

White gold comes is the same karats as yellow gold. The other metals (nickel and palladium) mixed with the gold are what gives it that white color. Because gold is so yellow, white gold is actually off-white, and is plated with rhodium to make its appearance a bright white. As the rhodium plating wears off the gold will appear yellow. Most rings need be re-plated at least once a year to maintain the brilliant hue. Precious metals can re-plate for $50.00, while you wait. Keep in mind the considerable up keep of white gold when purchasing your nest piece.

Platinum is the king of precious metals. It is the most expensive, and the most coveted. The high price is because most platinum is 95-98% pure platinum. This dense (heavy) metal does not tarnish like silver or wear away like gold. Settings in platinum can last twice as long as gold. The color of platinum (clean grey-white) does not change over time and is a fantastic choice for an engagement ring that will last a long time. Platinum is hypoallergenic and is a great for those with sensitive skin and fine taste.

Palladium is the newest kid on the white metal block. This Precious Metals favorite has all the benefits of platinum without the high price. Like platinum it is hypoallergenic and is mostly pure. Palladium is twelve times harder than platinum, but weighs less. This means you can make bigger pieces that keep their shine and resistance, and will not weigh your hand, neck, and wrist down. I can not express how incredibly affordable this metal is, with a price close to 14k gold. You may not have heard of it, but trust me, this divine metal is on the rise of popularity. You can expect to be seeing it in your jeweler’s case as consumers become more budget conscious.

18K Yellow Gold Bracelet By Precious Metals

Sterling Silver Tie Dye Cuff By Precious Metals

14K White Gold Humming Bird Earrings By Precious Metals

Platinum Engagement Ring by Precious Metals

Palladium Ruby Earrings By Precious Metals

Perfect Spring Wedding Accessories

Administrator — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:16:59 +0000

The month of April is almost here, which means so is wedding season. Precious Metals is pleased to inform Brides and Grooms that we not only create and customize wedding bands, but also offer a selection of stylish and chic bridesmaids gift.

Colors for weddings are typically based around Pantones Fashion Spring 2010 report. This spring the colors are warm, bold, and vivacious:

Turquoise

Amparo Blue

Violet

Aurora.

Fusion Coral

Tomato Purée

Pink Champagne

Dried Herb

Eucalyptus

Make your wedding the best it can be. Say NO, to giving your bridesmaids a typical tote. Say NO, to giving silly t-shirts that will only collect dust in their closets after your special day is done. Give them something that will look great with your wedding colors, and make them appreciate your special day even more. Something they can wear on and off your aisle.

We have a few pieces that will look great with these spring colors and for your wedding day. They can all be purchased at Precious Metals. We also create custom pieces for a reasonable price. Be sure to check the website for more details and descriptions.

Party Ring

Gorgeous Pattern Tops with Green Saphire and Diamond

Peacock Fresh Water Pearls and Natural Zircon Beads

Fleur De Lis

"Electrum" Fresh Water Pearl Necklace with Leaf Clasp

Black Fresh Water Pearl Studs

Flat Oval Bracelet

Flower Earrings

Pink Precious Topaz Necklace

White and Grey Fresh Water Pearls with Rainbow Moonstone Necklace

Aquamarine

Administrator — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:30:15 +0000

This month’s birthstone is Aquamarine, but I’m sure any Pisces already knew that. Aquamarine is the lighter blue green variety of the mineral beryl while an emerald is the darker green variety. For those of you who are not aware beryl is a colorless mineral that acquires its color from naturally occurring impurities.

The word Aquamarine is derived from the Latin words “aqua marina” which means “sea water”. The metaphysical properties, or as I like to call it “natural philosophy” properties are that it is the symbol of happiness and everlasting youth. Move over Botox.

Some mythological healing attributes of the aquamarine are that when mixed with water it alleviates eye problems, hiccups and shortness of breath. In the middle ages people believed Aquamarine could actually cure poisonings.

Legend and folklore contend that Aquamarine was used as a good luck charm. Sailors are said to often bear Aquamarine because it kept them safe from the dangers of the perilous seas, as well as preventing the always fantastic sea sickness. It is also said that a wearer of this beryl has the gift to conquer wickedness.

Although we can’t legally promise that you will be able to fight off the wicked (in the form of bills, people, or what have you), we can certainly offer you some happiness. Some of our fabulous Aquamarine accessories will be sure to spice up your spring and summer.

Jewelry tip: Always put your jewelry on after the completion of hair and make-up. You don’t want potentially damage your jewelry with any of the oils and chemicals that could be sprayed or rubbed on to your jewelry.

Aquamarine Cocktail ring available at Precious Metals

Aquamarine Cabochon ring at Precious Metals

Green elephant.

Administrator — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:29:08 +0000

Giant emerald found in Zambia.

Selling your old gold: Shopping around

Administrator — Thu, 28 May 2009 17:43:27 +0000

If you have some old gold to sell it is important to shop around. Due to high market values, the gold buying business has gotten very competitive in the past two years. Every one who buys gold has a different system for determining their prices, but almost all pay by unit of weight and karat. Call several places and ask them what they are currently paying for the standard karats of gold (10K, 14K, 18K etc.) Be wary of businesses that wont give you a price over the phone. Most legitimate buyers have a set formula and should be able to tell you a per gram or per pennyweight price. Some businesses have different prices for different quantities of gold, which will work against you if you only have a small amount of gold. Keep in mind that the market price changes about every ten minutes so the price could go up or down very quickly.

As for unit of weight, some use grams and some use pennyweights (dwt.). A pennyweight is 1/20 of a troy ounce. To convert grams to pennyweights multiply by .64301. To convert pennyweights to grams multiply by 1.5552. When you get pricing from different gold buyers, make sure to convert all of the prices into one unit before going with the highest bidder. Say you have 2dwt 14K gold, that is 3.11 grams. If someone says I’ll pay $14 a pennyweight that’s $28; if they say $14 a gram that’s $43.54.

Once you find the store which pays the most per unit, find out what their policies are. When it comes to selling gold, almost every buyer has a final sale policy. (See the last post about selling items of sentimental value). Some will pay cash, some by check. Some stores will pay more if you use the money as credit towards a purchase. Do they remove stones like diamonds, do they buy the diamonds, or do they leave the diamonds in the jewelry? Do they buy any jewelry as jewelry or only as scrap? Can they advise you on which pieces are better sold as jewelry and not scrap?

At Precious Metals we try to offer competitive pricing, but we would never claim to have the highest payout. First, there are too many gold buyers in Boston and its surrounding towns and cities to possibly know what they all pay. We also don’t negotiate pricing. Some buyers will offer you a low price, but will negotiate up to a higher one. They are hoping that the seller will take the low price without haggling. We offer one price to all of our customers who get paid by check. It is the highest price we can offer. We do, however, pay out more if the money is used towards a purchase or repair, but the entire amount must be used.

Why should you sell at Precious Metals?
Because we will tell you what to sell as scrap and what not to sell. If you have a nice necklace that you could get more money for if you sold it on ebay or craigslist, we’ll tell you. Not only that, we’ll help you. We can show you how to post on either of those popular websites, take close up pictures of your jewelry, and help you determine a fair asking price, at no charge. If you don’t want to sell online there are several consignment stores we can recommend as well.
Any stones that are easily removed we will remove at no charge. We will also give you an honest evaluation of the stones.
Our pricing structure is entirely transparent. We’ll go through the math with you from the market price to the price you are paid. If you don’t like the price we are offering, there are no obligations.
We pride our selves on our honesty and superior customer service. There are more than a few gold buyers who will be happy to buy your wearable jewelry at scrap prices and sell it on ebay or in their store for ten times what they paid you.

May’s Birthstone: Emerald

Administrator — Sun, 03 May 2009 18:48:08 +0000

Emerald is known as the “stone of successful love”. It is said to provide for domestic bliss and to instil both sensitivity and loyalty. It is also said that emerald can enhance the memory.
Emeralds are a variety of the mineral beryl. When beryl is blue it is called Aquamarine, and it can also be found in shades of yellow (golden beryl), red (bixbite), and pink(morganite).
While emerald has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 out of 10 on the Mohs scale, which measures resistance to scratching, they are very brittle and prone to breaking. If you are going to invest in emerald jewelry, look for earrings and necklaces rather than abuse prone rings.
Most natural emeralds are treated, usually by soaking them in oil. The oil fills surface fissures and make the stone look more uniform. Never put your emeralds in an ultrasonic cleaner or use jewelry cleaner, as both can remove the oil and change the appearance of your stone. Clean your emeralds with lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush.
Synthetic emeralds have been available since 1964. They are the same chemical compound as a natural emerald, but have been created in a lab. They have fantastic color and are an affordable alternative to the natural stone.
To learn more click here.