June’s traditional birthstone is pearl (even though pearls are not a stones) but if you don’t like wearing pearls try out some of the alternative birthstones: Moonstone and Alexandrite.

Moonstone is a shimmering gemstone with a hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale. So wearers should be careful when handling it. Rainbow [...]]]> Junes alternate birthstones.

June’s traditional birthstone is pearl (even though pearls are not a stones) but if you don’t like wearing pearls try out some of the alternative birthstones: Moonstone and Alexandrite.

Moonstone is a shimmering gemstone with a hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale. So wearers should be careful when handling it. Rainbow moonstone is known for its bluish shimmer, but is also available in peach, smokey white,  and green. It is often referred to as the lover’s stone.

One might have a hard time finding the Alexandrite stone. This stone is rare due to its chemical composition which requires specific geological conditions. It is also a unique stone because of its natural ability to change color when around certain light sources. Its rarity, hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, and ability to change color makes it a highly sought after stone.

Some June Stone Jewelry from Precious Metals

Moonstone Cameo

Black Pearl Studs

Silver sage fresh water pearls with rainbow moonstone

Moonstone Necklace

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 [...]]]> 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.

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 [...]]]> 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

Colors for weddings are typically based around Pantones Fashion Spring 2010 report. This [...]]]> 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

Great article about selling gold. While Precious Metals buys gold, we will ALWAYS tell you exactly what we pay per pennyweight and will convert that to a per gram price if you request. We will break it down to the exact percentage that we pay (63%). Which mean that if the market value of [...]]]> http://www.boston.com/business/personalfinance/articles/2010/03/05/all_that_glitters_may_not_be_cash/

Great article about selling gold.  While Precious Metals buys gold, we will ALWAYS tell you exactly what we pay per pennyweight and will convert that to a per gram price if you request.  We will break it down to the exact percentage that we pay (63%).  Which mean that if the market value of the earrings in the article is $14.64, we would pay $9.23.  That is more than what the dealers in the article pay, but more importantly, if the earrings were brand new (the examples in the article were just purchased) we would have advised you not to sell them as scrap!  Never sell a piece of wearable jewelry as scrap unless you are desperate or have exhausted other options.  Selling jewelry on e-bay or at a consignment store will allow you to get money for the workmanship and wearablity of the gold along with it’s market value as a precious metal.  We also do metal exchanges.  Say you have some 14K gold chains, and you want us to make a 14K gold ring.  We will use the weight of your metal towards the weight of the metal in the new piece less ten percent.  So essentially you are getting 90% of the value of the gold back.

Bottom line, do your research. Get quotes, and if you aren’t getting clear answers, don’t waste your time.

We love pearls at Precious Metals! They come in a million different colors and shapes. Because there are so many different options on the market, we wanted to give you a brief overview of everything under the sea!

Terminology Cultured- Almost every pearl [...]]]>

14K white gold earrings with pink pear shaped Fresh Water Pearls

We love pearls at Precious Metals! They come in a million different colors and shapes. Because there are so many different options on the market, we wanted to give you a brief overview of everything under the sea!

Terminology
Cultured- Almost every pearl on the market, any pearls you would find in a jewelry store are cultured. This means that the pearl developed through human intervention. Pearls do occur in nature, but since the development of pearl farming, which allows for a more consistent product, you rarely see natural pearls in modern jewelry. Often when people refer to pearls as cultured they mean that the pearls are salt water, as opposed to fresh water. People began culturing salt water pearls in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The culturing of fresh water pearls began in 1917 in Japan.

Nacre- The outer layer of a pearl which provides it’s luster and surface quality. A natural pearl is comprised almost entirely of nacre covering a small natural irritant to the mollusk that is forming the pearl. A cultured pearl is made as nacre covers a seed implanted by the pearl farmer.

Salt water- There are several varieties of salt water pearls, the most popular being the South Sea, Tahitian, and Akoya.
South Sea pearls are originally from Australia, but are now farmed in Indonesia, Burma, and the Philippines. They typically range in size from about 10mm to 15mm and in color from white to silvery pink to a rich gold. South Sea pearls have a very small seed and a very thick nacre. The many layers of the semi-translucent nacre are what give the South Sea pearl its incredible luster.
Tahitian Pearls are often called black pearls. They range in color from a black or dark silvery gray often with peacock green and purple overtones. They typically range in size from about 8mm to 13mm. Both the Tahitian and South Sea Pearls come in a variety of shapes ranging from perfectly round to slightly oval to baroque (free formed). These two pearl varieties are the most luxurious and expensive of all the pearls.
Akoya pearls are a smaller salt water pearl, growing to be about 10mm at their largest. They are by far the most common salt water pearls available. Because the nacre thickness is less than that of the South Sea or the Tahitian and more than one pearl can be grown in a mollusk at a time, the grow time for the Akoya pearl is considerably less than that of a South Sea or Tahitian, therefore they are usually less expensive. The Akoyas start at around 3mm in size and range from white to off white and white with pink undertones.

Fresh Water- During the early days of fresh water pearl cultivation, the pearls were typically tiny baroque pearls that resembled rice crispy cereal in their size and shape. These first fresh water pearls were almost all from Lake Biwa in Japan, and till this day the term Biwa still refers to that Rice crispy style or stick like pearl. Over decades scientists have cross bred the mussels used in fresh water pearl production and have refined the growing process. Today, fresh water pearls can be found in sizes up to around 12mm. They can be perfectly round and smooth and can often match the luster of the Akoya saltwater. Naturally they occur in whites, off whites, pinks, lavenders, and some light grays, but they can be dyed any color under the sun. The shapes of fresh waters are determined by the seed inserted in the mussel, and the variety of shapes is endless. There are coin pearls, which are flat and circular. Stick pearls which are long and thin. Rounds, pears, potatoes, peanuts, cones, squares, even cross shaped pearls are all common varieties. Because each mussel can produce up to a hundred pearls at a time, fresh water pearls are very affordable. A decent strand of white Akoya 5mm pearls can cost over $1000; while a very high quality strand of 5mm white round fresh water pearls can be under $100. Side by side there is a difference in quality. Typically the akoya have a better luster than the fresh water, but for every day pearls to wear to work with your favorite blouse or on the weekends with blue jeans, fresh water pearls can’t be beat.

Things to think about when shopping for pearls and basic pearl care.

If you are looking for a real investment piece, something to pass down from generation to generation, take a good look at all three varieties of salt water pearls. The South Sea and Tahitian pearls retain their value and incredible luster if properly cared for, and when paired with a stunning platinum and diamond clasp can be the statement piece of a lifetime. For the classic white pearl necklace, Akoyas are a fantastic option, with lots of luster and a smaller more manageable size than the South Seas. For every day pearls or something more fun and funky, fresh water pearls are the way to go. You can still do the classic white pearl necklace, but with a sterling silver clasp you can do it for under $200. While not as popular as they once were, Add a Pearl necklaces are still a fun gift. You start with a gold chain and one or more pearls, then you add pearls for special occasions such as birthdays and communions. As you add pearls the chain gets shorter, and eventually you have a full strand of pearls. Akoya pearls are great for this, because it spreads out their cost and they are typically a better pearl than the fresh water.
Certain types of pearls come in certain sizes. If you want really big, you’ll have to either go with the more expensive Salt water pearls or a simulated pearl. If you want really small, you’ll have to go with a fresh water or a simulated pearl. Simulated pearls come in a variety of colors, styles, and sizes and are made in many different ways. If you want a really big pearl necklace to look like Nancy Pelosi but don’t want to spend thousands, check out Swarovski’s line of simulated pearls.

To test a pearl to see if it is real or simulated, rub it lightly on your teeth. If the surface feels smooth it is fake, if it feels like a fine sand paper it is a real pearl.

Your pearls, whether they are fresh water or salt water (or fake!), should be the last thing you put on in the morning and the first thing you take off at night. Never spray yourself with perfume or hairspray or apply make-up while wearing your pearls!!!! It will ruin the nacre of the pearl, damage which is irreversible.
Clean your pearls with a soft dry cloth. Never soak your pearls in jewelry cleaning solution. If your pearl earrings or ring get gunky you can use water and a soft tooth brush to gently clean them, but you never want to get a strand of pearls wet.
The best way to string pearls is on knotted silk. The knots between each pearl allow a necklace or bracelet to lay naturally around your neck or wrist, and if the string breaks you wont loose all the pearls. If you wear your pearls every day, it is best to have them restrung every six months or so. If you wear them less often, the best sign that you need them restrung is when the pearls have lots of room to shift in between each knot or if the silk is looking dirty or dingy. Old dirty silk can really bring down the look of a beautiful pearl necklace.

Come in and take a look at some of our beautiful pearl necklaces, earrings, and bracelets!

Silver green fresh water pearl bracelet with sterling silver clasp