Buying guides
Answers to the most common questions when buying jewelry: how to choose, how to tell if it is genuine, what size to pick, how much it costs and how to give it.
How to choose
Buying guides
14 karat or 18 karat gold: differences and which to choose
Differences between 14 and 18 karat gold: purity (58.5% and 75%), color, hardness, price and which suits rings, wedding bands and daily wear.
Buying guides
Fine jewelry or costume jewelry: differences and which to choose
Differences between fine jewelry (gold, silver, platinum and gemstones) and costume jewelry (base metals, glass, plastic): price, durability and when each suits.
Buying guides
Gold plated, gold filled, vermeil and solid gold: differences
Differences between solid gold, vermeil, gold filled and gold plated: gold layer, durability, price and which to choose for everyday wear.
Buying guides
How to buy jewelry online safely
A checklist for buying jewelry online: seller reputation, material and hallmark, certificates, returns, insured shipping and red flags.
Buying guides
How to choose an engagement ring and how much to spend
How to choose an engagement ring: style, size, metal, stone and budget; the salary rule is a myth and what to look at so you do not overpay.
Buying guides
Hypoallergenic jewelry and nickel allergy
How to choose hypoallergenic jewelry if you are allergic to nickel: titanium, platinum, 14K gold or higher, nickel-free silver and 316L steel; what to avoid.
Buying guides
Lab-grown or natural diamond: differences, price and which to choose
Differences between a lab-grown and a natural diamond: same material, different origin and price; how to tell them apart, certificates and resale value.
Buying guides
The 4Cs of diamonds: cut, color, clarity and carat
The 4Cs of diamonds explained: cut, color (D-Z), clarity (FL to I3) and carat weight, and how to balance them for your budget.
Authenticity and quality
Buying guides
Carat of gems and karats of gold: not the same thing
Carat measures the weight of gems, 0.2 grams; karats of gold measure its purity out of 24 parts. Explanation and chart.
Buying guides
How to tell if gold is real
How to check whether a gold piece is genuine: stamp, magnet, color, wear and professional acid or XRF testing; which home tests are unreliable.
Buying guides
How to tell if silver is real
How to check whether a silver piece is genuine: 925 mark, magnet, ice, white cloth and professional testing; which tests are reliable and which are not.
Buying guides
Jewelry hallmarks and stamps: what 925, 750 or 585 mean
What the numbers stamped on jewelry mean (925, 750, 585, Pt950) and how to read gold, silver and platinum marks.
Buying guides
What is 925 silver (sterling silver)
925 or sterling silver is an alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper; its advantages, care and how it differs from pure silver.
Sizes and measurements
Buying guides
How to find your ring size (with conversion chart)
How to measure your ring size at home with string or a ring that fits, and a chart of equivalences between circumference, diameter and EU and US sizes.
Buying guides
How to measure bracelet and bangle size
How to measure your wrist to choose a bracelet or bangle size, how many centimeters to add, and indicative sizes for women and men.
Buying guides
What chain length to choose for a necklace
Necklace length guide in centimeters: choker (35-41 cm), princess (43-48), matinee (50-61), opera (71-86) and rope (90 or more), with where each one falls.
Gifts
Buying guides
Birthstones by month
List of birthstones by month: garnet, amethyst, aquamarine, diamond, emerald, pearl, ruby, peridot, sapphire, opal, topaz and turquoise, and how to choose a piece.
Buying guides
What jewelry to give: ideas by person and occasion
Ideas for giving jewelry by person (partner, mother, daughter, friend) and occasion, with advice on sizes, birthstones, personalization and budget.
