How to determine the value of jewelry

is your jewelry box filled with items passed down from family and perhaps items you no longer wear?Whether you’re a collector or an heir, the items in your jewelry box can be a treasure trove of surprises. Gemstone-encrusted items that we consider extremely valuable may cost just a few dollars, while something like a simple chain can cost thousands.
If you’ve ever gotten excited about picking up a shiny trinket at a flea market or found a lost ring, you probably know that feeling of excitement and curiosity. While the value of jewelry for sentimental memories is priceless – how can you tell if that sparkling ring in your hand is a precious treasure or a cheap trinket? You can always be sure if jewelry buy in Kyiv silverland jewelry store, since now only specialists can give a guarantee of quality by conducting an examination of jewelry using special equipment.

Look for stamps and hallmarks

These marks are usually located on the inside of a ring or bracelet, on the end of an earring, or on the clasp of a necklace. If the item is stamped, it will usually indicate the metal content of the item, such as the purity of the gold in karats. And if other markings are present, the designer’s signature, manufacturer’s logo or country of origin may be indicated. Unless the hallmarks have worn away from years of wear and tear, all fine jewelry should have some kind of stamp.
Here are some common grades of fines for precious metals:

• Silver: 800, 925, sterling, silver
• Gold: 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, 375, 585, 750, 916
• Platinum: 900, 950, PLAT, PLATINUM

Some collectible jewelry brands include Van Cleef & amp; Arpels, Cartier and Tiffany & amp; Co. Items containing these marks must be verified for authenticity. There are many brands and maker’s marks; the fact that your jewelry has a stamp on it can help provide clues to its identity and value.

if the item looks antique, doesn’t have a stamp, and is heavier than expected, it might be worth checking out. However, if the item looks new but doesn’t have any marks on it at all, it’s most likely costume jewelry.

Precious metal or fake?

The value of gold or platinum is determined by percentage and weight, regardless of the design. Any diamonds and semi-precious stones in an item have a constant market value. Most costume jewelry has little value, but subjective factors such as maker and age can create value in certain collector markets.
This is especially important when you are valuing items such as necklaces and bracelets. Generally, gold and silver are heavier metals than base metals such as brass and tin. For example, if you have two similar-looking gold chains with very different weights, one chain is most likely fake or made from hollow gold links. Products made of pure gold and platinum have significant weight.
The metal in what is called a suit is usually a gold or silver colored plating over a (base) base metal such as copper, aluminum or brass. If you see darker or silver color showing through parts of the gold chain that are heavily worn, and if parts are discolored or flaking, it is most likely a gold plated chain. When solid gold or platinum jewelry wears out, the piece that shows through should still match the original color. This is not the case with white gold, which is usually plated with rhodium to give it a whiter, brighter finish.

Not all gemstones are equal

Look closely at colorless gemstones. Modern diamond cuts are very precise, but older cuts may be less symmetrical and clear. As for colored gemstones such as rubies, sapphires and emeralds; antique gemstones are often untreated, making them more sought after. Look for stones with good clarity and vibrant colors.

it’s also a good idea to check how the gems are set. Are they glued to the product or held in place by a complex frame? Fine jewelry is well crafted, with each stone adorned with prongs, bezels, tension or channel settings. Look inside and behind, the best jewelry should have a great finish on all surfaces of the piece.
Some higher quality costume jewelry uses prongs, just like fine jewelry. This is when weights, hallmarks and examination of the finish can help shed some light on the gemstone’s shape.

Consult an expert

While your jewelry box may be filled with family heirloom items that are treasured and passed down. Fashionable jewelry goes in and out of fashion. Just because they’re not in fashion right now doesn’t mean they don’t have value.
If you are in doubt about the authenticity and value of any jewelry, it is best to contact a professional jeweler or gemologist who will evaluate and carefully examine it. You might just be amazed by treasures you never knew existed.