| The next time you go out shopping for a nice | | | | getting before you buy. |
| piece of jewelry you may wish to consult a | | | | When out buying precious or semi precious stones |
| jewelry guide. This article will list some quick and | | | | take your time to find out if you are getting the |
| simple things to keep in mind when purchasing | | | | right thing for the right price. Diamonds are priced |
| jewelry but its best to thoroughly do your | | | | based on a system of grades involving, color, cut, |
| research on a specific kind of jewelry you intend | | | | clarity, and carat. You may be getting a really |
| to purchase. | | | | large carat diamond for a good price, but it may |
| Precious metals are commonly sold in jewelry. | | | | not have good clarity. Clarity is determined based |
| You've got gold, silver, platinum, copper and even | | | | on how many flaws can be seen in the diamond. |
| titanium. When purchasing gold or silver be sure to | | | | A diamond with more flaws is less valuable and |
| ask what carat it is. Gold is a soft metal and | | | | can even break easily. |
| mixed with other types of metals like copper and | | | | There are other important guidelines you should |
| silver to make it harder. The usual carat amounts | | | | look up for each type of jewelry and the |
| for gold are, 10, 14, 16, 18 and 20kt. Ten carat | | | | materials it is made of before you buy. For |
| gold is cheaper than twenty carat, but the higher | | | | example, it can be very important to make sure |
| carats will be softer and your jewelry can be | | | | your ring can be altered in sized down the road |
| easily damaged. Some gold chains are only gold | | | | because you may gain or lose weight. |
| plated and you'll want to clarify what you are | | | | |