| To the un-trained eye, much of the handmade | | | | and enhanced gemstones available to jewelry |
| jewelry available for sale on the internet, in | | | | designers today. Although most people have no |
| boutiques and at craft fairs may look to be | | | | idea about the vast range of possibilities there are |
| essentially the same. However, this is not the | | | | when buying gemstones, it is very important to |
| case. Jewelry designers have a myriad of choices | | | | be aware of the differences when buying |
| when creating their pieces. It is important to be | | | | handcrafted jewelry. |
| aware of the different materials that may be | | | | Dyeing Gemstones |
| used and how they compare; both in quality and | | | | Dyeing gemstones is not necessarily a bad thing. |
| in price. | | | | It can bring life to otherwise dull materials. Be |
| Metals | | | | aware that jewelry made with dyed stones may |
| The most common metals found in handmade | | | | bleed color if it gets wet. This may be avoided if |
| jewelry are some form of silver or gold. Most | | | | the designer rinses the beads before using them |
| jewelry buyers, however, are unaware of the | | | | in finished pieces. |
| differences between materials that bear similar | | | | Many quartzes, including garnet, amethyst and |
| names. | | | | rose quartz are commonly dyed to enhance their |
| Fine Silver | | | | natural color. Howlite and malaysian jade (not |
| Fine silver is the purest form of silver that is | | | | really jade) are also often dyed in very bright |
| commonly used in jewelry. It is 99% pure silver. | | | | hues of purples, pinks and blues. |
| As well as being more costly, fine silver is softer | | | | Chalcedony is another stone that is often dyed |
| than sterling, and will not tarnish. | | | | into brighter shades. It is important to be aware |
| Sterling Silver | | | | that some dyed chalcedony will fade over time. |
| Sterling silver is the most common form of silver | | | | To avoid fading, do not store your chalcedony |
| used in handmade jewelry in the United States. | | | | jewelry in direct sunlight. |
| Sterling silver is 92.5% silver, the rest is a | | | | Freshwater pearls are commonly dyed as well, |
| combination of other metals including nickel and | | | | but do not seem to have a problem with fading |
| copper. This makes sterling more affordable, but | | | | or bleeding their color. |
| it also makes the jewelry more likely to tarnish. | | | | Enhancing Gemstones |
| Silver Plate | | | | Enhancing gemstones is the process of treating |
| Silver plate is a very, very thin layer of silver | | | | them either with chemicals, heat or pressure to |
| over a base metal, commonly brass. Over time, | | | | increase their value or durability. Smoky quartz is |
| the silver plating will wear off and reveal the duller | | | | commonly enhanced to improve its color. |
| metal below. | | | | Turquoise is often stabilized, or impregnated with |
| Karat Gold | | | | a resin substance to make it harder and less |
| This is what most people think of as gold. The | | | | absorbent of water and oils which may damage it. |
| higher the karat number, the purer and more | | | | Synthetic Gemstones |
| valuable the gold. Common variations are 10, 14, | | | | This is where it's most important to know exactly |
| 18, 22 and 24 karat gold. As the karat number | | | | what you're buying. Many natural gemstones have |
| increases, so does the bright yellow color of the | | | | very convincing synthetic counterparts. Some |
| gold and the softness. Gold is also available in | | | | common ones are turquoise, jade, coral, and |
| white and rose colors. | | | | many types of quartz. |
| Vermeil | | | | The synthetic quartzes, actually made of glass, |
| This material is actually gold-plated sterling silver. | | | | are now found in a rainbow of colors and a wide |
| Many people prefer vermeil because it is a more | | | | variety of names. When these synthetic quartzes |
| affordable option than pure gold, but is still entirely | | | | were first introduced to the United States by |
| made of precious metal. Most vermeil is plated | | | | overseas manufacturers, they fooled some very |
| with high-karat gold, and has a bright yellow color. | | | | experienced bead retailers and jewelry designers. |
| Gold Filled | | | | Common varieties of synthetic quartz are |
| Gold filled beads, wire and chain are made by | | | | tanzanite quartz, amethyst quartz, lilac quartz, and |
| applying a coating of gold to a base metal core. It | | | | "fruity" quartzes. These include strawberry, |
| is also called rolled gold. Unlike plating, this layer is | | | | cherry, blueberry and pineapple. |
| quite thick and is very unlikely to rub off in the life | | | | Synthetic gemstone beads can be gorgeous and |
| of the jewelry. It is an affordable and durable | | | | affordable additions to a designer's palette. Some |
| alternative to karat gold. Most gold filled | | | | very lovely variations include opalite and goldstone. |
| components are made with 14 karat gold. | | | | Putting it all Together |
| Gold Plate | | | | It is always a good idea to ask the designer direct |
| Like silver plate, gold plate is made by covering a | | | | questions about the materials used in his or her |
| base metal with a very thin layer of real gold. The | | | | designs if you are at all concerned about |
| layer of gold is likely to rub of, generally within | | | | authenticity or quality. Most designers will greatly |
| several years of purchase, depending on how | | | | appreciate your interest and happily answer your |
| often the piece is worn, and what it is subjected | | | | questions. |
| to. While plating offers a very affordable option | | | | All of the choices can be overwhelming, but this |
| for trendy jewelry, it is not a good choice for | | | | shouldn't deter you from buying handcrafted |
| jewelry that is intended to be worn often, or to | | | | jewelry. A design created by an artist is unique |
| become a family heirloom. | | | | and special. Armed with your new knowledge, |
| Gemstones | | | | you'll be able to find the perfect piece of jewelry |
| There are many varieties of natural, synthetic, | | | | that you'll enjoy for years to come. |