TURQUOISE, LAVA & ETCHED CRYSTAL DESIGNER NECKLACE

What is the difference between "gold-filled" and "vermeil"?

Gold filled items are made by layering gold alloy to a base metal such as brass.  The gold is applied to the desired thickness in the karat weight chosen, i.e. 12k gold filled or 14k gold filled.  Vermeil is a French term for gold plate over sterling silver.  Sterling silver is heavily electroplated with 18k or 22k yellow gold to create vermeil.  Gold-filled and vermeil jewelry can be worn by most people without causing a reaction. 

Will sterling silver tarnish?

Sterling silver will tarnish naturally over time.  It will patina in time taking on an antique look.  Argentium® sterling silver contains the same amount of silver, 92.5% as legally required for sterling.  A patented material, germanium  replaces approximately 1% of the copper content of the sterling which makes it highly resistant to tarnishing.  Sterling silver can be polished with a soft silver polishing cloth to quickly restore its lustre. 

What are "findings"?

"Findings" is the generic industry term for metal jewelry components: beads, charms, ear wires, jump rings, etc.

What does it mean when a necklace is knotted?

When a strand of beads is "knotted", it means that at frequent intervals of beading the wire, cord, or thread has been tied-off or "knotted" to keep the beads securely in place.  Also, should the strand break the beads would not all be loose.  Some strands are knotted between each bead and others at various intervals.  Knotting requires more skilled labor and time than straight beading. Consequently, it adds to the price of the jewelry but worth the price and a sign of higher quality jewelry.

What is the difference between "mother of pearl" and "freshwater pearls"?

Pearls are organic gems grown within oysters and other mollusks.  Pearls are formed when a foreign particle causes the oyster to secrete nacre to cover it.  The mollusk and oyster shells are formed by nacre.  A pearl may be coated with thousands of layers of nacre.  This occurs naturally.  "Cultured" pearls are created the same way but the particle is implanted and farmed.  Nearly all pearls are cultured.  Freshwater pearls are formed in freshwater as opposed to saltwater pearls. Mother-of-pearl beads are cut from the shells of the mollusks and oysters that create the pearls.  Both gemstones are made up of nacre and are one of the softest gemstones.  Pearls are porous and often bleached or dyed to achieve the desired color. 

Will semi-precious gemstones change color if exposed to sunlight?

Many semi-precious gemstones are affected by sunlight.  Exposure to direct sunlight, especially ultraviolet rays may change the color of gemstones over time.  Light exposure may also diminish the luster of some gem stones and dry the stones out causing them to crack or break.  Some semi-precious gem stones have been enhanced by color and the dyes may not be stable over a period of light exposure.  It is best to keep gemstones out of direct sunlight and limit light exposure.