Why Sterling Silver Jewellery is Popular?

By and large, sterling silver jewellery happens to be the most sought after item by customers. The jewellery product is often stamped as sterling silver or 925 silver to distinguish it from other grades of purity. There are several reasons for the popularity of sterling silver pieces throughout the world. This blog post highlights the key factors:

Most countries in the world including USA & UK have recognised sterling silver as the standard in making and selling silver jewellery. In America no pieces can be sold as silver jewellery unless there is 925 purity of silver in the article. Although there is no such legal compulsion, both jewellers and customers in England consider sterling silver as the right hallmark. In the Far East sterling silver is sold more than any other articles containing lesser quantum of purity. Across the globe sterling silver is making inroads into the jewellery market. Sterling silver jewellery has alternate names such as 925 silver, 92.5% silver and 0.925 silver.

Beauty of sterling silver jewellery lies not only on the main metal that is contained therein, but the kind of alloy that are mixed to silver. As you are aware an article of 92.5% silver is composed with an alloy of 7.5% of other metals chiefly copper and zinc. Using expensive alloys such as Platinum gives sterling silver a shiny finish and more than that a great degree of nobility. Never the less the jewellery industry continues to develop new types of alloy sometimes replacing the expensive ones with cheaper alloying metals in order to cut cost of manufacture.

Argentium jewellery is one of the standard and affordable piece where an alloy consisting copper, zinc are meshed with Germanium, a grey-white semi-metal that is known for its crystalline quality and retention of lustre. Though the final product does not bring out these qualities the addition of Germanium gives an added value, as this particular metal is less toxic. On the other hand, Palladium silver jewellery is on the opposite side of the cost structure. In this case, Palladium, an expensive silvery-white jewellery metal is added to the alloy with a minimum of 3% and perhaps more, the rest being copper, zinc and other alloys. Palladium added sterling silver retains high degree of lustre, hardness, nobility and lasts for generations.

A key reason behind much of the sparkle of sterling silver is the manner in which piece of jewellery is coated with other metals. In England, 925 jewellery is plated with a coat of 24 Karat gold. Carrying an industry name of Vermeil this type of jewellery gives a big boost to sterling silver genre in Western Europe. Rhodium plating is resorted to by many jewellers to get the same effect at fairly less cost. But there is a caveat: Rhodium wears off after five years or so. Yet another coating that gives silvery finish is to apply 999 fine silver over the sterling silver article. This procedure known as Flashing is less cumbersome out of the three methods, and also much cost-effective to boot. However, in order to avoid tarnish that normally sets in when a fine silver finish is made, industry adopts the use of anti-tarnish methods.

Last but not least important reason for the popularity of sterling silver jewellery is the manner in which the article ages. Over time, 925 silver collects patina due to exposure to moisture, acidic environment resulting in oxidization, giving silver jewellery antique and vintage look. If you have jewellery that has patina over it, then it is indeed a treasure. This can be sold for a higher price. But when buying gem & jewellery you have to more cautious; more so when it is sterling silver appearing as aged ones, as newer articles can be made antique by immersing these in a solution of potassium sulphite or bleach powder.

Muthu Ashraff

Business Adviser

Mobile: +94 777 265677

E-mail: cosmicgems@gmail.com

Web: http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com

Blog: http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/

 

How serious are you, buying Gem and Jewellery?

Ordinary customers buy gem & jewellery to serve limited purposes. Social customs and special occasions are two of the most common purposes. The show-off characters buy gem & jewellery purely for ostentation reasons. Serious buyers, on the other hand look for three distinct features when buying them:

1.         Aesthetics is one of the key determinants for many of the serious buyers. As an ornament gem & jewellery enhances your stature, your appearance and your personality. Fashions, designs, patterns, the choice of metal in jewellery, the selection of primary and/or ascendant gems that are studded therein add to the aesthetic value. The sense of aesthetics differs from person to person. Nonetheless it remains one of the cornerstones in selection and use of gem & jewellery.

2.         Investment is the next aspect that merits attention. Unlike in the case of luxury items, gem & jewellery has an investment value that can be realized should the wearer decides to sell it. Gem & jewellery can be exchanged, traded-in or given as a gift or bequeathed to the progeny. Lifespan of gem & jewellery is much longer compared to say a luxury leather bag. More than that, gem & jewellery always appreciate in value as time passes, while the leather bag is reduced to a scrap over time.

3.         Cosmics as a consideration is often neglected but yet is very vital when you consider owning gem & jewellery. Cosmics are underlying aspects of gem & jewellery that cannot be quantified or standardised. These cosmics influence and impact the wearer in positive or negative manner. A good example is diamond, which has the cosmics known as adamantine. Let us assume a person large in heart wears it; he or she becomes more generous towards fellow beings. Contrarily when a person who is easily provoked wears a diamond it could enhance that particular quality resulting in frequent bouts of anger.

A connoisseur would buy the right type of gem & jewellery to harness the right type of cosmics. But not everyone is a connoisseur. At the same time not being savvy enough must not preclude you to be to be serious when buying your gem & jewellery.

Muthu Ashraff

Business Adviser

Mobile: +94 777 265677

E-mail: cosmicgems@gmail.com

Web: http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com

Blog: http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/

 

Checking Purity of Silver Jewellery

When buying silver jewellery, you have to ask the seller how much silver is in the piece as jewellery metal. Unlike in the case of gold jewellery hallmarking in silver is treated with a kid glove. Though there are legal teeth enforcing this for international trade, domestic street jewellers shy away from the practice of hallmarking due to the cost factor. Nevertheless, if you ask them, most jewellers or their sales assistants would oblige by giving you the percentage of silver that went into the article. This is what we call as purity of silver.

The purity of silver, is determined by a Metric system that takes into account the Millesimal Fineness of the main metal used in a piece of jewellery. Basically this denotes purity of the main metal as parts per thousand of the mass of the alloy. Such a purity can be conveyed in three forms. One is to express it as a percentage of the mass of alloy say 99.9%; another way is to say it in number as 999; or in decimal form as 0.999. The decimal representation is also supplemented with the common name in which it is popularly known. For example 0.999 is added with the tag “fine silver”.

The fine silver is pure silver that is much malleable and ductile shining with the lustre and brightness comparable to gold. Yet it is too brittle and breaks and bends while on the production table. Hence, it is necessary to add external metals as alloys to give fine silver strength and hardness and other features necessary to make durable jewellery. There are several combinations in which such alloys can be made. Still a common rule applies: in order for a piece of jewellery to be sold as silver jewellery it must contain at-least 50% silver as the main metal. In certain countries legislation provides a legal minimum for silver in jewellery. For example in the USA, unless it contains 925 silver it cannot be marketed as silver jewellery. Elsewhere jewellers have more elbow room. They turn out pieces with varying percentage of silver in it. Here are few of the most commonplace ones:

1. 925 Silver: Alternatively known as ‘sterling silver” this type contains 925 silver per thousand. By and large, sterling silver is toasted as the standard in many countries including USA and UK. Most jewellers have pleasure in fabricating eye-pleasing 925 jewellery articles using different metals as alloys adding up to 75 parts per thousand. An interesting feature of alloying is that sometimes the resultant material carries the name of the major alloy used there in addition to silver. When silver 925 is alloyed with germanium it is referred to as “Argentum silver”; likewise when Palladium is the major alloy used in an article it goes as “Palladium silver”

2. 935 Silver: Used more in hand-made jewellery 935 silver contains that amount of silver per thousand and an alloy of 65 per thousand. This type of silver is more amenable for intricate carving and exquisite form of gem & jewellery

3. 958 Silver: Alternatively known as “Britannica silver” this type contains 958 silver per thousand with the remaining as alloy metals. Notably, 958 comes out well in thin and soft pieces such as chains

4. 950 Silver: Though the silver content is restricted to 950 per thousand, this type is most popular in France and Mexico where once upon a time this was the silver standard in coins in the respective countries

5. 900 Silver: Once the silver standard for coins in USA, 900 silver is popularly known as “coin silver” amongst the jewellers. However, it does not restrict the name coin silver being used for an alloy containing less than 900 per thousand. Exercise care when dealing with silver jewellery marked as coin silver grade. It is better to see the hallmarking in addition to the name coin silver in such piece of silver jewellery.

Muthu Ashraff

Business Adviser

Mobile: +94 777 265677

E-mail: cosmicgems@gmail.com

Web: http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com

Blog: http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/

 

Buying Gemstones in Sri Lanka

Historically known as “Island of Gems”, Sri Lanka is well positioned as gem trade centre in the global map. Verities of gems in different shades and tones of colour in their purest form make Colombo an important port of call for investors, connoisseurs and enthusiasts of gemstones. Here are some of the best gemstones available for purchase:

1. Corundum: Ruby is the king of gemstones; literally it is corundum of red colour and is indeed a sapphire. Yet, due to its class and glamour ruby is always listed separately. All other colours other than red are grouped as sapphires. In Colombo you can buy priceless Blue sapphire, Star sapphire, Star ruby, Yellow sapphire, Orange sapphire, and Pink sapphire which is alternatively known by its majestic title of “Padmarascha”, White sapphire and pleasing Green sapphire

2. Beryl: Aquamarine with bluefish and greenish tint is the noted stone in Beryl along with White beryl which is used as main or accent stones in necklaces

3. Chrysoberyl: Cat’s eye is a famous stone under this class distinct from other chrysoberyl stones. Alexandrite is another gemstone under this label. Marvellous Alexandrite Cat’s eye twinkles with a mischievous smile

4. Garnet: Almandine, Pyrope and Spessartite are some of the garnets found in Sri Lanka. Most noted is Hessonite which is called as “ Gomedha” a stone that is mentioned in Vedic astrology of possessing miraculous power

5. Quartz: The entire range of quartz are found in Sri Lanka. Chief among these are Yellow quartz, Smokey quartz, Purple quartz, Rose quartz and White quartz. An interesting addition is the Quarts Cat’s eye whose chatoyancy is legendary

6. Spinel: A variety of blue, red and violet spinel stones are available. Spinel is a gemstone lovingly called as “Pretender”, because it often duplicates as ruby due to its spot and bright colour

7. Topaz: Colombo is much famous for its white topaz and couple of decades ago heat treated white topaz was exported in volumes to United States as fascinating yellow stones

8. Zircon: Flashing zircon comes in green, yellow, brown colours. The white zircon is almost similar to diamond and when it is round brilliant can easily pass off as real diamond.

In addition to the above list, Agate, Moonstone and Tourmaline are few of the stones that merit mention.

Call or write to me if you plan to visit Colombo to buy gems.

Muthu Ashraff

Business Adviser

Mobile: +94 777 265677

E-mail: cosmicgems@gmail.com

Web: http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com

Blog: http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/

 

Why Silver is most used Metal in Jewellery?

Pure silver at 999 fineness is considered as most lustrous and brightest metal on earth. Its beauty of whiteness is unsurpassed in metallurgy. Yet pure silver cannot be used in making jewellery due to its high degree of softness. Hence, it is alloyed with other metals, chiefly copper to make some of the best jewellery pieces in human history. In that process silver has transformed itself into the most widely used metal. Here are few highlights:

1. Silver in its purest form remains the most malleable and ductile of all metals. Malleability refers to the property of being compressed, deformed, extruded, hammered, rolled or otherwise worked into a shape without breaking; while ductility relates to the propensity of being drawn into thin wire without fracturing. Silver is so malleable that it can be beaten into very minute sheet; likewise silver is so ductile that it can be drawn into thin and long wire

2. To give hardness to silver, copper is alloyed; a 50: 50 silver and copper is said to combine features of both these metals. Accordingly the resulting alloy is malleable and ductile, which are features of silver and at the same time strong and tough which are characteristics of copper

3. By using copper, jewellers improve the surface quality of silver into a smooth, fine, clean and touch-friendly manner

4. Silver is harder than gold but softer than copper. For example according to Moh’s scale of hardness gold is at 2.5 while silver has an intermediate range between 2.5 to 3. Copper is always unshakable at 3

5. Silver can be alloyed with gold in any proportion, providing softness and ductility so that intricate designs are facilitated in pieces of jewellery. The caveat is that there must be pinch of copper to give hardness

6. Even though silver is a precious metal its pecking order in terms of value is much less. Jewellers generally add gold, platinum or palladium to give silver a high degree of nobility

7. When making silver jewellery that must last for a longer time or remain stronger throughout, jewellers generally add palladium to the silver-copper alloy so that the finished piece lasts long without ever losing its hardiness and strength.

Muthu Ashraff

Business Adviser

Mobile: +94 777 265677

E-mail: cosmicgems@gmail.com

Web: http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com

Blog: http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/

 

Why Gem Recommendations Fail?

It is true that there are complaints about gem recommendations not giving the desired results. In order to analyse the situation and trace the causes of such failure we have to look at all sides of the story. User and fabricator of gem & jewellery are the main parties responsible for the state of affairs. In few occasions the person who recommended would have missed couple of steps while doing his assignment. Here are few of the causes highlighted in my investigations:

1. Most users of gem & jewellery buy without any independent advice as regards to the suitability of such items to their personal characteristics. They not only fail to drive benefits, but also run the chance of losing their money

2. Quite a number of wearers resort to too many advisers and tend to wear many gems that are conflicting to one another. I have personally seen a business man wearing rings in all his eight fingers prompting me to make a light-hearted remark that he has at-least shown some mercy to his thumbs

3. Some users wear gems & jewellery in wrong places; for example, if a particular gem must be worn as a bracelet then there is no purpose of using it in a necklace

4. Clarity, cut and carat weight are not only matters that give value to a gem but are equally important in enhancing aesthetics and cosmics to a user

5. Gems are set in rings, pendants, necklaces and other holders. These holders are made from metals. Users must understand that metals have different vibrations. Each gem must be matched with a metal which in turn must be matched with the user. Any mismatch is counter-productive

6. Fabricators or jewellers are intent on selling pieces of jewellery rather than looking at the interest of the buyers. Most jewellers do not go beyond basics of the look and feel of the jewellery and try to un-load pieces that do not match the person or his needs. To some extent, they do few adjustments here and there regarding customer care when jewellery pieces are custom made. Nevertheless their overall concern is to make a quick buck and move on to another customer

7. Advisers on the other hand do not give clear instructions as regards to the selection of gem in all its dimensions and the metal that goes with it. Just recommending the main metal and leave the rest to the jewellery manufacturer defeats the purpose of such recommendations. Main metal and the alloy metals play important roles, really.

8. Additionally, advisers must dwell upon giving clear instructions to the user as to how best he can drive the desired benefits. Ordinarily, such instructions cover any rituals that must precede before use and care and maintenance of the gem & jewellery throughout.

Muthu Ashraff

Business Adviser

Mobile: +94 777 265677

E-mail: cosmicgems@gmail.com

Web: http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com

Blog: http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/

Smart Guidelines for Jewellery Store Insurance

Cost of insurance for jewellery store is skyrocketing. Consequently, many stores are cutting corners by not displaying high-value pieces and pruning the risk coverage. I understand many stores are doing either of these or both. It is indeed is a bad business practice to lay your business exposed to risks that are not properly assessed or adequately covered. Here are few guidelines as to how you should manage your jewellery store insurance smartly:

1. Firstly, you must ascertain the types of risks you are going to face regularly. Uncommon and irregular risks need not be insured. But at the same time you have to identify related risks and cover these well. One example is the general liability coverage. Jewellery stores attract customers, passers-by, enthusiasts and so on, who could be exposed to the risk of accidents within the store, or simply the sales person knocks one of the visitors down involuntarily. In addition to general liability, you should cover risks of burglary, fire, theft, loss, damage and civic commotion

2. Secondly, you must spell out what items are to be covered for insurance purposes. Originally there was point-of sales insurance policy that covered the store only. For example block coverage is generally resorted to get all inventories in display and in strong room. However, due to movement of stock taking place to and fro the store frequently additional risks are being listed. One such risk is stock-in-transit that is necessary when you are moving inventory between factory and store. Additionally pieces sent on delivery must be covered until these reach the desired destination. Yet another grey area is jewellery taken out for promotion or exhibition. These should not be left uncovered. Many stores fail to cover memo goods that are obtained on consignment basis. Note that you are responsible for the consignor for the goods be it sold or lost. Most jewellery stores experience hefty peak-season sales. In that event this aspect must also be brought in as risk. Miscellaneous covers including damages to workmanship or gems and diamonds set in jewellery also merit attention

3. While completing the insurance proposal you must list all items that are displayed or kept in strong safes. Some stores attempt to reduce insurance cost by not declaring the pieces and their value. A full content insurance policy is not only necessary for valuation purposes but acts as a safeguard for settlement in the event of a claim is made under that insurance policy

4. Concomitant to the above is the basis of valuation that a store makes when completing policy proposal or claim. You can select one of the three methods of valuation. One relates to the installed value of jewellery at cost without adding the profit margin. This method is suitable where the store sells mass-market items. Replacement value, as a method is chosen when you sell designer wear similarly branded items must be ensured at the market value only

5. Quite a number of issues flare up in the case of valuation of jewellery. As you agree with me valuing jewellery is more of an art than science, due to unique aspects surrounding the pieces including design, craftsmanship, limited edition, collection title and process of fabrication. Different parties value jewellery in varying manner. Professional appraisers do not bother much about aspects that I have outlined. Instead they look at the price of metal and the value of gems, diamonds or pearls set on the jewellery piece. One reason for this lack of appreciation of finer points is that mot appraises are gemmologists and not jewellers. Neither the jewellers can come with a standard valuation acceptable to the insurance companies. Most of them adopt a thumb-rule: cherry pick the market price and add to it what they think the jewellery is worth and divide the sum by 2 to get the right value. Some jewellers do take the value of the market and theirs and pitch on whichever is higher. There is no need to labour on the point any more. Suffice is to say that jewellers have go on improving their valuation techniques

6. Apart from understanding risks and covering these, jewellers must do more homework in minimizing risks within the store. One way to manage risk is to display fewer high-valued items as done in malls in Malaysia. A proven method is to install proper system of recording incoming and outgoing inventory along with proper surveillance system overseeing the removing and replacing of jewellery pieces from display racks and strong safes. Finally, security operations of entry and exit points of the store must be tested, really.

Muthu Ashraff

Business Adviser

Mobile: +94 777 265677

E-mail: cosmicgems@gmail.comcutting

Web: http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com

Blog: http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/