Figuring out the quality of the metals and the gemstones are all it takes to determine whether a piece of jewelry is considered fashion jewelry or fine jewelry. Fashion jewelry, also known as costume jewelry, is usually made with base metals and simulated stones.
These pieces are often made with brass, copper, or aluminum, which bend and tarnish easily. Jewelry made entirely out of textiles or leather, base metal alloys, and even metals plated with precious metals like gold or silver also fall under fashion jewelry.
Simulated stones include plastic stones, cubic zirconia, and Swarovski crystals. To find out the difference between gold-plated, gold-filled, and gold vermeil, check out this post about jewelry metals. Today, we need only save the computer file which is containing the artwork in order to regrow them in the future.
Using the same lost wax jewelry casting principles as the past, resin models are encapsulated in plaster and then incinerated through a burnout process. Today we no longer melt gold and platinum with hand-held torches. Using induction and high frequency melting, our technicians can control both temperature and atmosphere in casting chambers. After casting the models, they are cut loose and worked over with battery of abrasive compounds.
Once a job that was done with handheld files and emery paper, they are now de-burred with finishing tools driven by hand-held flexible shafts and upright polishing machines. After the preparation is complete, jewelers fabricate or assemble any additional settings, parts or pieces needed.
Using lasers, our jewelers can do precision welding on areas of jewelry where heat needs to be controlled. The concentrated focus of lasers enable our designers to weld precious metal in close proximity to sensitive, valuable stones, without destroying or melting the surrounding work.
When all metal work is complete, the precious stones to be highlighted are added to the piece. Specialized jewelers skilled at the art of stone setting , use precision, hand-held tools to secure gemstones and diamonds in gold and platinum. The stone setters cut slots into precious metal, allowing them to sit level before they are tightened. The skilled hands of the setters apply just the right amount of pressure to finesse prongs, beads, and walls over delicate stones to ensure that they remain snug in their settings.
With metal work completed, the last step in jewelry making is polishing and finishing. Jewelry polishing is a multistage process whereby metal is buffed with soft rotary tools made from bristles, felt, or muslin. Read on to learn all about these different types of jewelry and figure out which kind you should buy.
We're busting the myth that fine jewelry is should be reserved for special occasions: engagements, graduations, birthdays, etc. Fine jewelry is always made with solid gold and typically features genuine stones.
Rings in the fine jewelry category can be re-sized and repaired easily by any skilled jeweler. Fine jewelry requires less care than semi fine and fashion jewelry, but it also has a significantly higher price tag since gold is one of the most expensive metals on earth.
Semi-fine jewelry is the category that bridges the gap between fine jewelry and fashion jewelry. Semi-fine jewelry is typically made with gold vermeil an extra thick layer of gold plating or gold fill jewelry. Ask us about making a replica of your favorite piece of jewelry with precious metals and gemstones. Often, jewelry is repaired through soldering, which is melting metal to join two broken pieces together.
The only problem is that inexpensive types of fashion jewelry are plated with a thin layer of gold or silver. This thin layer can wear off and discolor the jewelry where the repair was made.
Your piece of fashion jewelry may be a combination of unknown metals. This would make it difficult for a jeweler to restore the piece to its original condition. For this reason, a jeweler may test a small area first to see how it reacts to the soldering flame before proceeding with the repair.
This means that we can solder it as many times as we need to restore the function and appearance of your treasured piece of jewelry. As a premier jewelry store in Grand Rapids, MI , we would be more than happy to help you select the perfect piece of jewelry.
To contact our specialized jewelry team , call Paul Medawar Fine Jewelry at
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