Buying Platinum Jewelry Without Getting Ripped-OffWritten by Sam Serio
Buying Platinum jewelry can be fun, exciting and confusing. Whether you’re considering a gift of Platinum jewelry for someone special or as a treat for yourself, take some time to learn terms used in industry. Here’s some information to help you get best quality Platinum jewelry for your money, whether you’re shopping in a traditional brick and mortar store or online.Platinum is a precious metal that costs more than gold. It usually is mixed with other similar metals, known as platinum group metals: iridium, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium and osmium. Different markings are used on platinum jewelry as compared with gold jewelry, based on amount of pure platinum in piece. The quality markings for platinum are based on parts per thousand. For example, marking 900 Platinum means that 900 out of 1000 are pure platinum, or in other words, item is 90% platinum and 10% other metals. The abbreviations for platinum - Plat. or Pt. - also can be used in marking jewelry.
| | Jewelry Shoppers Top Ten TipsWritten by Sam Serio
Buying jewelry can be fun, exciting and confusing. Whether you’re considering a gift of jewelry for someone special or as a treat for yourself, take some time to learn terms used in industry. Here’s some information to help you get best quality jewelry for your money, whether you’re shopping in a traditional brick and mortar store or online.Top Ten Tips 1.When you’re in market for a piece of jewelry for yourself or someone you love, shop around. Compare quality, price, and service. If you’re not familiar with any jewelers in your area, ask family members, friends, and co-workers for recommendations. 2.Ask for store’s refund and return policy before you buy. 3.Check for appropriate markings on metal jewelry. 4.Ask whether pearls are natural. cultured, or imitation. 5.Ask whether gemstones have been treated. Is change permanent? Is special care required? 6.Make sure jeweler writes on sales receipt any information you relied on when making your purchase, such as gem’s weight or size. Some jewelers also may supply a grading report form a gemological laboratory.
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