White Gold or Platinum: which metal is better for rings?

White gold or platinum?  Which is better when it comes to buying a ring?  If you’re in the market for a new ring, you may have asked yourself this question; if you’ve asked this question aloud, you may have been given mixed advice.  There is a difference between the two metals, and therefore it’s important that you make the right choice.  Here’s some advice on the subject from a local independent jeweller:

Which metal is harder wearing?

By the very nature of where they are worn, rings are subject to a lot of wear and tear.  It’s certainly true that platinum is a heavier metal than gold, and if you visit your local jewellery shop and ask to look at two rings of a similar size, one made of platinum and the other made of white gold, you will definitely be able to feel the difference in their weight, as the platinum ring will be much heavier. 

However, this doesn’t mean that platinum won’t scratch, and you do still need to take care of your ring, particularly if you’re employed in a hands-on occupation.  Having said that, it is still the more durable of the two metals, and as platinum is less malleable and less likely to break, platinum prongs are perfect for holding stones in place in a ring, including diamonds.

What is the colour difference?

Both white gold and platinum have a very shiny, white metal look to them.  The difference between the two metals is that white gold is coated in rhodium to give it its white appearance, whereas platinum is white in appearance from the outset.  The rhodium coating on a white gold ring does need to be replaced fairly regularly, but it is a simple procedure of re-dipping, which your local jeweller will easily be able to carry out for you.

I have a sensitivity to some metals.  Which of the two metals would be better for my skin?

Your local jeweller will advise that some people experience a sensitivity to white gold, and therefore platinum might be a better alternative for a ring.  Most white gold alloys use a nickel mix, and this is often the metal which causes the problem; platinum doesn’t tend to irritate the skin in such a way.

Give me the damage: what is the difference in price?

Although there are some advantages to platinum, it is harder to work with (as it’s less malleable) and is a purer metal.  This does, therefore, mean that it can cost anywhere between 2.5 to 5 times more than white gold.  Your local jeweller will be able to advise on the price difference, but if cost is important, it might be best to choose a white gold ring – and remember, gold evokes images of richness and luxury, so it shouldn’t be seen as platinum’s cheaper cousin! 

Whichever metal you choose, your local independent jeweller will always be able to advise which type of ring will be best suited to you – from colour and durability, through to price – so don’t be afraid to pop along to your local jewellery shop for advice.

Spring is on the Horizon!

As we start to emerge from these long winter days, it’s time to spring into action and spruce up our wardrobe with fresh new accessories. There’s no better way of making ourselves feel like spring is on the horizon than by embracing the new jewellery trends for spring 2012; here’s a guide to the big jewellery trends, all available from your local independent jeweller, this spring:

Arm Candy
Jewellery this spring will be all about bangles, bracelets and cuffs – and moreover, the layering of wrist wear together will be a huge trend this year. Ask your local jeweller for advice on chunky cuffs, strings of fine bracelets worn as an ensemble and ethnic-inspired bangles, worn to jangle as you move! The charm bracelet continues to go from strength to strength, and your local independent jeweller will be able to talk you through the different ranges of charm bracelet on offer.

Vintage Glitz
Vintage inspired side tiaras and hairpieces continue to go from strength to strength in spring 2012. Whether you’re a blushing bride looking for a beautiful piece to sparkle in your hair on your big day, or you’re just after an interesting headpiece to jazz up an everyday outfit, don’t forget that your local independent jeweller will also be able to help with tiaras and hairpieces as well as traditional jewellery.

Statement Pieces
2012 is not for the shy and retiring on the jewellery front; your local jewellery shop will be stocking plenty of statement pieces this spring, including large, hammered metal necklaces and pieces using patterned beads. Jewellery will be channelling the theme of architecture and working with the ideas of line and form. Furthermore, layers of necklaces will also be important – why not ask your local jeweller for advice on which chains will work well together? Bold and beautiful, statement pieces will add excitement and vibrancy to even the plainest of outfits!

Ladylike Dressing
Feminine, traditional jewellery is also expected to make a comeback in the spring of 2012, proving that we are in for a year of sharp contrast as these pieces distinguish themselves from the statement pieces also on offer. Your local jewellery shop will be offering lots of retro pieces, including beads and pearls with a distinct vintage, 1950’s feel.

Whatever your taste, the jewellery trends of spring 2012 will be able to fulfil it, and what’s more, your local independent jeweller will be able to fulfil your spring 2012 jewellery trend needs! On the ball and bang on trend, take a trip to your local jewellery shop today to prepare your wardrobe – after all, spring is on the horizon!

We Three Kings ... The Gift of Gold

Gold has always been precious, and this is exactly the reason that it was given as one of the gifts in the Nativity story by the Three Kings to the baby Jesus. Of gold, frankincense and myrrh, gold is the only one of the three that’s still given as a gift today, and that’s because it’s still recognised as something special. You too can enjoy the gift of gold this year, and there’s no better place to go to buy a gold jewellery piece than your local independent jeweller.

Throughout the world on January 6th, or Epiphany as it’s also known, the Three Kings celebration takes place, and gold often takes a starring role in the celebrations, even today. For example, Cansaulim in South Goa, India, is famous for its Three Kings festival whereby three boys are selected from the neighbouring villages to present the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh in a procession.

In Poland, people take small boxes containing a gold ring, incense and a piece of amber to the Church to be blessed, and in Spain, children (and even many adults!) polish their shoes and leave them ready for the Kings to leave presents underneath, reminiscent of the gifts bought by the Three Kings to the baby Jesus. If you’re celebrating the Three Kings festival this year, why not ask your local jewellery shop about a gold jewellery piece for your loved one?

After all, gold is extremely versatile, and your local jeweller will be able to help you to pick a piece that’s right for you and for the occasion. The gold traditionally associated with the Three Kings’ gift is yellow gold, and this still remains very popular today. However, white gold and rose gold are also increasing in popularity and the different colours can be combined within one piece to create something truly unique.

If you’re not sure what’s best for you, your local jeweller will be able to offer their advice and help you to choose. The colour difference is determined by different metal alloys mixed with the gold, and it’s worth bearing in mind that if you choose white gold, you will need to have the rhodium plating replaced over time. However, there’s no need to worry about this as your local independent jeweller is likely to offer this service on their premises, making your beautiful white gold jewellery take on the brilliant-silver colour again that it’s associated with!

As can be seen from the Three Kings’ story, gold will always be in fashion. The different carats available ensure that there are different price-ranges to suit all budgets, and the variety of colours on offer means that there will be a piece to suit all tastes. If you’re not sure what would be best for you, ask your local independent jeweller for advice. After all, if it’s good enough for the Three Kings, it’s good enough for anyone!

Jewellery Trends for 2012 – a Sneak Peak

Want to get ahead on the jewellery trends for 2012? Like the idea of starting the New Year and starting a craze at the same time? Well, read on for a guide of what’s going to be hot on the jewellery front in 2012.

With tailoring being all about the cut for Spring/Sumer 2012, jewellery is likely to follow suit. Therefore, ask your local jeweller about modernist pieces in geometric shapes, such as boxy chokers and moulded cuffs. As an alternative to stark, clear-cut jewellery, why not visit your local jewellery shop for extravagant, decadent pieces to create a contrast with the sharp tailoring which will be in fashion?

Making Waves

The ocean, and everything associated with it, will play a big part in 2012 fashions, and you can expect jewellery trends to get in on the act. Your local jeweller will be able to provide you with beautiful, ocean-coloured pieces using stones such as lapis, sapphire, tourmaline, emerald, malachite and jade. Oceanographic shapes will also make their way into 2012 jewellery pieces – look out for starfish, conch and sea-horse motifs for necklaces and earrings, and also lots of jewellery using real shells. Ask your local independent jeweller about ethnic and tribal inspired pieces too, as these will also work well with this trend.

Lady-Like

Femininity will once again return to the jewellery front in 2012; expect everything from ladylike beads through to long, flowing earrings. Jewellery will also revisit pearls as we see a resurgence of 1920s flapper inspired pieces – why not ask your local jeweller about an exquisite freshwater pearl necklace? As an opposite idea to this, we will also see both car and mechanical inspired pieces, gothic jewellery and variations on metal ‘lace’; your local independent jeweller will also be able to advise on these slightly more boyish trends in 2012 jewellery.

There are lots of new and exciting themes coming to the catwalk and a local jewellery shop near you in 2012. Remember your local jeweller will be able to advise on what will suit you best, and if you can’t find what you’re looking for, why not think about commissioning a truly unique piece? By visiting your local jewellery shop you can certainly guarantee you’ll be on trend.

How to Sell Gold Safely: Beware the Risks

We’ve all seen those TV adverts encouraging us to boost our coffers by selling our unwanted gold, but if you’re not selling via your local jeweller and using a postal service instead, how do you know you’re selling to a trustworthy source who will give you the best available price?

Should we really be sending something so valuable away in the post to a company we’ve not had much dealings with? Here’s why you’re often better off selling your unwanted gold and broken gold jewellery to your local independent jeweller:

There’s no doubt about it, gold prices have gone through the roof, and in these unstable economic times, it has been seen as a safe investment. Even scrap gold is worth a bob or two, as it can be melted down and turned into bullion. This has meant, however, that a plethora of sites have popped up, who buy gold on the cheap and sell it on, and as many people, quite understandably, don’t know how much their gold is worth, these sites can, unfortunately, sometimes be unscrupulous and offer a price much lower than its actual worth.

One way of checking how much your unwanted gold is worth is to visit your local jewellery shop, as they will be able to advise on the carat (which indicates purity) and the weight, and your local jeweller should also be able to give you a benchmark price which you should be aiming for when selling your gold. More often than not, your local independent jeweller will also offer a much more competitive price for your unwanted gold jewellery than postal gold services.

The gold industry is unregulated, so when you sell to a website or via a postal service, you just don’t know who you’re dealing with – not so when using your local jewellery shop; not only will they give you a fair price for your scrap gold, but they’ll give you top service too. After all, your local jeweller is not just after your unwanted gold; they’ll also want your repeat business for any new pieces you may be looking to buy and your recommendations to friends and family too!

Furthermore, even if you sell your gold to a website or postal service that offers the option to reject their monetary offer and have your gold returned, it can sometimes be a struggle to get your gold back, or you could be charged postage for the return. As a worst case scenario, your gold could even have been melted down before you’ve had the chance to reject the offer! This would never be the case with your local independent jeweller, as you wouldn’t be asked to part with your gold in this way before they give you an offer for your unwanted jewellery.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that not all jewellery should be sold as scrap – scrap should be just that: unwanted trinkets, broken items of jewellery and odds and ends such as gold butterfly clips from earrings. Your local independent jeweller will be able to tell you whether your jewellery is scrap or more valuable than that; for example, fashion items such as branded jewellery are often worth more when sold on whole rather than melted down for bullion, and jewellery with gemstones included could be worth a lot more than a gold site tells you it’s worth. Your local jewellery shop will be able to offer a valuation on any piece of jewellery you’re thinking of selling.

As with most things in life, it’s always nicer and more reliable to be dealing with someone face to face; your local independent jeweller will be able to give you the best possible advice when it comes to selling your gold, and most likely the best price too!

Is your Cherished Jewellery Safe When Being Repaired?

Many Jewellers offer a repair service, but is your jewellery always in safe hands when being repaired? Your local independent jeweller will often repair on the premises. Many jewellers – especially high street chains – don't. So what happens to your precious jewellery if it's not being repaired on the premises? Where exactly will it be repaired if it's not being repaired on site, as a local jewellery shop often would? How do you know that your precious jewellery will be looked after? Well, here's a few things to bear in mind when thinking about having your jewellery repaired:

First of all, it's important to find out exactly where your jewellery will be repaired. As mentioned above, quite often jewellers, especially high street chains, will send jewellery away to be repaired, rather than repairing it on site like a local jeweller normally would. If repairs aren't carried out on site, your cherished jewellery will often travel to its destination by post, which is a great risk for your precious pieces.

Can you imagine the horror of being told that your beautiful engagement ring, selected by your fiancé and full of sentimental value, has been lost in the post and may never be returned to you? Or a precious family heirloom, which is one of a kind and has been handed down for generations, has been mislaid during transit? If these scenarios fill you with dread, ask your local independent jeweller about their repair services. A local jewellery shop will often have experts on site, and they may very well carry out repairs on their premises. Not only will this be less risky as your jewellery will not need to be transported anywhere, but by asking your local jeweller to carry out a repair, it will often be quicker too.

Similarly, check where your jewellery will be kept whilst being repaired. Will your piece be held in a safe place, and is there adequate insurance in place? Your local independent jeweller should be very able to reassure you in this respect, by keeping your jewellery in a locked safe at all times and by ensuring that they have enough insurance cover in place in the unlikely event of anything going wrong. For your piece of mind and as proof of ownership, always make sure that you receive a receipt for your item of jewellery - your local jewellery shop will be happy to provide a receipt if entrusted with your piece. You should also make sure that you choose a jeweller with long term expertise and experience; high street chains may not have as much experience as a local independent jeweller who has been in the business for years, so it's worth checking this out.

Be aware also that there are, unfortunately, unscrupulous chains who will tell you that your jewellery cannot be repaired and suggest you buy a new piece instead; a local independent jeweller will always do their best to repair your piece if possible, or may suggest remodelling the piece if it's not possible to repair it. At least this way, if the item of jewellery was a gift or an heirloom, you'll have your original piece to keep as part of the remodelled design.

Jewellery is so precious and sentimental, it's important to know that it will be safe if it's ever in need of a repair. Your local independent jeweller knows the importance of your jewellery (after all, they work with jewellery every day and know what your jewellery means to you!) and they will always do their very best to care for your pieces and repair them if possible. Therefore, if you've got a treasured item of jewellery that's in need of repair, why not seek out a reputable local jewellery shop? That way, your beautiful jewellery will be in safe hands!

Jewellery Valuations: The benefits and what you need to know

Jewellery is often amongst the most valuable and sentimental of a person’s possessions, and therefore it’s important to know how much it is worth for insurance purposes. Obviously, we all hope that no harm will come to our precious possessions, and an insurance premium is one of those things that you always trust will be a waste of money in the hope that you’ll never have to use it, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. And this is where your local independent jeweller can come to your rescue: a professional jewellery valuation carried out in a local jewellery shop will help you to be fully protected against loss or theft and make insurance claims quick and simple.

If the worst does happen, most insurance companies will ask for proof of ownership and a professional valuation to prove how much your treasured items were worth. They will also often ask for good quality photographs of the items and detailed descriptions. By asking a local jeweller to carry out a professional valuation of your jewellery, you will receive all of the above and more. During a valuation by your local jeweller, your watches and jewellery will be carefully examined and a detailed written report will be compiled, noting any distinguishing features, as well as documenting your items photographically, to provide you with a legal document fit for insurance purposes. Through the valuation from your local jewellery shop, you will be able to prove the value of your pieces for your insurer, and if any stolen items are recovered by the police, you will also have evidence that you are the rightful owner.

Lots of your items can also be SafeMarked by your local jewellery shop. This is a tiny, discreet mark which your local jeweller can apply in the same way as a hallmark would be applied. The SafeMark is then permanently recorded in a secure national database, giving you absolute proof that you are the owner. This means that if your jewellery is ever lost or stolen, by notifying SafeGuard the details will be put onto a constantly updated register, and if your jewellery is recovered, the police will be able to check the SafeMark against the register. Therefore, it’s definitely worth asking your local independent jeweller about this service!

Your local jewellery shop will either charge a fixed fee for the valuation, or a percentage of the value of the piece itself, so it’s important to find out up front how your local jeweller intends to charge you. Either way, however, your local independent jeweller will give excellent customer service and attention to detail, and the valuation fee will be a small price to pay if the worst does happen.

How Remodelling Can Give Your Old Jewellery New Life

Do you own some pieces of jewellery that you never wear? Perhaps you have a necklace that was fashionable when you bought it but now looks dated. Or you might have inherited a brooch or bracelet that has great sentimental value but simply isn’t your style. And what about all those bits and pieces: single earrings and cufflinks that have lost their partners, a ring with a missing stone, or a damaged pendant?

Instead of continuing to hide them away, or selling them for their scrap value, why not investigate the possibility of having unworn pieces of jewellery expertly remodelled into attractive new pieces?

A professional jeweller who offers a remodelling service will usually be able to suggest a number of ways in which the precious metals or gemstones in a piece of jewellery could be altered or rearranged. Most will also do their best to incorporate your own ideas into the new design.

Some ways in which old jewellery can be given a new lease of life include:

· taking precious stones from an old-fashioned setting and putting them into a more modern setting

· breaking up a large piece such as an ornate necklace or tiara to create several smaller pieces

· simplifying over fussy designs

· incorporating small ‘odd’ pieces into a new larger piece

· making a new piece from melted down damaged gold, silver or platinum

In today’s economic climate few people can afford to buy new jewellery just because they no longer like their old pieces. Recycling old jewellery by having it remodelled not only allows you to enjoy wearing something that would otherwise be discarded but the new piece will have the added advantage of being unique. For example, a fairly ordinary mass-produced pendant could be remodelled into a stunning one-off brooch or a pair of earrings that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. Or perhaps the new piece of jewellery could feature your initials or a symbol that has a special meaning for you to make it even more personal.

When someone admires your ‘new’ jewellery it will be up to you to decide whether or not to tell them you’ve had it for years!

For the best results look for a jeweller whose work you like and who is experienced in remodelling all types of jewellery. If your jewellery includes diamonds or other precious gems it’s important that you only entrust them to someone qualified to work with them.

How Local Jewellers Can Provide Perfect Gifts for the Whole Family

When it comes to buying presents for birthdays or Christmas, some people are better at it than others. Whereas some may have in mind exactly what they are going to buy, others may spend hours shopping without success.

However, one place which sells a wide range of quality gifts at all range of prices is a local jewellery shop. The variety of jewellery and gifts on offer means it can be your one stop shop for gifts for the whole family.

For Her – Kit Heath Jewellery

Kit Heath jewellery is fast becoming one of the most sought after jewellery ranges. Kit Heath jewellery is well known for sterling silver designs, which are perfect for every day or evening wear. A Kit Heath piece would really win some points with a mother, sister or partner!

A few local jewellers are now stocking Kit Heath jewellery alongside their own ranges so check the location of your nearest stockist.

For Him – Custom made Jewellery

Everyone likes to own an original piece of jewellery unique to themselves. A perfect idea for a dad or husband’s next birthday is to ask your local jeweller to either design a piece based on your own idea, or leave it in their capable hands to create a perfect design. Whether it is a ring, necklace or bracelet, custom made jewellery shows that a lot of thought has gone into the gift and is sure to be very well received.

For the Kids – A first watch and custom strap

Any reputable local jeweller should have an extensive collection of watches and the option of matching it with a strap of the customer’s choice. A great gift idea for children is to give them a quality watch that will withstand knocks and bumps, along with a strong strap that will stand the test of time and the hectic lives kids tend to live.

Whatever the occasion, your local jewellery shop should have an array of stunning, high end gifts for special occasions as well as affordable presents suitable for the whole family. A jeweller with a high level of workmanship should be able to create custom made jewellery as well as provide help and advice on whatever you may be looking for.

Reasons to Use a Local Jewellery Repair Service

These days, not all jewellers carry out repairs on their premises. If you want to have a ring resized, gems reset, missing claws replaced, broken chain links or jewellery catches fixed, it’s well worth seeking one out.

You don’t want to put your cherished pieces at any more risk than is absolutely necessary. If you are not keen to put them in the post and send them away for repair, why would you want someone else to do that? Insurance might cover their financial value, but never the sentimental value we tend to attach to precious gifts or items that remind us of special times in our lives.

Sending items by post or courier inevitably involves extra cost, while the time needed for your jewellery to be repaired and returned to you will be longer. But perhaps the greatest risk to your precious articles lies in the number of different pairs of hands they will have to go through before you, hopefully, get them back.

When you find a local jewellery business that has its own workshop attached, you can bet those jewellers are not just in it for the money. They will be passionate about what they do, and feel privileged to work with your precious gems and metals.

If they are members of the National Association of Goldsmiths, they will be fully trained and up to date in how to use the latest available equipment to supplement traditional methods of jewellery repair. Usually they will offer a free consultation to which you can take your sadly broken pieces and find out just what they can do to restore them to their former glory.

So don’t take chances with your precious jewellery items. Investigate your local jewellers and find the one that will treat them with the care they deserve, with an all-in, on-site service.

EK Jewellers is a friendly, local Essex jewellers serving customers throughout Hainault, Ilford, Redbridge, Havering, Woodford and surrounding areas as well as London. As a family run business established for over 36 years, we have developed a strong reputation for quality of workmanship. For more information visit http://www.ekjewellers.co.uk/ or call us on 020 8500 3191.