Top Tips

Top Tips on Purchasing Jewellery during your visit

All gold and silver items should be hallmarked by law (the only exception being very light products such as earrings). The Birmingham Assay is the anchor.
If the jewellery is gold, ask the quality of carat (18 carat gold has more gold content than 9 carat for example).
If the item is a gem, ask for a description on the receipt stating the size, colour and approximate shape of the gem.
For unusual or one-off pieces, many jewellers will make to order. If you are looking for something special, take a drawing or photograph to the jeweller.
Many other services are available in the Quarter, such as resizing, repairs and restoration of jewellery.

Diamonds

If you are quoted the weight of a diamond have it written on your receipt.
When making a purchase be aware of the carat, clarity, colour, cut and weight.
The size of a diamond is measured by its symmetry proportions and its weight in carats. One carat being divided into 100 points, a diamond of 75 points weighs 0.75 carats.
Clarity – A diamond that is virtually free of faults is of the highest quality because nothing interferes with the passage of light through the diamond.
The closer a diamond is to having no colour, the more valuable it becomes, unless it is a rare fancy colour. Pink, blue green: these stones are all called ‘fancies’.
The shape of a diamond affects its value very little. However, good to excellent polish, symmetry and proportions are generally considered to add intrinsic value and sparkle.

Platinum

Naturally white, as opposed to white gold, which is created by adding other metals.
Prices tend to be higher than gold because platinum jewellery is 95% pure, while 18 carat gold is 75% pure.
It has a higher density than gold, weighs more and requires a higher level of craftsmanship to work the metal, which adds to its exclusivity.
Platinum is hypo-allergenic and is compatible with all skin types. There is a platinum hallmark, which is applied by the Assay Office and ensures its authenticity.

Gold

In its raw state is 24 carat and too soft to work with. Therefore jewellery manufacturers add other metals such as silver, copper and palladium to it. The usual grades are 9, 14, 18 and 22 carat, which have 37.5%, 58.5%, 75% and 91.6% of gold content respectively.
Usually 22 carat gold is used for wedding rings.
18 carat gold is used for wedding rings.
White gold has become more popular
Red gold or ‘old gold’ as it is known is also very popular and is mixed with copper. These coloured versions are usually no more expensive than normal coloured gold.

Silver

Sterling silver is a tradition in beautiful gifts.
Celebrate a new marriage or baby with a timeless treasure.
Silver gifts can often be personalised with engraving.
Silver jewellery will please the most discriminating tastes. It is beautifully polished and lustrous, and over time rewards the owner with a rich patina.

Titanium

Titanium, discovered in 1795 is a naturally occurring element found in the earth’s crust. It has a high tensile strength to weight ratio and is often alloyed with materials such as Vanadium in the manufacturing of rings.
Titanium has very high corrosion resistance and is consequently often the preferred choice of deep see divers and surfers because of its corrosion resistance to salt water.