Limit Use

The easiest way to prevent your diamonds from looking dull or dirty? Don’t touch them that often. Diamonds tend to accumulate lots of dirt and oil by handling them, so to keep them sparkling longer, try not to touch them with your finger unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Regular, Gentle Cleaning

Perhaps the most overlooked and simplest method to keeping your diamonds shining is to be consistent with cleaning them. No advanced cleaning formula is required, just let them soak in hot water with a few drops of dish soap for several minutes. Once your diamond pieces are done soaking, use a small brush, such as a toothbrush with soft bristles to remove any additional residue or buildup. Blot dry with a soft cloth once finished.

Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals

Often, our first instinct to clean jewelry is to reach for the nearest cleaning solution that contains a range of chemicals, such as chlorine and bleach. While many of these won’t necessarily harm diamond directly, they can have an effect on silver or other metal settings. If a piece of jewelry with a diamond setting needs to be cleaned, first try using our suggested soap and water soaking method, and ensure the brush or towel you use is non-abrasive.

Use White Vinegar

If the soap and water soak just doesn’t seem to be adding enough sparkle back to your diamonds, another option is to use white vinegar. This household ingredient provides a simple and powerful solution to keep jewelry clean, and it won’t harm gold or silver diamond settings. After soaking for about 15 minutes, rinse your jewelry in hot water and use a non-abrasive cloth to blot it dry.

Note: It is sometimes recommended to mix white vinegar with baking soda for a more powerful cleaning solution. We do not suggest using this mixture, as baking soda is slightly abrasive and could scratch the jewelry metal if you’re not careful. Stick with white vinegar to be safe.

Use Ammonia

Gently place your objects into a small bowl filled with one cup warm water and one-quarter-cup of ammonia. Let your diamond soak for about 15 minutes. Again, using a soft toothbrush, gently brush away any dirt, oil and grime that may have accumulated, especially within the small crevices of a setting. Rinse with warm water and then blot dry.

Use Lemon Essential Oil

Not unlike the soaks we mentioned above, lemon essential oil can also be used to clean jewelry and diamonds. All you need to do is add a few drops to a relatively small cup or bowl of water. The concentrated solution is completely safe, and we suggest letting your jewelry soak for at least 30 minutes. Brush away any grime around diamond settings gently after soaking. Once done, rinse and blot dry with a soft cloth.

The post DIY Tips to Keep Diamonds Sparkling appeared first on Manhattan Gold & Silver.

First, we need to define what a hallmark is, and the purity indicators associated with both the millesimal fineness scale and the karat system.

A hallmark is an official stamp commonly imprinted on precious metals that is meant to indicate composition and purity. If it’s put there by a trustworthy source, it can sometimes be the easiest indicator for determining whether an object is gold. However, hallmarks can be fake, so they are not always a foolproof indicator.

The millesimal fineness scale measures the purity of gold in parts per 1000. As an example, a hallmark showing a millesimal fineness of 850 would mean that the makeup of an object is 850 parts of pure gold out of 1000.

The karat is a unit of measurement under a different system, which denotes how much gold is in an object relative to other metals in its composition. Common examples of valid purity numbers under the karat system include 24k, 18k, 14k, and 10k. One karat is equal to 1/24 part of pure gold in an alloy. For example, an 18k, or 18/24 gold item is made up of 75% gold, with the additional 25% containing other metals.

Methods for Testing if an Object is Gold

Check for a Hallmark

As we mentioned previously, finding a hallmark on a gold object or piece of jewelry is often the easiest method to confirm whether it’s authentic. On a ring, the hallmark is usually found on the inner band. Necklaces and bracelets often have hallmarks near their clasps. Gold bullion and jewelry crafted in America usually have hallmarks using the karat system, while European gold more commonly uses the millesimal fineness scale.

Remember, a hallmark (or lack thereof) is not definitive proof that an object is real gold. It’s also worth noting that if you have a gold object with a hallmark below 10k, or .417 on the fineness scale (41.7% purity), it’s considered to be fake.

Finally, hallmarks can also be used to determine whether an item is gold plated. All of the following marks indicate some form of gold plating:

• GP (Gold Plated)
• GF (Gold Filled)
• GE (Gold Electroplated)
• GEP (Gold Electro Plated)
• HGP (Heavy Gold Plated)
• HEG (Heavy Gold Electroplated)

The Water Test

One of the simplest tests that can be conducted to determine if your gold is real is to drop it in a bowl of water. Gold is a heavy metal, so if the object has a high purity level, it should sink to the bottom with ease. If it floats, it’s probably fake.

However, just because a golden-colored object sinks does not necessarily mean it’s real gold. Other metals within its composition could also cause the object to sink, so we recommend conducting some of the other tests below.

The Magnet Test

Gold is not a magnetic metal. If you have a magnet handy and you bring it near a golden-colored object, you shouldn’t see any attraction if it has a high level of purity. However, this too doesn’t necessarily confirm an object is pure gold. Jewelry is often made with a mix of silver, which is also not magnetic. If you do see an attraction, your object might be gold plated or contain a fair portion of iron or nickel.

The Skin Test

If you’ve been wearing a piece of jewelry for days, weeks or months at a time, try taking it off and looking at your skin. If you notice any discoloration, the object you’ve been wearing is likely not pure gold. Colors like green or blue can indicate oxidation, which is common with metals like copper. Pure gold does not oxidize from normal wear, so it’s fair to say if you’ve been wearing jewelry at length and notice no color on your skin, it’s likely on the pure side.

The Ceramic Test

Another simple test that can be conducted involves the use of ceramic. Find a piece of unglazed ceramic around your home and try gently scraping your gold on its surface.

If your gold is real, you’ll likely notice small flakes or scrapes that are golden in color on the ceramic. If you see the color black on the ceramic, your gold is likely not real.

The Nitric Acid Test

The nitric acid test is a relatively foolproof method to determine if your gold is real. This test involves making a small scratch on your gold (try to find an area that is not normally visible), using a nail file or black stone. The goal is to scratch just enough below the surface layer of your gold and then place a small drop of nitric acid where the scratch has been made. If you don’t notice a reaction, it’s safe to say the object is real gold. If other metal alloys are present or if the object is gold plated, you will see the colors green and/or milky white emerge.

Nitric acid testing kits are easily purchased online, but it’s important to remember that nitric acid can be a dangerous chemical. The right precautions should be taken when conducting an acid test. It’s flammable and can irritate the eyes and skin. It’s important to wear both goggles and gloves and keep your distance from heat or anything flammable. Conduct this test in a well-ventilated area.

The Vinegar Test

Another form of acid test, using vinegar on gold is a simple, safe, and cost-effective method to test if it’s real. It also doesn’t require scratching the surface of an object. Using an eye dropper, place a drop of vinegar on an inconspicuous location on your gold. If the spot changes color, the metal is not real gold.

Do you have gold scrap you’d like to sell?

You can ship your lot to Manhattan Gold & Silver. We can assay, weigh, and pay you for gold at a fair price based on the current London market fixing.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss selling precious metals, get in touch with us today by phone or using our online contact form.

The post Is it Really Gold? How to Tell if Gold is Real appeared first on Manhattan Gold & Silver.

Here are some tips on how to sell unwanted jewelry:

Sort Jewelry by Type and Metal

Your first step is to sort through your jewelry collection — separate items into silver, gold, platinum, and so on. You should also look for any stamps of a specific karat weight. This will help you distinguish between costume and fine jewelry.

Research the Market Value of Used Jewelry

Next, you should do some research to determine the value of your unwanted jewelry. Be sure to use a regularly updated source for current precious metal prices, or an appraisal service that specializes in fine jewelry.

Recycle or Refine Used Jewelry for Cash

Now that you know approximately what each piece is worth, it’s time to start looking for offers from recyclers or refiners who buy unwanted metal and gems. Don’t forget to look at online reviews to make sure you’re working with a respected precious metal refiner!

Scrutinize Offers Before You Sell Unwanted Jewelry

It goes without saying that every offer should be carefully considered before making a sale. Always weigh potential earnings against fees charged by each recycler, such as taxes and shipping costs. It’s also wise to have a professional remove any gemstones to sell them separately, as doing so might get you more money in the end.

The post How to Sell Unwanted Jewelry Fast appeared first on Manhattan Gold & Silver.

However, picking out the right piece isn’t always so easy. Each woman has her own distinct style and preferences.

If you want to ensure you pick out something she’ll love, follow these tips for buying jewelry for women.

Watch What She Wears

No two women have exactly the same style. To determine which type of precious metal jewelry to buy (e.g. gold, silver, platinum, or palladium), use the woman’s closet as a guide. As a general rule of thumb, cool colors (such as blue or purple) go well with silver, platinum or palladium jewelry, while warm colors (such as orange and red) go well with yellow gold jewelry. Interestingly, white or black will actually look great with most metal types, depending upon the look.

Beyond her closet, you should also take a peek inside her current jewelry box. If that’s not possible, observe what she wears. What type of precious metal does she wear most? That’s a telltale sign that she may prefer one type over the others — and you should follow her lead.

If you’re picking out a ring or a bracelet, it’s also important to ensure you get the right size.

Where Does She Spend Her Time?

Another tip for buying women jewelry is considering how she spends most of her time. Does she frequent theater events or charity galas? If so, she might appreciate a statement piece she can pair with an evening gown for the next night out.

Or maybe she spends a lot of time hiking or gardening outside — and gravitates toward jewelry that’s more casual for everyday use.

If you’re picking out jewelry for a new mom, you’ll also generally want to avoid any delicate, dangly necklaces or bracelets with a clasp. Babies like to latch onto them, which often causes them to snap.

Make it Personal

Most people want to feel seen and heard. One of the best ways to accomplish that through jewelry is by picking out something that feels highly personalized to the gift recipient.

For instance, if you’re shopping for your daughter, you might pick out a precious metal charm that matches one of her interests. There are silver artist palette charms for those who like to paint, cameras for aspiring photographers, or a dumbbell with a heart for women who live to weightlift. Charms are a great way to show a daughter, partner or mother that you’re paying attention to the things that matter to them in their lives.

Another way to personalize precious metal jewelry gifts for women is to incorporate their birthstone. Vogue made your job even easier by putting together a collection of, “The Chicest Birthstone Jewelry for Every Month of the Year.”

If the gift is for your mother or grandmother, you might consider picking out a precious metal necklace or bracelet with the birthstones of all her children or grandchildren. It’s a great way to not only make them feel special, but to also show appreciation for their legacy.

Ask Her Friends for Input

Still not sure what to buy? (We know, it’s hard.) If you’re buying a gift for your partner or mother, consider reaching out to her closest friends for confidential guidance.

It’s typically better to wait until you’ve narrowed down your options to a few pieces rather than simply asking, “What should I get?” This gives them something specific to react to — and ensures you have their buy-in on the final gift.

Try to limit input to one to two friends. Once you ask more than that, it gets complicated if they have conflicting opinions. Don’t forget to remind them to keep the gift a secret!

Find a Trustworthy Jeweler

One of the biggest nightmares for gift givers is finding out later that a piece they thought was made from real precious metal was actually fake. It can be a costly mistake. At Manhattan Gold & Silver, we buy precious metal scrap, including jewelry. As a result, we’re well-versed in testing precious metals for authenticity. It’s always hard to tell customers that a piece of jewelry that they thought was real precious metal is actually not. To avoid that disappointment, we recommend buying from a reputable jeweler.

How can you tell if a jeweler is reputable?

Look for one that is a member of the “Jewelers of America,” if possible. They have a directory you can search or you can look for the “J” logo on the company’s door or website. Members of Jewelers of America receive ongoing education and commit to following a code of professional practices.

Next, read the jewelers’ positive and negative reviews on their Google Business Profile. Look for common themes, such as people saying they bought jewelry there that later turned out to be fake or poor customer service. You can also check Better Business Bureau to see how many complaints have been filed against them and how many have been resolved.

Friends and family can also be a great resource. If you have a friend that recently got engaged, ask where they bought the ring and if they had a good experience.

Make Sure It’s Returnable

Despite all of your best efforts, you may pick out something that doesn’t work out. Maybe it’s the wrong size, maybe she has a similar piece already or maybe it’s just not her style. Don’t fret! It’s the thought that counts — and that goes a long way with most people. At the time of purchase, make sure to ask if the gift is returnable for a full refund or exchange. You might also inquire if they offer free fittings and adjustments, in case the piece doesn’t fit properly after it’s given. Keep your receipt in a safe, but hidden place, just in case you need to make a return.

We hope these tips for buying women jewelry help you pick out a piece she’s sure to love — just as much as she loves the person who gave it to her.

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The New Zealand jeweler has been trying to make his concept a reality for 20 years. Now, he’s finally succeeded with the help of Canadian master diamond cutter Mike Botha. After the emergence of new technologies; millions of dollars of investment; help from the likes of metallurgists, laser engineers, testing laboratories, and patent attorneys; extensive testing; and a number of destroyed diamonds, floeting diamond jewelry is now real, patented, and available for purchase. For now, it’s a 100-piece collection of rings, ear studs, and pendants in 18 karat gold and platinum.

This new setting technology can currently accommodate diamonds of 0.20 to 100 carats. The intent is to expand it from diamonds to other gem shapes like emerald, oval, and pear, and other gems like sapphires and rubies.

What’s Different About Floeting Diamond Jewelry?

Lots of people have asked their jewelers, “Can’t I get diamond jewelry without metal clasps on the stone?” And they’re always disappointed by the answer. But now, floeting diamond jewelry has eliminated the prongs and is set in a way that allows more light to enter the stone, creating an even more brightly shining, dazzling piece of jewelry.

Tiny proprietary grooves are laser cut into the diamond just below the girdle. The stone is then secured with a metal collet that fits into the grooves, made from a high-tensile titanium alloy that’s buffered by a platinum post in the ring, plus a platinum base insert for the pendants. The collet allows more of the gemstone to show above the setting than with the traditional claw setting. Additionally, it’s open on all four sides to allow plenty of light to enter the underside of the diamond (in contrast to a bezel setting, which uses a metal band that encircles the diamond at its girdle).

And not only does the floeting diamond have a superior sparkle, it’s also more securely set. Independent testing confirms that this new setting is 20% more secure than traditional settings. Testing recreated the scenario of dropping diamond rings onto a hard wood surface from a distance of 1 meter above. With a traditional claw setting, the diamond came loose after 298 drops; the floeting diamond was still secure after several thousand drops.

Have Precious Metal Jewelry to Sell?

You may not have gotten your hands on any floeting diamond jewelry yet, but perhaps you’re a jeweler or pawnbroker with some gold, silver, platinum, palladium, or rhodium-plated jewelry. If so, and you’re interested in selling it for a fast, fair payment, get an idea of what we’ll buy your lot for with our free online payout estimator tool. We look forward to seeing your precious metal jewelry!

The post New ‘Floeting’ Diamond Revolutionizes Diamond Setting for Jewelry appeared first on Manhattan Gold & Silver.

Of course, assaying is the only way to determine the type of precious metal with 100-percent accuracy. At Manhattan Gold & Silver, we provide fast, reliable assaying using several methods, including acid testing, fire assay, ultrasound assay, and XRF (X-ray fluorescence) testing.

To make informed guesses and develop your intuition, though, and to help guide you before assaying, familiarize yourself with these techniques for identifying precious white metals by sight and other senses.

Pointers for Identifying Precious White Metal Jewelry

• If it’s magnetic, it’s probably not any precious white metal jewelry. But keep in mind that springs in clasps and jump rings are usually magnetic, so test the whole piece.
• Silver tarnishes, but white gold, platinum, and palladium do not. If it’s oxidized or tarnished, it’s probably silver jewelry.
• Older sterling silver jewelry develops a grayish-white color.
• Sterling silver is fairly malleable. You’ll find more misshapen sterling silver jewelry than jewelry made of other types of precious white metal.
• White gold is the hardest and least malleable of the precious white metals.
• Sterling silver jewelry is the most likely to show signs of wear; in particular, it scratches much more easily. Platinum and palladium are also more likely to scratch than white gold.
• You can see a creamy yellow color in white gold jewelry over time as the rhodium plating wears away.
• Platinum is the heaviest precious white metal. Silver is the lightest of them.
• Platinum is quite white, but it does develop a more grayish patina over time.
• Platinum usually appears brighter than white gold, and again, it’s also denser, so platinum jewelry feels heftier.
• Palladium jewelry looks similar to platinum, but it has a slightly darker grey coloring. And remember, palladium is less dense and therefore feels lighter than platinum jewelry.
• Rhodium is used to plate sterling silver and white gold jewelry to give it a whiter, shinier appearance. But because rhodium is such an expensive precious metal, you won’t find much – if any – pure rhodium jewelry out there.
• People are far more likely to have allergic reactions to silver and white gold jewelry than to platinum, palladium, or rhodium-plated jewelry, as these three are hypoallergenic metals. Silver is the most allergenic of them all. So, if you happen to be told about irritation by the jewelry’s owner, this helps narrow it down.
• Look for metal identifiers or purity hallmarks stamped on the jewelry. Platinum may have markings such as Plat, Platinum, 950, PT 950, PT, Pt; white gold may have markings such as 10k, 14k, 18k; sterling silver may have markings such as 925, sterling, sterling silver; and palladium may have markings such as Palladium, Pall, PD, Pd, PD 950.

Need to Have Metal Jewelry Identified?

Manhattan Gold & Silver has the right tools for quickly and accurately identifying precious white metal jewelry, including alloys and plating. We can do so without any damage to your items. Plus, we’ll buy and refine your gold, silver, palladium, platinum, or rhodium-plated jewelry with our transparent assaying, weighing, and pricing processes. Visit our Midtown NY location, ship your lot to us, or get in touch today with any questions.

The post Tips for Quickly Identifying Precious White Metal Jewelry appeared first on Manhattan Gold & Silver.

But even in times of crisis, we still have nice things we want to hold onto. For many, their jewelry is one possession that lifts their spirits. However, new health habits such as increased handwashing and use of hand-sanitizer can cause concern among jewelry owners who worry it will tarnish their pieces. We’ll explain how you can clean jewelry during COVID-19 without risking damage.

Cleaning Hard Gemstones

If you own non-porous gemstones like diamonds, rubies and sapphires set in solid platinum or gold, the best way to clean your jewelry would be with a mild dish soap and warm water once every few weeks. However, with the current presence of COVID-19, you can also take additional steps to ensure a more thorough cleaning. Place your pieces in boiling water, and let them sit for five minutes to sterilize.

Using hand sanitizer alone on your jewelry will not get rid of germs. This is because jewelry contains many nooks and crannies where germs can hide. COVID-19 has been shown to last for hours or even days on various surfaces, with copper being one of the most inhospitable surfaces for the virus.

For Soft Stones, Limit Contact With Water and Avoid Alcohol

It’s important to limit contact with water and alcohol for soft stones such as pearls and opals. This is due to unique chemical compositions of these materials. Both stones are vulnerable to scratching and react badly to jewelry cleaners. Opals are highly sensitive to any changes in temperature, and they can be damaged by water that is not set at room temperature.

Soft stones can be deep cleaned by water, but it requires a much more gentle, detailed process. Make sure to follow your jeweler’s recommendations for cleaning, and plan carefully before attempting to clean opals and pearls with water. It’s best to stick to the use of a soft cloth gently wiped over the soft stone’s surface otherwise.

If you find yourself unable to do a proper deep cleaning of your hard or soft stones, it may be wise to heed the words of health professionals.

Health Professionals Stance on Jewelry

Health professionals are advising caution. Rochelle Walensky, chief of infectious diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital, advises taking off jewelry before washing your hands or not wearing it altogether for the time being. The CDC has reported that skin underneath rings contains more germs than areas of your hand that are not. More research is needed to determine if wearing rings increases the risk of germ transmission.

Some jewelry owners may be hesitant to stop wearing their pieces. Wearing your favorite ring can help your mood, but be sure to make well-informed decisions that will keep both you and your stones safe and sound.

The post How To Safely Clean Jewelry During COVID-19 appeared first on Manhattan Gold & Silver.

But when it comes to pawning, not all things are created equal. What exactly do pawn shops buy, for example, and more importantly, what items are most in demand?

Precious Metals

Jewelry is always in demand at pawnshops, especially if your items are made of precious metals like gold and silver. That’s because precious metals are easy to price and sell. This is especially true of gold and silver bullion, which tend to be 99.999 percent pure.

Another reason pawnbrokers prefer precious metals is they generally appreciate over time. If you’re pawning bullion, it’s likely to fetch 50 percent of its value, while selling it outright will land you between 60-88 percent, depending on the metal and how much of it you have.

When pawning any type of precious metal, however, your stash may be tested to authenticate its melt value. There are several ways to spot fake gold, including a simple scratch test.

If you have precious metal you want to sell, you can also get a quote from us. Just tell us what type of precious metals you have, how pure they are, and we will give you your payout estimate. We are headquartered in New York but we serve customers from all over the country. All you have to do is ship us your lot.

Gems

While precious metals are tops when it comes to pawning, gemstones come in a close second. The rarer the gem, the better the cash value. Most pawnshops don’t have a gemologist on staff, so always bring receipts, certificates or any paperwork that will help authenticate your jewels.

The Top 3 gemstones, according to PawnGuru, are:

Diamonds

Diamond is the world’s most popular gemstone. They are perfect for jewelry because they polish well and can only be scratched by other diamonds. Their value is based on their cut, color, carat and clarity.

Rubies
Rubies, which get their red hue from traces of the mineral chromium, are slightly softer than diamonds. The most precious rubies are deep red in color with a hint of blue.

Pearls
Saltwater cultured pearls account for only about 5 percent of the global pearl production; the other 95 percent are freshwater pearls. According to Natural Geographic, a natural pearl of value is found in less than 1 in every 10,000 wild oysters.

Keep in mind sentimental value, even it’s for a family heirloom, doesn’t translate to monetary value. A quality diamond or gem, however, can net you a four-figure amount.

Collectible Coins

You’ll likely get great value from a pawnshop for your rare coins. Like precious metals, pawnbrokers are able to immediately identify a coin’s value either through price guides or by checking the scrap metal value.

When it comes to collectible coins, however, other factors can affect their value, including:

Rarity – this includes the number of coins that were originally minted. Rarity also takes into account how many of those coins are still in circulation today.

Demand – when demand for a coin outpaces its supply, the value of a coin increases.

Grade – a coin’s wear and condition can also mean significant differences in the value of a coin.

Just like gems, a certification of authenticity or grading papers will considerably up the price you can get for your coins. Here are some tips for verifying coin authenticity.

Remember most pawnshops don’t want to buy your items; they simply use them as collateral against a loan. Manhattan Gold & Silver services industries that use gold, silver, platinum or palladium through the course of their own business, including pawnbrokers.

The post Top 3 Things to Pawn at a Pawn Shop appeared first on Manhattan Gold & Silver.

There’s fashion jewelry, for example, which is generally characterized by ephemeral pieces made of materials that barely outlast their trends, like brass, copper or aluminum. But the growing popularity of secondhand marketplace apps like Thredup and Poshmark are making fast-fashion—and jewelry—uncool.

Now, more and more jewelry shoppers are looking for high-quality materials and superior craftsmanship. They want pieces with a meaningful story—and all at a reasonable price.

If you’re on the hunt for an authentic cameo or a vintage Gucci Horsebit bracelet but don’t want to break the bank, estate shopping may be up your alley. There are plenty of other reasons to shop for estate jewelry, including:

Uniqueness – You may find some distinctive vintage pieces that don’t look like anything for sale in current retail stores.

History – You’ll likely uncover some pieces with interesting backgrounds. Look for personal engravings on rings or small surprises in lockets.

Quality – Craftsmanship doesn’t come cheap. But an estate piece will likely be more affordable than if you bought the same item new, like if you’re lucky enough to land a vintage Tiffany East West watch.

Interested in buying some estate jewelry? Here are some tips to get you started:

Understand Jewelry Terminology

First, it’s important to understand the difference between estate jewelry, vintage jewelry and antique jewelry.

Estate jewelry refers to any second-hand jewelry. Estate jewelry can be fashion jewelry, for example, and it can also include antiques. All it really means is the items are pre-owned.

Vintage jewelry, meanwhile, is jewelry that is at least 20 to 30 years old—basically anything after 1990. Provided they aren’t replicas, chunky Lucite rings and gummy bear necklaces would all be considered vintage.

To be considered an antique, however, jewelry must be at least 100 years old. An Edwardian pink topaz ring, circa 1900, is a definite antique.

Where to Buy Estate Jewelry

The most traditional way to buy estate jewelry is through estate sales (also referred to as a tag sale). There, you’ll find items listed for sale with a price tag—and a little bit of room for haggling. The downside of estate sales is that the most in-demand pieces are usually snatched up before they open to the public. It’s also hard to appraise jewelry on the spot and know if the price is fair if you’re not an expert.

Buying estate jewelry at physical auctions also has its pros and cons. While items are vetted and information about each piece is available prior to bidding, it’s easy to get swept up in a bidding war and overpay for something.

You can also shop for estate jewelry right from your couch, thanks to eBay. Just beware of scams. Carefully vet sellers and make sure their ratings are legitimate. Are the items one-of-a-kind, or do you spot multiple items with the same design? Don’t fall for replicas and beware of language like “antique-style.”

One of the easiest (and safest) ways to shop for estate jewelry is through specialized jewelers. Most are licensed buyers and often buy items directly from customers over-the-counter. They generally have a great deal of knowledge about their items, including when it was made.

Picking the Right Piece

While some jewelry appreciates in value, don’t buy items solely for investment purposes. Precious metals and stones are subject to price fluctuation. Instead, pick pieces you love, will get use out of, and are within your budget. If they do appreciate in value, consider it a bonus.

The post How to Shop for Estate Jewelry appeared first on Manhattan Gold & Silver.

Class rings, however, don’t have to be garish.  In fact, you can get some really cool class ring ideas just by searching on the crafty online marketplace Etsy. You’ll see plenty of minimalist styles, like gold or silver square signet rings engraved with school crests. These styles are much more contemporary than their traditional counterparts.

That’s because school jewelry, although not as popular now as it once was, has morphed from the clichéd gemstone rings to class bands, tags, lockets and even bracelets. Class ring makers such as Jostens and Balfour specialize in all sorts of stylish mementos for high school students.

How did class rings become a thing, anyway?

The History of the Class Ring

The tradition of class rings dates back to the class of 1835 at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Administrators wanted to issue keepsakes to graduates to commemorate their West Point experience; a token to remind them of their shared values and ideals.

And so the class ring was born.

What better way to let everyone you come into contact with know you graduated from such a prestigious school? The idea caught on and soon, civilian schools adopted the practice too, including Ivy League schools such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton and Dartmouth.

The prestige associated with class rings changed in the late 20^th century. For one, they became more of a high school accessory than a college one. In the 1980s, the decade of pop culture, high school class rings were quite common—and not just for prominent prep school grads. They had morphed from a status symbol into one of unity and school spirit.

The Class Ring in the 21^st Century

Are class rings destined to make the list of Things Millennials Are Killing? While old-school style rings may be losing their shine, new-school ones may keep the tradition alive. That’s because students are still interested in the idea behind the class ring: a symbol kinship and belonging.

Whether you’re buying a class ring for yourself or gifting one, choosing a style that will age gracefully matters. Here are some suggestions:

Cool Class Ring Ideas

Class it up. Opt for a simple band that’s wide enough (10mm) for two lines of text. This gives you plenty of space for a small stone, school name, graduation year and a personal engraving. You can also pick your metals:

• 14K Gold: 14K gold contains more pure gold–14 parts of the alloy is gold and 10 parts consists of non-gold metals. The higher percentage of gold in the alloy gives it a yellower color (learn about the different shades of gold and what types of metal are used to create those colors in our infographic).
• 10K Gold: 10K gold is more affordable and contains 10 parts pure gold and 14 parts other metals, such as copper, zinc and silver. Since it contains less pure gold, it’s actually harder than 14K gold.
• Sterling Silver: True 925 sterling silver is made of 92.5 percent pure silver and 7.5 percent metal alloy. If you’re on a budget but want something real, sterling silver is a great option.

While class rings are traditionally worn on the middle finger of the right hand, why not get creative and wear one as a pendant? The goal is to pick or create a design that will age well.

If you already have a ring that you’ve outgrown (because it garish), you can always bring it in to us. If it’s gold, you can use our payout estimator to find out what it’s worth.

The post School Jewelry Is Still a Thing: Class Ring Ideas appeared first on Manhattan Gold & Silver.