How To Read Jewelry Marks

The number markings on precious gold jewelry are a bit of confusion to lots of people. We are generally used to seeing a karat or silver mark like this: 10K, 14K, 18K, Sterling, etc. The numbers mean the same thing.

For 14k the number is technically 583 but most manufacturers adopted the European way and make 14k gold a tiny bit over 14k, so the mark is 585 in most 14k jewelry. 18K is marked 750. If the mark is valid and there is a makers mark also in the jewelry, the number means these items are 18k gold.

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Here is where the numbers come from. Pure gold is called 24 karat. For 18k gold, there are 18 parts of pure gold mixed with other metals to make the metal suitable for use in jewelry. 24k is too soft alone to stand up or to hold stones well. 18 parts pure gold divided by 24, or 18/24 equals 750. That is where the number comes from. The jewelry is 75% pure gold, 750 parts gold with 250 parts other metals out of "1000" parts. It is easier to think of it as a percent which is pure gold in the recipe.

How To Read Jewelry Marks

Sterling silver is marked 925. Sterling is 92.5% pure silver and the rest is other metal, generally copper.
What does it mean if the ring marked 14K PR? The 14K simply means it is 14K (Karat) gold and because of the K means it would have been made in either South East Asia or The United States. The PR marks are just the Maker or Store ID or even a design mark, and have no relevance to the Value.

The basic decimal formula to work out the quality of gold content is quite simple, as they are all measured in 'Parts per Thousand.' This means that 9ct gold is calculated like this: 9 (for 9ct) is divided by pure gold (24) and then multiplied by 1000 (for pure gold as a decimal). ie: 9/24*1000=375 That 375 is the decimal quality for 9ct gold and is sometimes shown with a decimal point in front - .375

The old Victorian standard of 15ct gold is calculated the same way - 15/24*1000 = 625 (Not quite the numbers you have on your jewelry. Dental gold is 16ct or 666 recurring. But you can also reverse this formula by starting with the decimal and working back. ie: 375/1000*24 = 9

In your case we can use 698/1000*24 = almost 17ct
I have a platinum engagement ring and found a wedding ring that I really like but the band is made of palladium. Is it safe to wear these two metals together without one damaging the other?

It will wear the softer metal OVER TIME but that could take many years. My Grandmothers wedding ring eventually wore away the band of her engagement ring but it took over 20 years to do.

Platinum and Palladium and quite good together but I would take the advice of your local friendly jeweler and have them check both rings. Sometimes the Platinum may be a lower grade in order to make it harder - so have that checked.

How To Read Jewelry Marks

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How To Repair Broken Jade

The best way to repair is often with a cement. Do the edges of the broken pieces fit together closely? If so, a good two-part epoxy cement is best. I recommend an epoxy which cures to a clear color, not amber like most. The brand name is Huges 330 Epoxy. It is made for gemstone material cementing. A craft shop should have this cement or may order it for you. If not, try an exposy cement from a craft shop or hardware store but do not get the quick setting kind. The best will harden in about 2 hours. Quick set cements cure in 5 minutes and this is too little time to make a good joint of the broken ends.

Clean the ends well with alcohol. This is needed to remove any traces of oils, etc. which will lead to a joint failure later. Arrange a means to hold the ends together so the ends will not be moved until the cement cures. Do this arrangement first and be certain it will work.

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Then, mix the two part cement according to directions. Apply only enough cement to one broken edge to cover the end with a little cement. Push the pieces together and see if too much runs out the edges. If so, wipe off before the cement starts to cure then place together again. Hold the pieces in place as mentioned already.

How To Repair Broken Jade

Leave the left over on a mixing paper or plastic, whatever is used to mix the cement and place the mixer(toothpick, paper clip or other handy object) into the unused part. When the object is cemented hard on the unused portion of the cement, you know the jade is also cured and may be handled.

Excess if any may be carefully trimmed with a razor edge or left alone. Trimming of extruded cement will often leave a white and easily seen line. Sometimes it is best to leave the cement as is.

If you have way too much cement and way too much is pushed from the joined edges, clean in acetone or nail polish remover. Clean well as you can. Then start again with a new mix of the epoxy. Do not use "super glue" since this will not hold strongly for a long period of time.

If you want to try to do the work, I believe you can. The first try might be messy and you might have to try a second time. If you want someone else to do it, a jeweler should be able to cement the pieces together for your repair depends on the sort of break in the bracelet. If the jade is broken and the ends of the break fit fairly well, a jeweler (or you if handy with such) may use a good epoxy cement to join the ends. A recommended epoxy is Hughes 330, recommended because it cures water clear and is quite strong with gemstone materials. In any case, epoxy cements have no strength when first mixed. The cure brings the strength. If you try it yourself, dry fit first to find a way to support the pieces during the 2 hour cure time.

If the break is jagged and the ends do not fit, the best solution is to have a jeweler make a metal tube, either of silver or gold, to go over the broken ends and bring all together as a jade bangle with "metal fittings". The tube will need to have two ends angled to fit the curve of the jade pieces at each break.

I do hope the break is clean and will fit back together. If so, with a good cleaning to remove all traces of oils, etc., the epoxy solution to the fix will work quite well. If done carefully, there will be little to show obviously at the break line.

How To Repair Broken Jade

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How Much Do Pearls Cost? Or Pearl Value Factor - Shape

Pearl Shapes are generally round or spherical. Truly perfectly saped pearls are a small percentage of all the pearls that are cultivated. Shapes can be round to near-round, to a pill shape, coin shape, drops, or completely free form.

Pearls are graded into three major categories. These are Spherical, Symmetrical, and Baroque. Spherical are either round or near round, non-round Symmetrical pearls have shapes that are the same on each side, and each side is a mirror image of the other. Baroque is the term used to describe those that are completely irregular shapes.

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Sometimes the pearl, when growing inside the oyster, develops rings, either grooves, or ridges around the circumference and then the shape of the pearl is modified by the adjective of "circled" or "ringed".

How Much Do Pearls Cost? Or Pearl Value Factor - Shape

The round or near round symmetricalgems have the highest value. The round or spherical pearls are a much more rare than all of the other shapes and therefore more valuable. Round pearls can be as low as 2% of the entire harvest.

As in all the other pearl values, the value of roundness by itself does not guarantee a high price. When we consider pearl value, we must consider all seven value factors affect price.

As with all the Value factors, one trait does not guarantee a greater value. A perfectly round gem with a dull and lusterless look is not going to be as beautiful as a slightly less round one that has a fantastic luster. Or a perfectly round pearl with surface irregularities will be appraised at a lesser amount than one that is less round with a perfect surface. Obviously shape is not the only factor in determining pearl cost.

How Much Do Pearls Cost? Or Pearl Value Factor - Shape

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What Men Say And What They Really Mean

Have you ever been with a man who told you something like, "I'm not ready for a serious relationship," "I just want my freedom," or something along those lines? Many women do, and most of them often agree to the man's wishes and end the relationship. What boggles them is that almost immediately after, the man starts dating and getting into relationships with other women.

Are all guys really just jerks who can't commit? If only it were that simple, too... but it's simply not the case. Women often make mistakes that make them much less attractive to him, such as trying to convince him to love them the way they love him. Needless to say, that doesn't work.

Mens Watches

Here's the fact - men and women mean different things with the words they say. For instance, when a woman says "I'd like to stay home and relax," then she'd probably stay home, do the chores, make sure everything's in order, and maybe watch TV. But when men say "I'd like to stay home and relax," they'd probably watch sports, drink beer, surf the Internet for pictures of women, and order take-out food.

What Men Say And What They Really Mean

Similarly, when they say things like "I'm not ready for a serious relationship," it almost always has a deeper meaning. Here's the truth - men would want a great relationship with a woman who they're attracted to both physically and emotionally. They'd like a woman who's funny, unpredictable, independent, and emotionally level-headed. But most of all, they'd like a woman who's all that already - and not someone they have to teach to be all that.

So when men tell you things like "I just want my freedom," the reason they start dating other women so quickly is because they couldn't find those qualities in you. I'll bet you're thinking, "Why doesn't he just tell me?" The answer is quite simple - they don't want to have to tell you all that. They don't want to be in a relationship that has more work and less fun than what they'd have if they stayed single.

Another common line that men say is "I'd like an independent woman." What they really mean is that they'd like a woman who doesn't get overly upset by petty issues in the relationship (this rings a bell, doesn't it), and knows how to keep her head when things get tough or confusing. Conversely, they'd also like a woman who doesn't completely hold her emotions back, which would make her more and more bitter with them as time goes by.

The bottom line, pun intended, about what men say and what they really mean is this - they'd like a meaningful relationship with a woman who has all the good qualities. The problem is that men don't know what these qualities are and probably can't list them all down when you ask them to. But with the help of the tips in this article, you're better armed to know what your man really means and how to guide your relationship into something more enjoyable and longer-term.

What Men Say And What They Really Mean

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Top 10 Best Christmas Gifts For 2011 For Men On Your Christmas List

If you need help finding the top holiday gifts that will be cherished by the man or men in your life, here are some suggestions on the top 10 best Christmas gifts for 2011 for the men on your Christmas list. These gift ideas are suitable for any budget.

Top 10 Best Christmas Gifts For 2011

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1. Golf Club Drink Dispenser

Top 10 Best Christmas Gifts For 2011 For Men On Your Christmas List

One of the best Christmas gifts for 2011 for men who enjoy golfing is this drink dispenser that looks just like a golf club and can serve both cold and hot drinks. It is a wonderful gift for him that will also be a great item of conversation.

2. Pro-Chip Pool Island Golf Game

Another of the top 10 best Christmas gifts for 2011 for the man who enjoys golfing is this Pro-Chip Pool Island Golf Game that will enable him to practice his shots and become better at his golf game. It can be used both in a pool and on dry land and is certainly a gift he will enjoy having.

3. Invicta Men's 0777 Subaqua Collection GMT Limited Edition Watch

Men love their watches and this one from Invicta will make the perfect gift in addition to being very reasonably priced.

4. Ipod Touch 4rd Generation 32 GB (newest model)

This latest version comes in both black and white and will be a great gift to get for him for Christmas. This large round unidirectional stainless steel bezel watch from Invicta has many amazing features that are sure to delight him making this one of the top Christmas gifts for 2011 for him. This watch is a must have for his watch collection.

5. Men's Air Force A-2 Flight Leather Bomber Jacket

Leather jackets are always a must have at Christmas and this particular one features the softest nappa leather. The construction of this leather jacket strictly adheres to the same standards followed for the authentic A-2 military version which makes this one of the best Christmas gifts for 2011 for him.

6. Roku HD Streaming Player

This Roku streaming player will easily stream all programming available over the internet directly to his TV from a multitude of sources which makes this one of the top holiday gifts for 2011 for him.

7. Koolatron Retro 10-Can-Capacity Vending Fridge

Another of the top 10 best Christmas gifts for 2011 for men is this retro vending Fridge which amongst its many features can comfortably hold ten soda cans and will be perfect for an office or "mancave".

8. Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor

For the man who is into fitness or would like to start a fitness program, this heart rate monitor will be perfect for him to ensure that his efforts are not only effective but also safe which makes this one of the top Christmas gifts for 2011 for him.

9. Pac Man Arcade Machine

For the man who is young at heart and loves his toys, this Pac Man arcade machine will take him back to his younger days.

10. Beats By Dr. Dre Headphones

Although there are many pretenders on the market, the Beats by Dr. Dre headphones are the original and the best for ensuring superior sound quality which makes them one of the best Christmas gifts for 2011.

Top 10 Best Christmas Gifts For 2011 For Men On Your Christmas List

The top 10 best Christmas gifts for 2011 for men that are shown above are only a few of the gifts that will be a hit with the man in your life. For more of the best Christmas gift ideas for 2011, click here.

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Men's Dress Shirts - How to Wear a Black Dress Shirt

With so many colors in mens shirts today it is sometimes difficult to know what shirt goes with what pants and what color shirts should be worn on for different occasions. While many men find themselves drawn to black dress shirts, once they get them home they are never quite sure what to wear with them or what types of occasions these shirts are most suited for.

A Casual Look

Mens Watches

One of the reasons men are drawn to black dress shirts is that black shirts no matter what style never seem to truly make it beyond the casual category. Unless you are the rare man that can make anything look stylish and formal it is best to avoid wearing that black shirt for job interviews and professional business meetings where the more formal business look is encouraged. That being said there are many occasions where a black dress shirt can make the perfect statement and even help you stand out and look smart.

Men's Dress Shirts - How to Wear a Black Dress Shirt

Great Occasions to Wear a Black Dress Shirt

One occasion where a mens black dress suit can really stand out and make an impression is on a date where you want a dress casual look. Your date will be pleased that you took the trouble to wear a nice shirt, pants, and a tie for the occasion but did not go overboard. You can also wear a black dress shirt to the office if your dress policy is such that just dress shirts and pants are acceptable outfits. These shirts also go well at parties where you can either wear casual style slacks or jeans.

What Colors Go Well With a Black Dress Shirt

If you are going to wear a black dress shirt you are going to want to be extremely careful choosing what color of slacks and ties to go with this shirt. You are going to want to avoid wearing this shirt with a white suit unless you want to look to a movie hit man or someone who still disco dances. You also want to avoid a white tie and shoes as well. Most browns are also a pour choice to wear with your black suit as the two colors seem to class a bit and make you look a bit dull and boring. That being said here are some combination's that look great with that black dress shirt.

Khaki pants in almost any shade except those tending to be more brown than tan will look great with your black shirt. Combine the pants with black shoes and belt.

Light gray also looks great with color of shirt whether you simply choose a pair of well cut dress pants or a suit. The paler the gray the more dressy the look. Combine this shirt and pant ensemble with a black belt, black, shoes, and a silver and gray striped tie for a really great look. You can also wear a light gray sweater without the tie for a more casual look.

There are other colors that will match well with a mens shirt including black pants with a red tie or sweater and Either black or blue jeans. Black shirts make great accessories to your wardrobe if you know what colors to match your shirt with.

Men's Dress Shirts - How to Wear a Black Dress Shirt

Tony Xavier Jones is a freelance fashion and clothing expert, specializing in mens shirts. He has worked with some of the best online tailors and now consults for Embassy Shirts.

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Why Ceramic Watches Are Better

Ceramic is essentially a delicate substance. However, with help from the latest technologies, it is now possible to convert it into a highly durable and scratch-resistant material. Such use of ceramic has resulted in the creation of fashionable watches that spell class and elegance and are yet strong and durable.

Thus, ceramic, if treated properly, can become the most suitable material to be used in watches. A large number of extremely strong and high-quality watches utilise ceramic in them. Although it is highly strong, ceramic is very convenient to use since it is thin and lightweight. It is considered to be the ideal material for watches because of these qualities.

Mens Watches

Besides, ceramic watches have been in use for more than a decade. The first ceramic watch was introduced by Chanel in 2000. A ceramic watch contained non-scratch high-tech ceramic materials. Since their launch, these ceramic watches underwent several modifications and are presently the favorite among most high-profile people.

Why Ceramic Watches Are Better

It is possible to obtain a ceramic watch in different designs and styles that add to the personality of the person wearing it. Several famous watch making companies have recently entered the business of making ceramic watches, and thus, the customers are assured reliable products. Some of the famous companies that manufacture ceramic watches include Wittnauer, International Watch Company etc. Their ceramic watches have become increasingly popular because they are found to be highly functional and attractive.

Some people have a misconception that a ceramic watch is overtly expensive. It is true that some are costly. However, one can find a nice ceramic watch of high quality and high durability that is available at an affordable price as well. There is no compromise on quality in these watches. Why wait then, if you can get a stylish, durable and high quality branded ceramic watch at an good price? Manufacturers such as Oniss, Kors and Swatch are among those who provide ceramic watches at an affordable rate.

One thing customers should notice is that there can be fake ceramic watches that may look like original products but lack the intrinsic features associated with them. This is the only thing that customers should be wary of; otherwise a ceramic watch would be the most perfect choice. Some companies produce ceramic watches that also incorporate other materials such as hard metal and caoutchouc. The combination of these materials has resulted in the manufacture of highly strong and fashionable watches. People are always looking for watches that last for a long time because of their ability to resist common damages. Ceramic watches would be the perfect choice for them. More and more people are opting for watches in this category. An example of these types of manufacturers who are finding an increasing demand for ceramic watches would be Rado.

Always make it a point to find out more about the latest trends in these watches so that you would be able to select the most appropriate one for you. An important thing about these watches is their availability in different varieties. There are different varieties that are built exclusively for men and women, or can also be unisex. Watches that contain ceramic are expected to be more popular in the future because of their unique features that make these watches highly useful.

Why Ceramic Watches Are Better

Check out our large selection of ceramic watches.

If you are specifically interested in a white ceramic watch, you will find these at our online specialist stores as well.

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