F.A.Q.
General Jewellery Questions
Question: What's the difference between Platinum and White Gold?
Answer: I call Platinum the metal of threes. Platinum is three times the distance under ground than gold, it requires three times the heat needed to melt, and has three times the durability. It also takes three times the tools required to work with. So I'll bet you guessed it - it's also three times the cost. White gold, of course, is a mixture of pure gold and some other alloy such as nickel to help give it the white silvery look which is natural in platinum.
Question: This question comes from all the men we see daily looking for engagement rings. They want to know how much they should be spending on an engagement ring. Many have heard that the rule of thumb is 3 months salary.
Answer: Well I say "Hog Wash". The truth is, there is no rule of thumb. In fact, I encourage you to make a budget yourself, before you enter a jewellery store, and stay with it no matter what. Remember, it's the romance and significance we place on the meaning of the ring, not the amount you end up paying. The fact that the ring shows value and commitment on its own should make all the difference.
Question: What should we do with all the old jewellery sitting around our homes?
Answer: It's really amazing just what can be done with old jewellery. First off, in most cases, and the easiest to do, colored stones and/or diamonds, can be removed and set directly into new settings of your choice. We literally have thousands of ideas here at the store, or perhaps you could come up with an idea your self ... customize it. Secondly, consider melting the old gold and making a family heirloom. At the very least, bring it in so you can get an idea of what it's all worth. You'd be surprised at the value of your hidden treasure.
Question: How come my wife's white gold ring has turned yellowish?
Answer: White gold is a mixture of yellow gold and some other white alloy. Some people are allergic to the alloys mixed with gold, not the gold itself, and so the acids in the skin react with this alloy causing it to tarnish the ring to its dominant yellow color. We combat this with Rhodium plating, which usually keeps the ring silvery white for many years. It's only a $25 surcharge, but works like magic.
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