Jewelry

Fine jewelry refers to jewelry that is made from high-quality materials such as precious metals like gold, silver, or platinum, and adorned with gemstones like diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. The term "fine" typically implies that the jewelry is of exceptional quality and craftsmanship, often featuring intricate designs and unique details. Fine jewelry is often more expensive than costume jewelry, due to the use of premium materials and the amount of time and skill required to create each piece. Fine jewelry can come in many forms, including rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.

Sustainable jewelry refers to jewelry that has been produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. This includes sourcing materials from responsible sources, using eco-friendly production methods, and ensuring fair labor practices throughout the supply chain. Here at Brilliant Earth, sustainable jewelry is our thing. We prioritize transparency and traceability, allowing consumers to understand where their jewelry comes from and how it was produced. We only offer gemstones that are ethically sourced or even Beyond Conflict Free™, so you need not compromise between quality and conscience. By choosing sustainable jewelry, consumers can reduce their impact on the environment and support ethical practices within the jewelry industry.

Read our Mission Report to learn more about our commitment to sustainable jewelry.

Ethical jewelry refers to jewelry that is produced using ethical and sustainable practices, ensuring that workers' rights are respected, and that the environment is not harmed. This means that the materials used to create the jewelry are sourced responsibly, such as using recycled metals and conflict-free gemstones. Ethical jewelry makers prioritize fair labor practices, which includes paying workers fair wages and ensuring safe working conditions. Here at Brilliant Earth, we go a step further to offer Beyond Conflict Free™ diamonds, so you need not compromise between quality and conscience.

In addition to environmental and labor concerns, ethical jewelry can also include supporting local communities by purchasing from small-scale artisanal miners and jewelers. This helps to promote economic development and protect cultural traditions. Consumers who prioritize ethical jewelry can feel good about their purchases, knowing that they are supporting a more sustainable and equitable industry. Overall, ethical jewelry is about making conscious choices that prioritize the planet and its people.

Read our Mission Report to learn more about our commitment to ethical jewelry.

Insuring jewelry is essential to protect your investment against loss or damage. The first step is to get an appraisal from a qualified jewelry appraiser. The appraiser will evaluate the value of your jewelry based on its current market value and the quality of the materials used. With the appraisal in hand, you can then contact an insurance company to purchase a policy that covers your jewelry.

One popular type of jewelry insurance is Lavalier Insurance. Here at Brilliant Earth, we work directly with Lavalier to offer coverage for loss, theft, damage, and disappearance of jewelry items. The policy covers all types of jewelry, including engagement rings, wedding bands, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. The coverage is worldwide, and you can add or remove items as needed. The cost of jewelry insurance varies depending on the value of your jewelry and the coverage you choose. The annual premium typically ranges from 1-2% of the appraised value of the jewelry.

Jewelry markings are typically found on the inside or back of a piece of jewelry. To identify your jewelry markings, you can use a magnifying glass or jeweler's loupe to examine the markings closely. The numbers on jewelry can refer to a variety of things, such as the purity of the metal, the carat weight of the gemstones, or the size of the piece itself. For example, "14K" indicates that a piece of jewelry is made from 14 karat gold, while "1.5 ct" refers to a diamond or other gemstone that weighs 1.5 carats. It's important to note that the numbers on jewelry can vary depending on the country of origin, so it's important to understand the specific conventions used in your region.

"TW" in jewelry stands for "total weight" and is used to indicate the combined weight of all the gemstones in a piece of jewelry. This is important information for buyers who want to know how much the entire piece weighs, including all the diamonds or other gems. "CTTW" stands for "carat total weight" and is similar to TW, but specifically refers to the total weight of all the diamonds or other gemstones in a piece of jewelry. This is an important factor to consider when evaluating the value and quality of a piece of diamond jewelry.

Cleaning jewelry regularly is essential to maintain its shine and luster. It also helps to remove any dirt or debris that may be stuck on the jewelry. There are different methods to clean jewelry, depending on the type of metal and stones used. Here are some general tips on how to clean jewelry at home:

• Soak the jewelry in warm water mixed with a mild detergent or soap for a few minutes.
• Use a soft-bristled brush or a toothbrush to gently scrub the jewelry.
• Rinse the jewelry under running water and dry it with a soft cloth.
• For jewelry with gemstones, avoid using harsh chemicals and instead opt for a solution of water and ammonia to clean it.
• For silver jewelry, use a silver polishing cloth to remove tarnish and restore its shine.
• It's important to note that some jewelry may require specialized cleaning methods, so always consult a professional jeweler if in doubt. With proper care and maintenance, your jewelry will continue to shine and sparkle for years to come. Read our Jewelry Care Guide for further information.

If your jewelry is from Brilliant Earth, bring it into one of our showrooms and we’ll clean it for you, free of charge.