Shopping for jewelry can be very exciting. It can also be very expensive. It is best to take some time to learn terms that are used in the jewelry industry in order to make an educated decision. A little research can help you best asses the quality and value of the jewelry you are shopping for regardless of whether you are shopping online, in a catalog or at a store.

Diamond Rings

Diamond Rings

If you see a ring that claims to be diamond and has a sterling silver setting, be very wary. Diamonds are only professionally set in white gold, yellow gold or platinum. Very rarely and mostly never will you see a diamond ring set in sterling silver. There are a few infrequent cases with a few low grade diamond chips set in silver, but usually this will not happen. If you see a jewelry store with this practice, they are usually selling zirconia and claiming them as diamonds.

A fake diamond ring is a cheaper option and can look as good as the real thing.

A pave setting can be a unique choice when selecting a diamond ring. A pave setting is actually a bunch of tiny diamonds set together, rather than one single large diamond. The diamonds are placed in tiny holes, with their surface almost at the same height as your setting. It can be difficult to distinguish a pave setting for a single setting with the naked eye, but the cost is significantly less.

Understanding the terms used to describe jewelry and the processes involved in jewelry making can be invaluable when shopping for jewelry for you or for others. With a little time and research you can become an educated savvy shopper who can identify quality and value when looking for good jewelry pieces.