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Jewelry
PROFESSIONAL TECHNIQUES USED IN ASSESSING SECOND-HAND JEWELRY By Indra Jhaveri metal type determined. Identifying material and the quality of cutting However, most jewelry is fabricated stones requires visual examination and polishing. Metals used in jewelry on a larger scale. With the casting
Buying second-hand jewelry using a 10x loupe or microscope are typically alloys, which are are technique, a master model is made, a requires close examination and sometimes even the use of combinations of different types mold is created and then wax is used and analysis. It’s important to a refractometer, polariscope, of metal that affect purity, alter to create models that are cast in the consider the type and quality of all dichroscope, spectrometer and/ appearance and improve workability. desired metal. the gems, metals and manufacturing or specific gravity liquids. Some The acid test is a classic technique processes to determine value. specialized equipment exists to help that uses different types of acids to In the stamping technique, a design Second-hand jewelry shoppers may discriminate natural and man-made test the reaction of a tiny bit of metal is carved into steel. Metal placed select those that they like, but if they diamonds, and simulants such as scratched onto a black stone. into this type of mold is shaped using are truly looking for value when it cubic zirconia, moissanite, and even very high pressure to push the metal comes to second-hand shopping, it’s synthetic white sapphires. Each alloy reacts differently to the into the impression. Both of these always best to get the professional various liquids used during testing. methods allow the replication of the opinion of a jeweler who has all the There are hundreds if not thousands Modern metal testing methods same image. Different amounts of proper equipment to make the most of materials that can be used in include devices that test thermal or hand finishing are required to set accurate appraisal. jewelry, and the value of a gem electrical conductivity. Generally, stones and polish the final product. material depends upon material Karat gold and sterling silver are These elements of stone and metal Stones must be identified and type, color, inclusions in transparent used for fine jewelry and base metals types along with manufacturing or even plastics are used for costume processes all play into the evaluation jewelry. of worth and value of a piece of The type and quality of manufacturjewelry. ing is also an important element of For more, visit www.amidiamondvalue. Some of the finest pieces are sandjewelry.com, email amidientirely hand fabricated and com- amond@live.com or call 602-923pletely unique or even one-of-a-kind. 8200.
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4615 E. Cactus (SWC of Tatum & Cactus, next to Big 5)
