howeenterprise.com
Monday, November 21, 2016
Learn about antiques and collectibles with Dr. Georgia Caraway
This week’s column will define the gold filled and is not solid gold. various types of gold and the The marking 14KP or 14KP does standards to which they adhere. not necessarily mean gold plated. It also can stand for 14K gold The karat system is used to reveal plumb, which is solid gold. If your the amount of pure gold found in a piece of jewelry has a P in the piece of jewelry. Solid gold marking, be sure to have the gold jewelry is not actually solid at all. tested. Technically you should A portion of the gold is mixed with never depend solely on a gold different alloys. Each shade of gold hallmark to determine gold value. uses a different combination of Some people will illegally mark alloys. plated gold with 14K gold Karat values range from 24K down stampings to try to sell for a profit. to 9k. The gold content on anything The term carat, spelled with a "c," 8k or less is so low that it wouldn't is often confused with the term be considered solid gold jewelry. karat. They are both pronounced Karat is also used on gold filled the same, but carat refers to the and gold plated jewelry. Even weight of a gemstone. You could though these pieces are not solid all have a 1.5 carat diamond set in an the way through, the portion of 18 karat gold setting. gold included also has a certain percentage of pure gold. SHOP LOCAL. We can show you Howe! I encourage you to shop 1. 24K is pure gold content with locally at various Howe merchants no additives. It is marked 24K in —especially during the holiday the US and Britain-; but is season. Think outside the box marked 1000 fine in Europe when buying gifts for your favorite 2. 14K is 14 parts gold content folks. Why not purchase gift (58.3%) and 10 parts alloy (silver, certificates at Abby’s, Gabrielas, copper or zinc). In Europe it is Quick Chek, Palios, Bakers Dozen marked 583. Donuts, or Sonic for your working 3. 18K is 18 parts gold (75%) friends who will likely eat lunch and 6 parts alloy; Europe is marked out? Or give a gift certificate to a 750. friend’s favorite hair salon. And 4. 10K is 10 parts gold (41.67%) consider fresh baked goods or and 14 parts alloy; Europe 417. dinner prepared by Mama Suzy. 5. White gold has nickel added Senior citizens would appreciate to 18K gold. gift certificates for Dollar General, 6. Green gold has 25% silver gasoline, oil changes or other auto added to 18K gold. repairs. And of course, HOWE 7. Red gold has 25% copper MERCANTILE has dozens of gift added to 18K gold. items from china to books, 8. GF denotes gold filled. primitives from Pennsylvania, teacups and saucers to man cave If your piece of jewelry is marked items for your favorite men, as 14KGF or 10KGF, that is a well as spectacular jewelry, common indication that the item is pillows, and holiday decorations.
Page #9
Small Business Saturday coming this week across the nation
On Nov. 26, millions of Texans and other Americans will "shop and dine small" on Small Business Saturday, which has become an American tradition. Over the past two and a half years, Howe has experienced a renaissance of small businesses opening in the area. Since 2014, Don's Smokehouse, Gabriela's Mexican Cocina (formerly Mi Estrella), Abby's Restaurant, Howe Mercantile, Texas Home Emporium, TLD Design Consulting, Advanced Business Machines, Stark Lane Farms and the Howe Development Alliance have all opened doors in the downtown area. According to the National Retail Federation, consumer spending accounts for 70 percent of gross domestic product year-round, delivering a big boost to the U.S. economy. That’s why consumer motivations and behavior behind that spending are critically important this time of year. Holiday season sales account for 19 percent of annual retail industry sales, according to the NRF.
help do your part: If you’re a customer, commit to making at least one purchase from a locally owned small retailer. Get to know the owner, and make your gift more meaningful by sharing their story as part of what you give your loved ones. Also, after a day of shopping, you can continue to support small businesses by dining small at your favorite local restaurant, coffee shop or watering hole. Enjoy the experience. Travel outside your comfort zone — and away from your computer screen — to discover an out-of-the ordinary shopping district with trendy local stores. Join the conversation on social media, using the tags #SmallBizSat, #ShopSmall and #DineSmall to amplify your support. If you find a great small retailer with unique products, tweet or Facebook your find so others can enjoy it too.
When you open your gifts, start a In an article written by Herbert conversation about which one came Austin recently published in the from the most distinctive and Denton Record-Chronicle, it stated creative sellers. This can make for that many consumers indicated great debate over eggnog or your Small Business Saturday inspires drink of choice. them to continue to shop and dine small throughout the year and not Please join in supporting and just for the holidays. Among those driving Small Business Saturday who shopped on Small Business until the sun goes down on Nov. 26 Saturday, 81 percent helped spread in Denton County. And remember the word by encouraging family that “shop small” refers to whom and friends. you buy from, not how much you buy! Austin listed a few simple steps to
