Frequently Asked Questions

On APPRAISALS

Why do I need current appraisals for my jewelry?

By far, the most important reason is for insurance purposes. Over the years, the value of your jewelry and gemstones can fluctuate greatly. If your last appraisal is over two years old it may be out-of-date and, as a result, your jewelry could be insured for less than its replacement value. That means you risk a substantial financial loss if your jewelry is lost, stolen or damaged. For your protection, we recommend you have your jewelry appraised every two years. Denton will provide you with accurate appraisal reports based on current market values so you can obtain adequate insurance coverage. You may also want to determine the value or authenticity of your jewelry for estate and tax purposes, divorce settlements, donations and loans.

I have homeowner's insurance. If I lose my jewelry, am I automatically covered?

You are not covered for loss or damage unless you have your jewelry appraised and scheduled separately. JAS will carefully document your jewelry piece-by-piece so you can have it properly scheduled.

Do I need to make an appointment for an appraisal?

You do not need to make an appointment during regular office hours though it is suggested if you wish to avoid delays, and have numerous items. Appointments are required for appraisals after hours or on Saturdays.

ON DIAMONDS (Click for Glossary of Terms)

I am in the market for a diamond engagement ring. Can you advise me?

Because diamonds can vary greatly in quality, it is a good idea to talk to an expert before making your purchase. Denton Jeweler has a consultation service to educate you about diamonds and show you how to recognize the characteristics that give them their value. This knowledge will help you make an informed decision. We can also determine the fair market value of your purchase by performing an appraisal.

On GOLD

How do you know it‘s real gold?

All that glitters isn't gold! When buying gold jewelry, always look for a karat mark, such as 18K, 14K, 10K, etc. plus the manufacturer's trademark. Stamped somewhere on each piece, this mark of quality indicates you are buying real gold. The karat mark refers to the purity of gold. Gold in its purest state, 24 karat, is generally considered too soft for practical use in jewelry. It must be alloyed with other special metals to increase its durability and workability. Twenty-four karat is 100% pure gold, or 24 parts gold; 18K is 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metal; 14K is 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metal; and, 10K is 10 parts gold and 14 parts other metal. Nothing less than 10K can legally be marked or sold as gold jewelry in the United States. Alloys of less than 10 karat gold cannot be stamped with the karat mark and are not considered real gold. For example, some jewelry is processed with a layer of gold which has been mechanically bonded to a base metal. This jewelry cannot have a karat mark unless it is qualified. In other words it must be marked "gold filled" preceded by the karat fineness; e.g. "14K gold filled." Summing up, with gold an ever more precious and fashionable metal, the karat mark on a piece of jewelry is becoming increasingly significant. Only karat gold jewelry is real gold, offering the lasting characteristics of this precious metal.

ON PLATINUM

Why platinum?

Platinum is among the finest, purest and rarest precious metals on earth, and has an understated elegance that appeals to both men and women. Platinum is strong. Platinum, one of the strongest and most enduring metals in the world, is also one of the heaviest: it weighs 60% more than karat gold. It is ideal for jewelry worn every day because it exhibits little material loss, even after prolonged wear. Platinum is pure. In the U.S., platinum jewelry generally contains 90% or 95% pure platinum. By comparison, 18 karat gold is 75% pure gold and 14 karat gold is 58% pure gold. Platinum is hypoallergenic and resists tarnish. Platinum is rare. To produce a single ounce of platinum, a total of 10 tons of ore must be mined. In comparison, only three tons of ore are required to produce one ounce of gold. Rarity lends platinum its cachet. Platinum is lustrous. Platinum's rich white luster perfectly complements diamonds and other precious gems. Its neutral color enhances a stone's brilliance and depth. Platinum is fashionable. Platinum jewelry appeals to many people today because of its subtle beauty and elegant understatement. Many platinum jewelry designs are accented with 18 karat gold, creating a sophisticated, versatile and fashionable look.

Why is platinum's purity important to me?

Platinum is hypoallergenic, resists tarnish, is one of the strongest precious metals in the world and is extremely durable. Is platinum the same as white gold? No, it is quite different. During World War II, the U.S. government prohibited platinum's use in all non-military applications, including jewelry. Because of strong consumer preference for platinum's pure white luster, white gold was substituted in platinum's absence. To create white gold, yellow gold is alloyed with nickel and zinc (and small amounts of copper and silver), thereby achieving a white metal look. Platinum has purity, strength, rarity, durability, and a natural rich, white color.

How should I care for and clean my platinum jewelry?

Platinum jewelry should be cleaned the same way you clean other fine jewelry. Use a good pre-packaged jewelry cleaner available from your local jeweler or have it professionally cleaned by your jeweler. As with all precious jewelry, store with care, not allowing pieces to touch or scratch each other.

Will platinum scratch?

Signs of wear, including scratches, will inevitably appear in all precious metals, even with platinum. Due to platinum's amazing durability and strength, however, there is little or no material loss when it is scratched.

Is platinum fashionable?

How will it coordinate with my gold jewelry? Yes, platinum is fashionable! It is very fashionable to wear platinum jewelry with your other fine gold jewelry. Platinum jewelry often contains karat gold design accents, just as karat gold jewelry is sometimes accented with platinum. Platinum's white color beautifully contrasts with yellow gold and adds versatility to your existing jewelry wardrobe.

Is platinum a good value?

Yes! Platinum is an excellent value because of its inherent qualities: its purity, its strength, its durability and its rarity. When you purchase platinum jewelry, you are buying jewelry that is almost 100% pure. In the U.S., platinum jewelry is generally 90% or 95% pure platinum, with 5% or 10% alloy of a platinum group metal. By comparison, 18 karat gold is 75% pure gold and 14 karat gold is 58%.