Buyers Guide to Gold Platinum and Silver Jewelry

Imagine stepping into a dazzling jewelry store filled with an array of platinum, gold, and sterling silver pieces. While you long for a treasure that reflects your taste and status, concerns about deceptive marketing and counterfeit products may hold you back. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the jewelry market with confidence, teaching you how to identify authentic pieces and avoid common pitfalls.

Before You Buy: Essential Preparation

Before beginning your search for the perfect piece, thorough research about both the product and seller is crucial to ensure a wise investment.

• Prioritize reputation: Seek recommendations from trusted friends and family about their jewelry purchases. Approach online reviews with caution, particularly those that appear excessively positive, as they may be fabricated.
• Conduct background checks: Search the seller's name alongside terms like "complaints" or "reviews" to uncover any negative feedback from previous customers.
• Understand return policies: Always request and carefully review written return policies before purchasing. Clarify the conditions and process for returns or exchanges.
• Learn industry terminology: Familiarize yourself with common jewelry terms and markings to better understand materials and quality.

Platinum Jewelry: Purity Matters

Platinum, a rare and durable precious metal with exceptional luster, is often used in high-end jewelry. However, pure platinum is typically alloyed with other metals for enhanced durability.

Understanding Platinum Markings

• Platinum: Indicates at least 95% pure platinum content - the highest quality available.
• 850 Plat.: Contains 85% platinum, alloyed with other metals.
• 800 Pt. 200 Pall.: Comprises 80% platinum and 20% palladium.
• 750 Pt. 250 Rhod.: Contains 75% platinum and 25% rhodium.
• 600 Pt. 350 Irid.: Made with 60% platinum and 35% iridium.
• 75% Platinum 25% Copper: Contains copper for hardness but reduced value.

Note: Items with less than 50% platinum content cannot legally be labeled as platinum.

Gold Jewelry: Understanding Karat Marks

Gold, a classic precious metal, has symbolized wealth for centuries. When purchasing gold jewelry, karat markings indicate purity.

Gold Purity Guide

• 24K: Pure gold (99.99%), too soft for most jewelry.
• 18K: Contains 75% gold, ideal for fine jewelry.
• 14K: Contains 58.3% gold, offering durability for everyday wear.

Types of Gold-Plated Jewelry

• Gold Filled: Base metal mechanically bonded with a 10K+ gold layer.
• Gold Overlay: Similar to gold filled, must specify karat content.
• Gold Electroplate: Minimum 0.175 micron gold layer applied via electrolysis.
• Vermeil: Sterling silver with gold plating.
• Gold Flashed/Washed: Extremely thin gold coating that wears quickly.

Sterling Silver: The 925 Standard

Sterling silver, with its soft glow and versatility, remains popular for jewelry. Authentic pieces should bear "925" markings.

• 925 Sterling: Contains 92.5% pure silver, alloyed with 7.5% copper.
• Silver Plated: Base metal with thin silver coating that tarnishes easily.
• Coin Silver: Contains 90% silver, slightly less pure than sterling.

Pewter Jewelry: Composition Considerations

Pewter, a malleable metal used in decorative items, must contain at least 90% tin to qualify as pewter jewelry.

Protecting Your Rights

If you encounter issues with jewelry purchases, consider these recourse options:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
• State Attorney General's Office
• Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC)
• International Consumer Protection Agencies

Purchasing precious metal jewelry represents a significant investment. By understanding quality markers, verifying seller reputations, and maintaining proper documentation, you can make informed decisions that protect both your financial interests and personal style.