henderson

THE OTHER 2 C’S YOU NEED TO CONSIDER WHEN SHOPPING FOR A DIAMOND

website@sitemodify.com (Website Editor) — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 06:59:39 GMT

If you’ve been shopping for diamonds for any length of time, you’re probably already aware of the “4 C’s”…

Cut refers to the diamond’s reflective properties.
Clarity refers to the occurrence of inner flaws or inclusions in the diamond.
Color refers to the presence or absence of a diamond’s color.
Carat refers to the weight of the diamond.

While these parameters are critically important in choosing the right diamond for yourself or that special someone, do you know the other 2 C’s that we believe are as equally important?

BEYOND CUT, COLOR, CLARITY, AND CARAT…

Familiarizing yourself with the 4 C’s is a great place to start when thinking about purchasing a diamond, but there are 2 more C’s to add to your list so you can make the best decision possible. We think these C’s are essential for helping you get exactly what you want from a diamond.

Communication: When buying a diamond, look for a jeweler who communicates with you clearly and openly. You shouldn’t feel afraid to ask questions—ask away! They are there to empower you and help you make an informed decision about your diamond purchase. Be aware of “jewelry jargon”—the terms they’re using shouldn’t sound like a foreign language to you. And if they do use jargon, those terms should be explained to you. They also shouldn’t necessarily sway you toward one purchasing option over another. Do you want a bigger, less clear diamond? Great! Or, would you rather buy a smaller, clearer diamond? Awesome! The choice is YOURS. Communication is truly key in this process.

Commitment: Look for a jeweler who is “committed” to you throughout the whole purchasing process—beginning, middle, and end! Here are a few questions to consider:

Do you feel welcome when you walk in the store or are you intimidated?
Do you sense the sales people are listening to you throughout the diamond purchase?
Are they providing you with ample options to make the right choice?
After the sale has been made, is there a follow-up process in place to ensure your satisfaction with the overall experience?

We strive to make sure you are comfortable with your shopping experience at Henderson & Co. We want to become YOUR jeweler!

A DIAMOND FELL OUT OF MY RING! NOW WHAT?

website@sitemodify.com (Website Editor) — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 06:59:39 GMT

One of the most common complaints about jewelers and jewelry across the board is the often touchy issue of a diamond falling out of a ring during cleaning, repairs, typing, breathing, etc. It’s a touchy subject where everyone wants to point the finger at someone else, but allow us to, as professionals in the industry, explain both sides of the issue.

Just so we all know what kind of ring it is most likely to happen to: Micro pave rings. They are super popular, and have teeny tiny prongs that hold the diamonds in the ring. Pave settings are notorious for losing stones, no matter how long (or short) a time you’ve worn them.

Did you know that the prongs are thinner than paper clips and made out of a relatively soft metal (white gold) Each time you wear it, the prongs (especially those on the outer edges and at the tallest points) are getting worn down fractionally.

Many rings on the market are priced to sell. Not necessarily priced to last. The thinner the metal holding the diamonds, the more prone they are to damage/wear and tear.

We will replace, for free, any tiny diamond that falls out of the ring you bought from us within the first two years you own it.

WHAT IS TARNISH?

website@sitemodify.com (Website Editor) — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 06:59:39 GMT

Tarnish is the product of a chemical reaction between a metal and a non-metal compound such as oxygen or sulfur dioxide. A thin layer of corrosion forms over the metal, which mars its shine.

What metals can tarnish?

Your 24 karat gold (pure gold not mixed with other metals) and platinum will not tarnish, but pretty much all other metals will, including less-than-24 karat gold, silver, copper, brass, aluminum and magnesium.

How can I prevent tarnish?

When jewelry is made of metals that can tarnish, you should be careful about how you store it in order to prevent contact with a substance that can cause tarnish. Leaving a piece exposed to the air will cause tarnish due to exposure to oxygen, so these pieces should be stored in a box or pouch. Be sure that your storage option is designed for the purpose and does not use sulfur in the fabric, glue, paper or threads, as sulfur compounds will cause tarnish to develop.

Anti-tarnish fabric is used to make pouches and to line jewelry boxes; anti-tarnish strips can be added to your storage to increase protection. Anti-tarnish cloths and papers both contain substances that absorb or attract the tarnish-causing compound before it comes into contact with the metal. This process prevents tarnish from developing but does not remove existing tarnish.

Can I buy jewelry that won’t tarnish?

Gold and platinum jewelry will not tarnish, but is also more expensive. Gold or rhodium plating on silver is one option to prevent tarnish. There are also tarnish-preventing chemicals that can be applied to the metal to protect it for a period of time. While these options impede tarnish, they do not prevent it permanently. Plating and chemicals will wear away, eventually exposing the underlying metal to tarnish-causing agents. Talk to your jeweler about the best options for your needs.

How do I remove tarnish?

Tarnish can be removed through polishing with a professional polishing cloth or using a tarnish-removing formula. Ask your jeweler to recommend a suitable formula which is designed for the purpose.