Most Common Jewelry Questions, Answered

Jewelry is a complex topic. There are a myriad of glamorous accessories on the market, each distinct and beautiful. In addition, there is plenty of jargon and esoteric concepts that surround these pieces that aren’t taught in grade school. We at Long Jewelers have been purveyors of fine jewelry since our company’s foundation. As such, we are well-equipped to answer all of your questions. Before contacting us directly, here are a few answers to the most common queries about jewelry.

What Diamond is Right for Me’

Every engagement ring has a radiant center stone. There are many diamonds out there made to fill that role, each exhibiting its own unique characteristics. Such diversity makes it difficult to find one that suits the wearer best. To find a gem that’s right for you, first consider your budget. Diamonds vary wildly in price, so it’s essential to narrow it down.

Then, think about your priorities. Do you want the largest carat possible, or the most brilliance? If the former, consider getting less expensive cuts like pears; if the latter, round cuts are peerlessly bright. Lastly, consider quality. Some shapes like emerald cuts show off the inside of the gem, making imperfections more visible. Research the four C’s to learn more about how diamond grading works.

How Do I Clean My Jewelry’

Cleaning jewelry is simple. First, note that it’s essential to clean your jewelry often. So long as you wear it, body oils, dirt, and grime can build up on the piece. An at-home cleaning requires a few items: soap, water, a soft toothbrush, and a microfiber cloth. Simply let the jewelry sit in a bowl of warm soapy water, give it a gentle scrub with a soft-bristled brush, and dry it off.

Some pieces don’t do well with water. If that’s the case, you’ll have to give a gentle rub with a dry toothbrush. No matter how often you clean jewelry at home, you should still bring it to a jeweler for deep cleaning periodically. They’ll get to places you can’t, furthering the longevity of your favorite pieces.

What Makes the Varieties of Gold Different’

There are many types of gold used in jewelry. Rose, white, and yellow gold look so different, it can be hard to remember that they are made up mostly of the same metal. Note that yellow gold is still an alloy, despite resembling the natural element. When found in its natural state, gold is soft and brittle. While beautiful, it’s not great for jewelry. Jewelers introduce other elements to strengthen gold and, sometimes, change its color.

Rose gold, beloved for its regal pink color, is made via the use of copper. White gold is made with the addition of silvery metals like rhodium and chrome. Yellow gold contains a variety of elements, the amount of which depends on the karat of the alloy. Speaking of which, karat refers to the purity of an alloy. One karat is 1/24th parts pure, so 18k gold is 75% pure gold.

Do I Wear the Engagement Ring with My Wedding Band’

There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Some prefer to slip their wedding band on and call it a day, while others wear their engagement ring alongside the band. The latter creates a luxurious bridal stack, while the former is more convenient. One’s choice varies based on cultural background, tastes, comfort, and more.

Why is Long Jewelers the Best Source for Fine Jewelry’

At Long Jewelers, our long history of providing the most sublime and sophisticated accessories in Virginia Beach illustrates our commitment to making our customers happy and feeling beautiful. We are proud to offer our customers a selection of some of the most beloved and desirable designer brands in the industry. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find something incredible and long-lasting at our jewelry store. Give us a call at (757) 498-1186 to learn more.