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How‌ ‌To‌ ‌Layer‌ ‌Necklaces‌

As you browse the collection of necklaces in your jewelry box, you might have all of the ingredients you need for a classic and trendy look right at your fingertips! From beads to chains, layering necklaces is one way to create effortless style and one of our favorite fashion trends.

The Perfect Necklace Stack

The perfect necklace stack is one that combines necklaces with different chain lengths in a perfectly spaced stack. Length variation is very important for the perfect stack.

Daintier necklaces can be used as a choker or at the top of the stack with varying lengths dropping down about two inches apart. Top the look off with a nice coin necklace or a longer necklace with a nice pendant.

For a tighter stack, use your dainty chain necklaces to create a cascading effect with necklaces spaced out with about one inch between them.

Up Your Stacking Game and Prevent Tangles

The great thing about layering necklaces is that your style can be elegant or fun depending on the jewelry collection you choose. Gold chain necklaces are perfect for an elegant look. Chunky necklaces, pearls, or beads can make a more casual or even vintage layered look.

It also doesn't matter if your necklaces are thick or thin. You can wear multiple pieces of different weights and thicknesses for texture. Plus, by throwing different chain styles in the mix, you prevent tangling!

Start with putting your dainty necklaces on first and then your thicker layers. The thicker or chunky necklaces will help hold down the dainty ones. This will prevent tangling. Similar chains are more prone to tangles. Of course, may sure that your necklaces aren't tangled before you put them on as well.

If tangling becomes a real issue, there are special clasps designed to keep your necklaces perfectly layered while preventing tangling at the back of your neck. These are especially useful if you like to wear chains of the same thickness.

Choosing Chains

Necklaces of different lengths are ideal and most are sold in increments of two inches, which is ideal for layering. Most chains come in 14", 16", 18", and 20" inches. If you have several chains in your jewelry box, but they are the same length, you can purchase removable necklace extenders that will allow you to layer the jewelry you have without a big investment in all new jewelry. It can make the difference in being able to add one of your favorite necklaces or not to your stack. A sizing guide can help you determine the lengths of your multiple pieces.

There's a wide variety of necklace styles available that make perfect layers. Mix chains with tiny charms or interwoven beads into the mix to create texture in your look.

Find a Centerpiece in Your Jewelry Box

An important part of creating the perfect layered necklace look is to have an eye-catching centerpiece. While you combine multiple pieces, you want one necklace that takes center stage and stands out from the rest.

One of our top tips is to have one necklace that is your statement necklace. This could be a long and sexy lariat necklace that draws a long focal point with a v-neck top or it can be one with a large pendant that shows your personal expression.

Your centerpiece can be anything from a gold coin necklace, jewels to a zodiac sign pendant, but it must always be on a longer chain that compliments your outfit.

Consider Your Outfit when Layering Necklaces

Fashion trends come and go, but layered necklaces have always been fashionable. Plus, you can wear them with just about anything. However, it's always important to consider your top and how it will work with different necklaces.

If you are wearing a crew neck tee or top, you'll want to go with either just a couple of short chains or much longer pieces. You don't want your collar to interfere with your look and cause your necklaces to get lost.

Scoop necks or v-necks are perfect for layered necklaces, as they allow them to be showcased perfectly against your skin. However, keep it simple.

Solid-colored tops are ideal for layering than patterned tops. This allows the necklaces to really be seen rather than get visually lost in the pattern of an outfit.

Long Necklaces Last

Always make sure your longest necklace is your last one. This is particularly true with lariat necklaces. Lariats are also great at creating dimension to your look. They are one of our layering favorites.

Layering in levels is important and for really long necklaces, you may need to double them up. You'll get length plus an extra loop in your stack!

Don't Forget Colored Layered Necklaces

It's easy to stick with gold or silver, but you can also mix up your look and add some fun with color.

Add bright, primary colors with small beads, gems, or even pearls. Contrast those with chains of a matching tone.

Color doesn't have to be bold and bright to have beauty either. You can mix and match rose gold or silver into your layer necklaces as well. Subtlety is always in trend.

Thick and chunky chain necklaces can also add color as well as visual interest. Don't be afraid to mix the old with the new!

The Best Top Tip is to Just Have Fun!

There's not just one trend or one way your necklaces should be worn. Layering is all about your own personal style!

You never know what might happen when you combine necklaces you've never worn together before. You might find the perfect combination.

When you shop for jewelry, always keep in mind your wardrobe and the other necklaces you have at home. Many stores are even selling independently selected necklaces and offering them as a layered set, making it easy to shop for the perfect layered necklace collection.

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What is Gold-Filled?

Gold-filled jewelry, or rolled gold, is a popular and affordable jewelry option. It was created in the 19th century by the English. It allowed jewelry designers to create large pieces of jewelry without spending a fortune making it with solid gold. The quality was much better than gold-plated as well. Gold-filled jewelry was also popular during the 20s and 30s. The world was in economic upheaval with the Great Depression and World War, so gold-filled jewelry became a popular choice for those who couldn't afford solid gold jewelry.

Today, it is particularly popular with individuals who suffer from allergies or sensitive skin and have to be cautious about purchasing jewelry. Gold-filled jewelry is a great alternative to solid gold without turn your skin green.

What is 14K gold-filled jewelry?

In the USA, "gold-filled" jewelry refers to jewelry that is 5% or 1/20 pure gold by weight. The gold aspect of the jewelry is out the outer portion of the jewelry piece that has a brass base metal. The brass is covered in layers of 14k gold that is pressure bonded to the brass. The brass adds to the durability of the jewelry, reduces the cost of the overall piece, but has the quality of solid 14k gold jewelry. Gold-filled jewelry has not always been made with a brass core, however. In the past, the gold alloy was also bonded to copper or sterling silver.

Within this area of jewelry-making, is single-clad and double-clad. Single-clad gold filled is when the gold layer is placed in a single layer on one side. Double clad is when the gold layer is split and bonded on both sides of the material. Either way, it is important to remember that the gold-filled material is a complete composite, as the raw material. The designer doesn't do the bonding of the pure gold to the base metal.

The karat number that the jewelry is described by is how much gold alloy is on the surface of the inner core. The gold is typically 12k or 14k gold. The jewelry will be labeled with both the karat number and a "/" symbol along with the weight of the gold. For example, 14/20 for 14 karat gold filled or 12/20 for 12 karat gold filled. A quality stamp with the karat number will be abbreviated as 14/20 GF or 12/20 GF.

What's the difference between "gold-filled" and "gold fill"?

Nothing, actually. Gold-filled and gold fill is the same thing. Both phrases are often used interchangeably. Both names, however, do cause some misconception. The jewelry is not actually filled with gold. As mentioned above, it is simply gold surrounding the base metal.

What about white gold or rose gold-filled?

There are various colors of gold that can be used to create gold-filled jewelry aside from yellow gold. The only difference is the color and not the quality and durability of the jewelry piece. The color of the gold is created by combining metals to pure 24k gold to change the color.

Isn't gold-filled just gold-plated?

No, with gold-filled, you get jewelry with much more gold and much more durability. In short, gold-filled creates a higher-quality piece of jewelry. While the gold is bonded to a base metal, the thickness of the gold is strictly regulated, but gold-plating is not. A gold-plated piece of jewelry will have a much thinner layer of gold on the base material. So the difference between gold-filled and gold-plated is substantially less gold in plated jewelry.

There are two types of gold-plated jewelry - heavy and simply gold-plated. While the heavy gold-plating may last, the top layer will eventually wear away. Filled gold has a thick layer of gold creating a higher quality product.

Remember, the important difference between plated gold and gold-filled is the weight. Gold-filled jewelry must contain 5% gold. While gold plated is more like a gold coating. Gold-plated is more like costume jewelry, eventually, the gold appearance will wear off, exposing the brass.

How long does gold-filled jewelry last?

Gold-filled pieces can last a lifetime, just like their solid gold counterparts. There are gold-filled jewelry pieces from the Victorian era that still exist. The longevity of the pieces will depend on the wear and tear they receive as well as the care they are given.

Will gold-filled items tarnish?

A gold fill piece does not typically tarnish, but it can happen. The circumstances need to be quite extreme for it to tarnish, such as extreme sulfide exposure. To keep your gold-filled pieces clean, simply use a soft cloth and mild soapy water to clean them.

A few situations that have caused gold-filled materials to tarnish or blacken include foreign transit through highly polluted locations, gold-filled items stored in a nail salon with high levels of chemicals in the air, and in houses or buildings that have burned and filled with smoke. Otherwise, it takes a lot for it to tarnish than other metals, such as plated jewelry gold or sterling silver.

What about allergies?

We started out this article talking about how gold-filled pieces are popular with those who have allergies or sensitive skin and here's why. Individuals that are very sensitive to jewelry will often have to wear solid gold alloys or they risk irritation or skin discoloration.

Whether or not a person has a reaction to gold alloys will also have a reaction to gold-filled jewelry and it all has to do with body chemistry. Certain metals cause some people to have a rash or their skin will turn black or green.

If you don't have a reaction to solid gold, then you will likely not have a reaction to gold-filled either. The layer of gold on gold-filled pieces is very thick, unlike gold-plated items, which will wear away and may cause allergy issues. If you don't have an issue with pure gold alloy, then you shouldn't have an issue with gold-filled material.

Will gold-fill flake off?

Gold-filled material will not flake off. This is because the rolled gold plate is mechanically bonded with pressure and heat. The jewelry is designed with the resiliency of solid gold jewelry. Flaking is more common with gold-plated jewelry that has only a very thin gold layer and not much gold content. The only way your jewelry would flake is if the piece took a heavy blow that could damage it to extent that it reaches the base metal and causes the gold to chip off. However, if that were to happen, the entire piece would likely be ruined. Generally speaking, gold-filled components are very sturdy and durable.

Will gold-filled jewelry rust?

No, it is not possible for solid gold jewelry to rust, so gold-filled jewelry will not either. The base metal is completely enclosed with a thick gold overlay, so gold-filled items will not rust just like real gold.

On the other hand, plated jewelry may rust with wear that causes the gold plate to flake, exposing the solid layer of metal beneath it. Remember, plated jewelry gold pieces have less gold than gold-filled jewelry.

Will gold fill items withstand daily wear?

Yes, a gold-filled item will withstand daily wear, but proper care must be taken for the longevity of the jewelry. For example, you can sleep in 14k gold fill and it won't damage the surface of the gold layer, but you may have other issues. For example, you wouldn't want to sleep in a chain or bracelet that could snag on your sheets. The jewelry will also develop residue from skin oils that should be wiped clean on a regular basis with a soft cloth.

Just like you don't want to sleep in your jewelry, you shouldn't necessarily shower in it either. Mild soap and water will help keep your gold jewelry clean, but if you have certain chemicals in your shampoo or soap, it may cause a negative reaction. Though in rare instances will the jewelry tarnish, it's important to play it better safe than sorry.

Are there any downsides to gold-filled jewelry?

There are a couple of downsides to gold-filled jewelry, but it doesn't have to do with gifting it or wearing it. One downside is that not all jewelry pieces will work as gold-filled. Some items need to be cast or have intricate designs. This can be difficult to do with gold-filled jewelry. 

Gold-filled jewelry (or gold-plated jewelry) can't be cast. This means it can't be melted down into liquid and poured into a mold. For example, if you had a bracelet that was gold-filled on top of sterling silver, you wouldn't be able to take it to a jewelry designer and have a new piece created from it. This is because the gold layer is only a layer on top of the sterling silver. Melting it down would also melt down the silver, mixing it with the gold layer as well.

This means that gold-filled jewelry is best suited for pieces with a smooth surface or, at a minimum, not highly detailed.  This way the rolled gold plate is able to cover a larger surface area that can withstand the massive amounts of pressure and heat required. This also means that it is difficult to make items, such as charms, out of gold-filled material.

Another downside is that if the piece becomes scratched, it is not possible to remove those scratches without also removing the 14k gold. The only way to restore the shine and remove the scratches is to have it filled and gold plated.

A gold-filled piece cannot be repaired either. This is because soldering melts all the gold at the soldering point. This will burn off the gold-fill content and expose the brass beneath.

Can the gold jewelry be engraved?

Engraving is popular when gifting jewelry. Unfortunately, gold-filled jewelry should not be engraved. The danger lies in removing the gold and potentially exposing the brass beneath. Exposing the other metal will cause gold-filled tarnish.

Is gold-filled jewelry as good as solid gold?

Pure gold is 24 karat but it is soft and malleable. Gold alloys were created to give the gold some strength but without losing the preciousness and color of the metal. While there is nothing wrong with solid gold jewelry, gold-filled jewelry made with 10k or 14k gold makes the jewelry more durable and less susceptible to wear. Looking at a piece of gold fill jewelry, you will never know what the gold content is without looking at the stamp due to the thick layer of gold on top of the other metals. Either way, gold-filled jewelry is much better than gold-plated jewelry.

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Gold-Filled Vs Gold Plated Jewelry

If you've been shopping for gold jewelry as a gift or for someone special, you might have noticed that it comes in a variety of different options. Of course, there's solid gold, but then there's also gold-filled and also gold plated. What exactly does gold filled mean? Is it like a Twinkie with a cream filling - not exactly! But there when it comes to gold filled vs gold plated, there's a big difference.

So, how exactly is a piece of jewelry gold-filled? The name is actually quite deceiving. The piece of jewelry that you're looking at is not filled with gold like cream fills a Twinkie, rather it is filled with brass with a nice big thick layer of 14k gold on top.

But isn't that called gold plating? Again, things are not what they appear! While the concept is similar to gold plating, gold-filled jewelry is actually much better in terms of quality and durability. It's just not as expensive as solid gold and not as inexpensive as gold-plated pieces.

The Composition of Gold Filled Jewelry

If you were to take a piece of gold-filled jewelry and cut it in half and did the same with gold-plated jewelry, you would see the difference instantly.

With gold-filled, you will see a small base layer of metal, most commonly brass, and a thick layer of pure gold. With the gold-plated piece, you would see a huge layer of metal with a very thin layer of gold. Herein lies the difference! Unlike gold-plated jewelry, gold-filled has a much more substantial layer of gold and is more like wearing solid gold jewelry than its gold-plated counterpart.

Gold-filled is an actual composite metal that is either single-clad or double-clad to the brass base, the latter having more thickness to it than single-clad. The gold is bonded to the brass under massive amounts of heat and pressure.

Gold-filled is required to be at least 5% gold alloy by weight. Jewelers are also required to refer to it by its full name "gold-filled" and never shorthanded to gold, as that would be a complete misrepresentation of the product. They are also required to disclose the karatage of the gold layer. For instance, 14K GF or 12k GF.

The Composition of Gold-Plated Jewelry

On the other hand, you have gold-plated jewelry. Gold-plated is not subject to the strict rules of gold-filled. Gold-plating is not necessarily a simple process, but it does only consist of a thin layer of gold placed onto a base metal. This is the main difference. Gold-filled jewelry is required to be 5% gold, while gold plated may be 0.05% gold. From the outside looking in, the two types may appear the same, but based on the jewelry's total weight, they are not.

Gold-plated jewelry is popular as costume jewelry as it is the least expensive form of gold jewelry but at the same time will hold its sparkle and shine for quite some time if cared for. However, over time, the gold plating is subject to chipping, flaking, or rubbing off. With gold-filled pieces, you don't have to worry about these problems.

How is Gold-Filled vs. Gold-Plated Made?

To make gold-filled pieces, the core metal of jeweler's brass is sandwiched between two layers of gold alloy. It is then heated and passed through a roller multiple times. This process was created during the 19th century in England, when they would use other base metals as well, such as copper. Because of the rolling process, gold-filled is often referred to as "rolled gold" as well. The gold coating that results is thick and pressure-bonded for the highest quality.

During the gold plating process, the core brass is placed inside of the melted gold and an electric current is used to negatively charge the base, which attracts the positive charged gold ions. The gold ions form a layer of gold on top of the brass core.

Both pieces can be thickened by repeating this process. However, with gold-plated jewelry, there are typically only two options - heavy and thin. Either way, the gold-plated pieces will never have the same thicker layer of gold that gold-filled can achieve.

The Longevity of Gold-Filled Jewelry

If you are looking for a jewelry piece that can withstand the test of time, then you'll definitely want to consider gold-filled pieces over plated jewelry. As mentioned above, the process of creating gold-filled ensures that there's a nice thick layer of gold on top of the brass. This means that it will wear just like solid gold. If it is well-cared for, gold-filled jewelry will last a lifetime.

On the other hand, gold-plated jewelry does not have this kind of longevity. It is affected much more by everyday wear and tear and the environment. It will not stand up to regular day wear, heat, or water.

Tarnishing is an important issue to consider when comparing gold plated vs gold filled as well. Gold-filled jewelry is not as susceptible to tarnish. It can under extreme situations or if it is exposed to harsh chemicals, but it is like pure gold in that it rarely happens. Gold-plated on the other hand is different. Because the layer of gold is so thin, it can easily wear off, allowing it to tarnish due to the core metal being exposed.

Caring for Fine Jewelry

The care of your jewelry is important, no matter which option you choose. Just like real gold, a gold-filled piece should be cleaned with a soft untreated cloth and mild soapy water. For gold-plated it is recommended to use only a cotton ball and only clean it if you absolutely must because it has less gold and is more susceptible to damage. For both types, avoid scrubbing.

What About Gold Vermeil?

While you're shopping, you might come across vermeil jewelry. This process is very similar to gold-plated. With gold-plated, the core is usually brass, but with a vermeil piece, the core is sterling silver.

This might have you wondering about the differences between vermeil jewelry vs gold plated jewelry. In reality, they are very similar, just with a different base metal. The silver is plated with a gold alloy that is at least 10 karats. The gold plating must be at least 2.5 microns thick.

Unlike plated brass pieces, vermeil pieces are a notch above in terms of quality than gold-plated but not quite as good as gold-filled. This is simply because of the quality of the sterling silver as well as the thicker layer of gold.

Like gold-filled, vermeil jewelry is regulated by the FTC. It cannot be marketed as solid gold, just as gold filled cannot. It must be labeled as vermeil. However, not all countries are created equally in terms of regulations. The gold layer on a vermeil piece in Canada only has to be 1 micron thick as opposed to the US requirement of 2.5.

What About Allergies or Sensitive Skin?

Gold-filled jewelry is popular amongst people who are prone to allergic reactions to various metals. Every body is different and our chemical makeup can cause metals to react differently. For instance, copper can turn your skin green and so you may want to avoid gold-plated jewelry with a copper base. If you are prone to an allergic reaction, you will likely want to choose gold filled as it wears like pure gold.

With gold-plating, you run the risk of the plating wearing off and exposing the core metal due to the lower quality layer of gold. Most reactions to jewelry are because of the core metal coming into contact with sensitive skin.

Choosing Gold Filled Over Plated

While it seems like the obvious choice for most would be gold-filled jewelry over gold-plated, the price tag and the design may be a factor. Gold-filled pieces are often classic pieces without a lot of detail. This is because the process of creating it is somewhat restrictive. Gold-plated pieces tend to have more intricate designs.

If you're looking for something to wear with a costume or a night out on occasion, then gold-plated can certainly fit that bill. If you're looking for longevity and perhaps a family heirloom, gold-filled will withstand the test of time.

 

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Everything you need to know about tarnishing

Everything you need to know about tarnishing

It is important to know what your jewelry is made up of and what you can do to properly take care of your pieces and maximize the longevity. At the time of purchasing, it is often one of your first questions, if it isn't it certainly should be! Can I shower with this on? Can I swim with my jewelry? Will this tarnish over time? These are the questions I receive most often hence the reason I felt inspired to write this blog post:)

Have you ever wondered if real Gold can tarnish? I have and so I did some detective work and here's everything I discovered...

Gold is one of the least reactive chemical elements. Gold alone or pure gold does not combine easily with oxygen so it stays shiny, it does not rust nor tarnish, again, that is pure gold. In jewelry, it is rare to find a piece that contains only the pure gold element. Pure gold or 24 karat gold is too soft to be used in jewelry so it is usually alloyed with other base metals altering its properties. It is these other base metals alloyed with gold that actually reacts with or to oxygen, sulfur and moisture that eventually tarnish your gold jewelry.

The higher the karat of a gold jewelry is, the less likely it is to tarnish, where as 24 karat gold cannot tarnish. In general, tarnishing is mostly seen in jewelry that has lower gold karat and is usually seen in items that have less than 14 karats of gold. Little tarnishing may be observed in 14 karat gold jewelries and very seldom in 18 karat gold.

When your gold jewelry tarnishes, it doesn’t mean that it’s not real gold; it is not just pure gold or 24 karat gold. Real gold jewelry can eventually tarnish. There are even rare circumstances in which jewelry containing high karats of gold have tarnished but by and large the higher the percentage of gold in the alloy, the less likely that the gold piece will tarnish. When lower karat gold jewelry tarnishes, it does so in a much slower phase than sterling silver. Here are some of the common reasons that will trigger or hasten gold tarnishing:

Common causes of tarnishing

Oxygen and sulfur compounds mixing with moisture (like sweat for instance) are the most common cause of tarnishing. Our body chemistry also differs that is why some people’s jewelry may be more inclined to tarnish or tarnish more quickly than others. Other influences that may also contribute to tarnishing of even higher gold karat like 14 karat or 18 karat jewelry is the consistent exposure to high amounts of chemicals such as perfume, hairspray, deodorants and cleaning stuff like chlorine and detergents.

Another surprising cause of tarnishing is food items with high levels of acidity or sulfur compounds. Some items that can aid in tarnishing are onions, fruit juices, spices and pickled items.

Preventive Steps

 

  • If you want to keep your gold jewelry looking its best for a long time, avoid the items mentioned above. Always remove your jewelry before taking a shower, a swim in a pool or the ocean, applying perfumes or working out. Chlorine especially at elevated temperatures can permanently damage or discolor your jewelry. 
  • Make sure to remove your jewelry also even when just washing your hands. Soap can leave your gold jewelry with a dull finish little by little and eventually, it becomes harder to clean when soap suds have already built up.
  • Store your gold jewelry properly and separately or in compartments to avoid them from scratching each other. You may add a packet of silica gel inside the usual jewelry box so it absorbs any moisture in the box.

 In terms of tarnishing, one’s lifestyle and the environmental conditions in your area can really affect your jewelry.

Treating tarnished gold jewelry

To remove surface tarnish of your gold jewelry, you can add a few drops of mild, non-phosphate dishwashing liquid to warm water and wipe the tarnished part with the mixture using your fingers or a cotton swab. Do not use toothpaste or baking soda as they are too abrasive. Dry your jewelry with a soft cotton cloth or allow it to lie flat and air dry completely even if it takes overnight and then once dry, you may polish it with a soft cotton cloth or a jewelry polishing cloth for shine.

If your gold jewelry eventually looks dull after a long time of use, you can bring it to a trusted jeweler so your piece can be thoroughly cleaned by an expert. You don’t want grabbing just any jewelry cleaner and end up damaging your precious piece instead of cleaning it. Your jeweler is the best person to give you advice on what to use for cleaning your piece.

 

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PROTECTION AMULETS

PROTECTION AMULETS

Symbolism behind each design

The lucky stars constellation ring named after king Midas whom was known to have the touch of gold.

The begin again snake cuff ring is a symbol for growth and renewal.

The Luna and Evil eye ring set is a subtle reminder that you are eternally guided and protected.  

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