JEWELRY FAQ's

Some of the questions we receive from our customers regarding jewelry are answered below. If you cannot find an awnser to your question below send us an email info@twincitygold.com and receive a prompt reply from one of our trained jewelry experts or call our Customer Service Representatives at 1-207-282-5100 or toll free 1-877-760-GOLD. You can also visit our Ebay store page for general info regarding shipping, returns,etc.

What is the birthstone for my birthday?
Here is a chart showing each month and its corresponding birthstone:

Does any of your jewelry contain treated or enhanced gemstones? 

All color stones, by definition, are treated. None of our diamonds are color or clarity enhanced, nor are they filled, drilled or layered.

Why is 18K gold more valuable than 14K?

18 Karat gold is more pure, meaning it contains a higher percentage of gold . Pure gold is 24-Karat (24K), 18-Karat gold is 75% pure, 14-Karat is 58% pure, 10-Karat is 41% pure etc.

What should I look for when it comes to quality?

Regardless of the manufacturing method that was used to produce the jewelry, there are several characteristics that finely crafted jewelry has in common. All parts of the piece should have a smooth, even finish, with no bumps, pits, holes or scratches. If it’s polished, the shine must be like a mirror on every surface. If the surface has a brushed or matte finish, it too should be smooth and uniform.

If the jewelry is made of several pieces, each part should join seamlessly. There should be no visible solder marks and no discoloration around soldered joints on settings or prongs. Any stones must be set securely in the mounting.

When it comes to colored gems, look for saturated, even color, as well as good clarity. There should not be any pits, cracks, scratches or other major blemishes that detract from the beauty or appearance of the stone. While the color of a stone is largely a matter of personal taste, certain stones are more valuable if their colors are within specific ranges, such as rubies, emeralds, sapphires, etc.

Why do similar pieces of jewelry have such different prices?

There are a few factors that can affect the value of gold jewelry. Since gold is sold by weight, heavier pieces can be more costly than lighter ones. Designer jewelry also generally costs more, especially if it is a one-of-a-kind piece. Special finishes, such as matte or sandblasted, may also affect the cost of the piece.

What’s best way to care for and clean my jewelry?

Your jewelry can be kept looking new if you follow a few simple guidelines: Avoid contact with bleach, soap, perfume, cosmetics, hairsprays, etc. Also, take your jewelry off at night and store it in a jewelry box with compartments that keep pieces from rubbing against each other.

You can clean your gold jewelry in a bowl of warm, sudsy water with a bit of any mild liquid detergent. Brush the jewelry with a soft brush until you have created a lather around it. With the jewelry on a plastic or metal strainer, rinse off with warm water (be sure not to clean your jewelry over the drain!) Pat your jewelry dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

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