Complete Jewelry Guide

The Complete Jewelry Guide

Your Expert Resource for Gold, Silver, Diamonds & Fine Jewelry
By Lovely Rita's Jewelry Collections | Trusted Since 2004

Complete Guide to Gold Jewelry

What is 14K Gold?

14K gold is the most popular gold purity for jewelry in the United States. The "K" stands for karat, which measures the proportion of pure gold in an alloy. 14K gold contains 58.3% pure gold (14 parts gold out of 24 total parts), with the remaining 41.7% consisting of other metals like copper, silver, zinc, or nickel.

This composition creates the perfect balance between beauty, durability, and affordability. The added metals strengthen the gold, making it resistant to scratches and everyday wear while maintaining that gorgeous golden luster you love.

Why Choose 14K Gold?

• Durability: Stronger than 18K or 24K gold, perfect for everyday wear
• Affordability: More accessible than higher karat options while still being real gold
• Color Options: Available in yellow, white, and rose gold
• Hypoallergenic: Less likely to cause skin reactions than lower karat gold
• Value Retention: Holds its value over time as a precious metal

Gold Karat Comparison: 10K vs 14K vs 18K vs 24K

Karat	Gold Content	Durability	Best For	Price
10K	41.7%	Most Durable	Budget-friendly everyday wear	$
14K	58.3%	Very Durable	Everyday & special occasions	$$
18K	75%	Moderate	Fine jewelry, special occasions	$$$
24K	99.9%	Soft	Investment, ceremonial	$$$$

Which Gold Karat Should You Choose?

For Everyday Jewelry (rings, bracelets): 14K gold offers the best balance of durability and beauty. It withstands daily wear without scratching easily.

For Special Occasions: 18K gold provides a richer color and is ideal for pieces worn less frequently, like statement necklaces or formal earrings.

For Budget-Conscious Shoppers: 10K gold is a great entry point for real gold jewelry while remaining affordable.

Gold Colors: Yellow, White, and Rose Gold

Yellow Gold

Yellow gold is the classic, timeless choice. Its warm, rich color comes from mixing pure gold with copper and silver. Yellow gold complements warm skin tones beautifully and never goes out of style. It's the most hypoallergenic gold option and requires the least maintenance.

White Gold

White gold has a silvery appearance created by alloying gold with white metals like palladium, nickel, or zinc, then coating with rhodium for extra shine. It offers a modern, sophisticated look that pairs beautifully with diamonds and other gemstones. White gold may need occasional re-plating to maintain its bright finish.

Rose Gold

Rose gold gets its romantic pink hue from a higher copper content in the alloy. This trendy option complements all skin tones and adds a vintage, romantic feel to any piece. Rose gold is actually the most durable of the three colors due to copper's strength.

How to Care for Gold Jewelry

• Clean regularly: Use warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft brush. Soak for 15-20 minutes, gently scrub, rinse, and pat dry.
• Store properly: Keep pieces separate in soft pouches or lined jewelry boxes to prevent scratching.
• Remove before activities: Take off jewelry before swimming, showering, exercising, or using chemicals.
• Apply products first: Put on lotions, perfumes, and hairspray before wearing jewelry.
• Professional cleaning: Have pieces professionally cleaned and inspected once a year.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gold

Complete Guide to Sterling Silver Jewelry

What is Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver is an alloy containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. This is why you'll often see it marked as "925" or ".925." Pure silver (99.9%) is too soft for jewelry, so the copper adds strength and durability while maintaining silver's beautiful white luster.

Benefits of Sterling Silver

• Affordable luxury: Offers the look of precious metal at accessible prices
• Versatile: Complements any outfit from casual to formal
• Hypoallergenic: Generally safe for sensitive skin when nickel-free
• Timeless: Never goes out of style
• Easy to maintain: Simple cleaning restores its brilliant shine

Sterling Silver vs. Other Silver Types

Type	Silver Content	Quality	Best For
Sterling Silver (.925)	92.5%	Excellent	Fine jewelry
Fine Silver (.999)	99.9%	Too soft for jewelry	Bullion, coins
Silver Plated	Thin coating	Lower	Costume jewelry
Nickel Silver	0% (no silver)	N/A	Avoid—contains nickel

How to Prevent and Remove Tarnish

Tarnish is a natural oxidation process that occurs when silver reacts with sulfur compounds in the air. While unavoidable, tarnish is easily managed with proper care.

Prevention Tips

• Store in anti-tarnish bags or cloth pouches
• Keep away from rubber bands, which contain sulfur
• Remove before swimming, bathing, or applying beauty products
• Wear your silver often—natural skin oils help prevent tarnish
• Store with silica gel packets or anti-tarnish strips

Cleaning Methods

Mild Tarnish: Use a silver polishing cloth to gently buff the surface.

Moderate Tarnish: Mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap. Soak for 5 minutes, gently scrub with a soft cloth, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely.

Heavy Tarnish: Line a bowl with aluminum foil, add hot water and 1 tablespoon each of baking soda and salt. Place silver in solution for 2-3 minutes. The tarnish transfers to the foil. Rinse and dry.

Understanding Diamond Quality: The 4 Cs

When shopping for diamond jewelry, understanding the "4 Cs" helps you make informed decisions and find the best value. These universal standards—Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat—determine a diamond's quality and price.

Cut: The Most Important Factor

Cut refers to how well a diamond's facets interact with light, not the shape (round, princess, oval, etc.). A well-cut diamond will have exceptional brilliance (white light reflection), fire (rainbow colors), and scintillation (sparkle when moved).

Cut Grades: Excellent/Ideal → Very Good → Good → Fair → Poor

Color: Less is More

Diamond color actually measures the absence of color. The GIA scale ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Colorless diamonds are rarer and more valuable.

Grade	Description	Visibility
D-F	Colorless	No color visible even under magnification
G-H	Near Colorless	Color difficult to detect unless compared side-by-side
I-J	Near Colorless	Slight warmth, great value
K-M	Faint Yellow	Noticeable warmth, budget-friendly

Clarity: Nature's Fingerprints

Clarity measures the presence of inclusions (internal flaws) and blemishes (surface flaws). Most diamonds have tiny imperfections invisible to the naked eye.

Grade	Meaning	Visibility
FL/IF	Flawless/Internally Flawless	No inclusions visible under 10x magnification
VVS1/VVS2	Very Very Slightly Included	Minute inclusions, difficult to see under 10x
VS1/VS2	Very Slightly Included	Minor inclusions visible under 10x, not to naked eye
SI1/SI2	Slightly Included	Noticeable under 10x, may be visible to naked eye
I1/I2/I3	Included	Obvious inclusions visible to naked eye

Carat: Size Matters, But It's Not Everything

Carat measures a diamond's weight, not its size. One carat equals 200 milligrams. Larger diamonds are exponentially rarer, so a 2-carat diamond costs more than double a 1-carat diamond of equal quality.

Complete Guide to Earring Styles

From everyday basics to statement pieces, understanding earring styles helps you build a versatile jewelry collection. Here's your comprehensive guide to popular earring types.

Stud Earrings

Best for: Everyday wear, work, minimalist looks, sensitive ears

Studs sit directly on the earlobe with a post that goes through the piercing. They're the most versatile earring style, suitable for any occasion. From simple gold balls to dazzling diamond studs, they're a jewelry box essential.

Hoop Earrings

Best for: Casual to dressy occasions, adding instant style, all face shapes

Hoops are circular or semi-circular earrings that loop through the ear. Available in sizes from tiny (10mm) to dramatic (70mm+), they can be simple, textured, or adorned with diamonds. Small hoops work for everyday; larger hoops make a statement.

Huggie Earrings

Best for: Everyday wear, sleeping, multiple piercings, active lifestyles

Huggies are small hoops that "hug" the earlobe closely. They're comfortable enough to sleep in and perfect for those who want hoop style without the swing. Many feature hinged closures for easy on/off.

Dangle & Drop Earrings

Best for: Special occasions, evening events, elongating the face

These earrings hang below the earlobe and move with you. "Drop" earrings hang from a single point; "dangle" earrings have multiple articulated parts that swing. They add elegance to any outfit and draw attention to your face and neckline.

Leverback Earrings

Best for: Security, comfort, those worried about losing earrings

Leverbacks feature a curved wire that hooks through the ear with a hinged lever closure. They're more secure than standard posts and distribute weight comfortably. Popular for diamond and gemstone earrings.

Choosing Earrings for Your Face Shape

Face Shape	Best Styles	Why It Works
Round	Long drops, angular shapes, dangles	Adds length and slims the face
Oval	Almost any style works	Balanced proportions are versatile
Heart	Teardrop, chandelier, wider at bottom	Balances a narrower chin
Square	Hoops, curved shapes, circular	Softens angular jawline
Long/Oblong	Studs, short drops, wide styles	Adds width rather than length

Gold Chain Styles Guide

Gold chains are foundational pieces that can be worn alone or with pendants. Each style has distinct characteristics affecting appearance, durability, and how they catch light.

Popular Chain Types

Rope Chain

Look: Twisted strands resembling rope
Durability: Very strong, one of the most durable styles
Best for: Everyday wear, pendants (especially heavier ones), classic style

Figaro Chain

Look: Pattern of 2-3 small links followed by one elongated link
Durability: Very durable, Italian origin
Best for: Both men and women, pendants, classic Italian style

Cuban Link Chain

Look: Thick, interlocking oval links, bold and luxurious
Durability: Extremely durable due to thick links
Best for: Statement pieces, hip-hop style, men's jewelry, heavy pendants

Box Chain

Look: Square links creating a smooth, sleek appearance
Durability: Strong, less prone to kinking
Best for: Pendants (slides smoothly through bails), modern minimalist look

Cable Chain

Look: Simple interlocking oval or round links
Durability: Good, classic design
Best for: Everyday wear, lightweight pendants, timeless style

Herringbone Chain

Look: Flat, fluid, V-shaped pattern with liquid-like movement
Durability: Moderate—can kink if twisted; requires careful handling
Best for: Statement wear, elegant occasions, worn alone (not for pendants)

Chain Length Guide

Length	Name	Where It Falls
14-16"	Choker	Sits at base of neck, close-fitting
18"	Princess	Most popular, sits at collarbone
20-24"	Matinee	Between collarbone and bust
28-36"	Opera	At or below bust, elegant for layering
36"+	Rope	Can be doubled or knotted, very versatile

Guide to Religious & Spiritual Jewelry

Religious jewelry carries deep personal meaning and has been worn for centuries as expressions of faith, protection, and spiritual connection. Understanding the symbolism helps you choose pieces that resonate with your beliefs.

Cross vs. Crucifix: Understanding the Difference

Cross: An empty cross symbolizes the resurrection and Jesus Christ's victory over death. It represents hope, eternal life, and is worn by Christians of all denominations.

Crucifix: A cross with a representation of Jesus's body (corpus) emphasizes the sacrifice of Christ. Traditionally associated with Catholic, Orthodox, and some Lutheran traditions.

Popular Saint Medals & Their Meanings

St. Christopher Medal
Patron saint of travelers. Often given as a gift before trips or to those who travel frequently for work. Believed to offer protection during journeys.

Miraculous Medal (Virgin Mary)
Based on an 1830 apparition of the Virgin Mary. Features Mary standing on a globe, surrounded by the prayer "O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee." Associated with countless reported miracles.

St. Michael Medal
Archangel Michael is the protector against evil and patron of police officers, military personnel, and first responders. Often worn for protection and courage.

St. Jude Medal
Patron saint of hopeless causes and desperate situations. Those facing difficult challenges often turn to St. Jude for intercession.

Guardian Angel Medal
Represents the belief that God assigns an angel to protect each person. Popular gifts for baptisms, first communions, and for children.

Religious Jewelry for Milestone Occasions

• Baptism/Christening: Cross pendants, guardian angel medals, baby bracelets with religious charms
• First Communion: Cross necklaces, miraculous medals, rosary bracelets, dove pendants
• Confirmation: Saint medal (patron saint or chosen confirmation saint), Holy Spirit dove, cross with gemstones
• Bar/Bat Mitzvah: Star of David, Chai (life) symbol, Hebrew name pendants
• Quinceañera: Virgin Mary medal, cross with birthstone, religious charm bracelet

Jewelry for Sensitive Skin & Allergies

If you experience itching, redness, or irritation from jewelry, you're not alone. Metal allergies affect approximately 10-15% of the population. The good news? You can still wear beautiful jewelry by choosing the right materials.

Understanding Metal Allergies

The #1 Culprit: Nickel

Nickel allergy is the most common cause of jewelry reactions. This metal is often used in costume jewelry and as an alloy in some gold jewelry. Symptoms include redness, itching, dry patches, and sometimes blisters at the contact site.

Best Metals for Sensitive Skin

Metal	Safety Level	Notes
14K/18K Yellow Gold	Excellent	High gold content means fewer reactive alloys
Platinum	Excellent	Naturally hypoallergenic, very pure
Sterling Silver	Very Good	Generally safe; avoid if nickel-alloyed
Surgical Stainless Steel	Very Good	Used in medical implants, very safe
Titanium	Excellent	Lightweight, 100% hypoallergenic
Nickel-Free White Gold	Good	Ensure it's specifically labeled nickel-free

Tips for Sensitive Skin

• Always ask about metal composition before purchasing
• Look for "nickel-free" or "hypoallergenic" labels
• Apply clear nail polish to costume jewelry as a barrier (temporary solution)
• Keep jewelry dry—moisture increases reaction likelihood
• Invest in quality pieces made from safe metals for pieces you'll wear often

Jewelry Care & Storage Guide

Proper care extends the life of your jewelry and keeps it looking beautiful for generations. Follow these expert tips to protect your investment.

Daily Care Best Practices

• Put jewelry on last: Apply makeup, lotion, perfume, and hairspray before putting on jewelry
• Take jewelry off first: Remove jewelry before bathing, swimming, exercising, or cleaning
• Wipe after wearing: Use a soft cloth to remove oils and residue before storing
• Avoid chemicals: Chlorine, bleach, and harsh cleaners can damage metals and gemstones

Storage Tips

• Store pieces separately to prevent scratching
• Use soft-lined jewelry boxes or individual pouches
• Hang necklaces to prevent tangling
• Keep silver in anti-tarnish bags with silica gel or anti-tarnish strips
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Keep gemstone jewelry away from extreme temperatures

Cleaning By Metal Type

Metal	Cleaning Method	Avoid
Gold	Warm water, mild soap, soft brush	Harsh chemicals, abrasives
Sterling Silver	Silver polish cloth or baking soda paste	Rubber, sulfur, chlorine
Diamonds	Warm soapy water, soft brush	Ultrasonic if included, lotions
Pearls	Damp soft cloth only	Chemicals, ultrasonic, steam
Gemstones	Varies by stone—research first	Heat, chemicals (varies)