Jewelry guides from the Shawnee shop
Short answers first, then the longer note. Photos are from the shop. For a value or an offer on your own piece, bring it in.
Gold purity marksGold purity is how much of a piece is gold versus other metals mixed in. Karat and millesimal stamps help identify the metal. Your offer comes after we test the piece at the counter.
Sterling silver marksSterling silver is an alloy that is 92.5 percent silver. Common stamps include 925, Sterling, and Ster. A missing mark does not prove a piece is not silver.
Jewelry erasA jewelry era is a style period, not a price list. Victorian, Art Deco, and mid-century describe a look. An era label does not by itself prove age or value.
Watch movementsA watch movement is the engine that advances the hands or the digital display. Mechanical and quartz are different. The type does not by itself set a price.
Jewelry careStore pieces so they do not rub, take them off before harsh chemicals, and wipe with a soft cloth. Home care is not a bench inspection.
Updating an appraisalAn appraisal is a written description and value opinion from a stated date. Values change, so existing appraisals should be updated every few years.From our guides
Gold purity is how much of a piece is gold versus other metals mixed in. Jewelers state that share in karats, where 24 karat is fine gold, or in millesimal stamps such as 750 for 18 karat. Those marks help identify the metal. Your offer comes after we test the piece at the counter.
Sterling silver is an alloy that is 92.5 percent silver. The rest is usually copper. Common stamps include 925, Sterling, and Ster. Plate, overlay, and nickel silver are not the same thing as solid sterling. A missing mark does not prove a piece is not silver.
Most jewelry lasts longer when it is stored so pieces do not rub, taken off before harsh chemicals, and wiped with a soft cloth. Household cleaners, chlorine, and toothpaste are poor cleaners for finished jewelry. Home care is not a substitute for a bench inspection when a prong or clasp feels loose.
Guide questions
Do gold marks set the price of my gold?
No. Karat and millesimal stamps describe how much gold is in a piece. They help identify metal. Your offer comes after we test the piece at the counter. 24 karat is fine gold. 750 matches 18 karat. Karat is not the same word as carat, which is a gem weight.
What usually means sterling?
Sterling is 92.5 percent silver, often stamped 925, Sterling, or Ster. Nickel silver and German silver are not silver. Plate and overlay marks describe a surface, not solid sterling.
Does an era name prove the age?
No. A jewelry era is a style period, not a price list. Names such as Victorian, Art Deco, and mid-century describe typical design. An era label does not by itself prove age or value.
What is a watch movement?
A watch movement is the engine that advances the hands or the digital display. Mechanical movements keep time with a sprung balance and a gear train. Quartz movements keep time with a battery and a quartz crystal. The type does not by itself set a price.
When should an appraisal be updated?
A jewelry appraisal is a written description and value opinion from a stated date. Values change, and the piece can change after a repair or reset. Existing appraisals should be updated every few years. An update is not the same visit as selling the piece.
Is home cleaning enough?
Home care is maintenance. Store pieces so they do not rub, take them off before harsh chemicals, and wipe with a soft cloth. It is not a substitute for a bench inspection when a prong or clasp feels loose.
Book a visit
Read the guide, then book a visit if you want the piece seen. Sunday 12 to 5
Monday 11 to 6
Tuesday closed
Wednesday closed
Thursday to Saturday 11 to 6