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Gold Jewelry Setting & Gold Purity

Gold Jewelry Setting & Gold Purity

GOLD JEWELRY SETTING & GOLD PURITY GOLD PURITY
Karat is the system used to state the amont of pure gold an item contains. The higher the karat number, the higher the percentage of gold in your jewelry. The system of measuring karats is based on a scale of 24, with 100 percent gold equaling 24 karats. Since 24K gold is usually considered too soft for jewelry, the gold in jewelry item is alloyed with other metals to strengthen and harden it. The karat mark tells us the ratio of pure gold to these other metals.
  • 24 Karat (24K) gold is pure gold
  • 22 Karat (22K) gold contains 22 parts gold and 2 parts of one or more additional metals, making it 91.6% gold
  • 21 Karat (21K) gold contains 21 parts gold and 3 parts of one or more additional metals, making it 87.5% gold
  • 18 Karat (18K) gold contains 18 parts gold and 6 parts of one or more additional metals, making it 75% gold
  • 14 Karat (14K) gold contains 14 parts gold and 10 parts of one or more additional metals, making it 58.3% gold
  • 12 Karat (12K) gold contains 12 parts gold and 12 parts of one or more additional metals, making it 50% gold
  • 10 Karat (10K) gold contains 10 parts gold and 14 parts of one or more additional metals, making it 41.7% gold.
    In the United States, 10K gold is the minimum karat that can be called "gold".

    GOLD JEWELRY SETTING
    Most jewelry is crafted from individual components. The pieces are often created on the jeweler's bench and adjoined with molten precious metals. With a few components such as earring-posts, chains and hinges (often known as "findings"), these basic components are used to make everything from solitaire and gem-set rings, to earrings, necklaces, pendants and more complex pieces. Here we present the various setting styles used to set jewels in precious metals along with brief description of how each setting looks as well as what makes each setting special.

    Prong setting
  • Is also known as claw setting. It has small claws with a vice-like grip that are bent over the girdle of the gem to ensure its secured position.
  • Typical claw setting has 4 claws. Claw settings with 6 claws are also called the "Tiffany" setting because it was originally developed by the founder of Tiffany & Co. in 1886.
  • The claws must always be equal.
  • The visible claw ends are often rounds, ovals, points, V-shapes (usually called "Chevron"), flat and sometimes formed into ornamental shapes (usually called "Enhanced Prongs").
  • As all gemstones are suitable for prong setting, it is the most frequently used method of setting gems into jewelry. Prong settings are frequently seen because they are easier to adjust to the size of an individual gemstone.
  • Pront setting brilliantly shows off the gemstone, since the gemstone is positioned higher and is more easily seen.
  • Prong setting is especially popular for solitaire engagement rings and in bridal rings. When combined with Pave settings, Prong settings are considered to be the most suitable for women as this setting is more feminine, especially for designs with smaller shoulders and smaller gemstones.
  • The more claws, the more secure and safe your gemstones will be !

    Pave setting
  • Pronounced Pa Vay, Pave settings are claw-like settings but are so small that they are barely visible. The claws are triangular-like and are usually handmade.
  • The settings are either created by use of tiny prongs that hold the jewels on both sides, or are crafted by scooping beads of precious metal out to hold the gems in place.
  • Pave setting produce a carpet of brilliance across the entire surface of a piece of jewelry. The surface is encrusted, or quite literally "paved" in diamonds and gems, and the body of the jewelry is brought vibrantly to life.
  • Pave setting displays an illusionary bigger look using multiple gemstones.
  • Pave setting is usually combined with other gemstone settings to add more effect and beauty.
  • Pave settings are best for diamonds. Pave setting is often used in conjunction with white gold, which creates an effect of the whole piece of jewelry being crafted from diamonds.
  • Pave setting is best for round, oval, princess, emerald, square and baguette cuts.

    Bezel setting
  • A "bezel" setting is a crafted diskette of metal that holds the gemstone by its girdle to the ring, securely encircling the entire circumference of the gem. It is labor intensive and must be crafted to precisely circumnavigate the outline of the gem.
  • Variations of the "bezel" setting are the "flush" or gypsy" settings. The surface of the ring has a window cut into it that exactly fits the size of the gem. Secured from underneath, the crown of the gem rises from the ring beatifully catching rays of light.
  • A bezel setting needs to be balanced and straight, from angle-to-angle. Gemstones with sides/angles are considered difficult while oval and rounds are easier.
  • Bezels can have straight, scalloped edges and can be molded into a gemstone of any shape.
  • A bezel setting protects the edges, the girdle and the pavilion of the gemstones.
  • Bezel setting adds height, dimension and a great modern look.
  • Bezel setting is best suited to people with active lifestyles. Bezel settings are especially considered the best for men because these setting show masculinity, especially when the designs have BIG shoulders and BIG gemstones.
  • Bezel setting is best for earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings.

    Channel setting
  • A setting technique whereby gemstones are held side-by-side by their girdles between two long tracks of precious metal. When used with square, princess and rectangular shaped jewels, the effect is breathtaking as no metal apears between the jewels -- they appear to float in a tightly bejeweled chain within the jewelry.
  • The gemstones in channel setting are set closely together, so that no gold between the gem is necessary. This produces the maximum amount of light and brightness from the gemstones and allows the jewelry to keep looking bright for a long time.
  • In channel setting it is very important precisely cut the gemstones pavilion, if not the gemstones will crack or be lost !
  • Channel setting is often used in commercial jewelry designs. Often seen in eternity bands and tennis bracelets, gemstones are held side-by-side by their girdles between two long tracks of precious metal.
  • Channel setting is best for diamonds and for round, oval, princess, emerald, square and baguette cuts.
  • Channel setting is best for rings and bracelets.

    Bar setting
  • These are short bars that run like a railway track across a ring. Gemstones are individually set between these bars leaving the sides of the gemstones exposed to light.
  • An increasingly popular setting style, this technique maximizes the amount of light entering the gemstones creating superior brilliance and sparkle.
  • Bar setting is a version of the channel setting and can often combine a contemporary and classic loo in one design.
  • Bar setting is best for diamond rings and for round, oval, princess, emerald, square and baguette cuts.

    Invisible setting
  • invisible-set gemstones are placed very closely together, with the mdetal concealed underneath the stones, giving them the appearance of a continuous, uninterrupted surface. Since the metal of the setting is not seen, this type of setting is an excellent way to showcase the brilliance or color of the gemstones themselves. It also allows an increased amount of light to enter the stone (and thus give off more brilliance or color), since there are no prongs or bezels impeding the light's entry.

    Cluster setting
  • In a cluster setting, several stones are mounted together in a group, for a cluster effect. It is frequently seen with several small stones surrounding a central, larger stone.

    Tension setting
  • This setting uses pressure to hold a stone between two open ends of the metal mounting, making the stone appear as if it's floating.

    Defining the Athletic Shoe Why are there so many?

    Defining the Athletic Shoe Why are there so many?

    DefiningDid you ever wonder why there are so many types of running shoes and athletic footwear styles? The main reason is to avoid foot injuries by creating a shape and style of shoe that is appropriate for different sports and activities.

    Athletic shoes are made into both standard and sometimes odd sizes for men, women, and children. These shoes are designed to help a person achieve top performance in basketball, football, baseball, golf, bowling or any other athletic or team sport. In addition, athletic shoes are created for running and walking as well. The type of sport shoe that a person needs will largely depends on the chosen sport, activity level and the preference of the person wearing the shoe.

    When choosing an athletic shoe, consider how the shoe will be used. If you participate in casual sports activities such as volunteer church baseball leagues or neighborhood football matches, you will not need an expensive athletic shoe. However, if you play sports competitively, you might want to consider specially made athletic shoes. For instance, a person who takes running very seriously, is more likely to invest in a higher quality athletic shoe than the average runner. Higher quality shoes are often needed because they are required to spend several hours a day training to build speed, endurance, and strength as they compete. In order to for runners to do this they will need a shoe that will last. This is true for those who play other types of competitive sports, as well.

    The choice of athletic shoe is also important for moving and protecting the foot while participating in sports. For example, in basketball or football, a person needs to think and act fast as they dribble, pass the ball or run down the field. Therefore, the person needs the appropriate shoe for optimum performance and safety. Basketball shoes often have a strong grip on the bottom that prevents an athlete from sliding. In both football and baseball, each player usually has shoes that have cleats on the bottom of the soles. This is to help the player grip the ground as they move quickly during play. Cleats are also important because players also have to play in varying outside weather conditions such as snow, rate, sleet, and extreme heat or cold. The right shoe is important because weather conditions can affect how well a player moves around the field, and the player's ability to run without slipping and falling. The wrong shoe can cause falling and injury to players.

    There are several companies that make high quality running and athletic shoes. Nike, Etonic, New Balance, Asics, Mulziny and Adidas are all popular shoe manufacturers. These shoes often come in a wide variety of styles and features. In addition, these athletic shoes often have shock absorbent soles for a softer impact when the runner's foot hits the ground. Furthermore, good quality athletic shoes are often made in wide and narrow styles as well as arched, normal, or flat designs that help fit the overall shape of a person's foot. Along with that, these shoes come in a variety of sizes so that everyone can find a pair that fits their foot well.

    Sometimes a person can find a high quality athletic shoe from a manufacturer or retailer that does not advertise nationally. These types of shoes are often called off brand or generic . Many times, these shoes are just as durable and dependable as the regular name brand shoes, but often cost much less than name brand shoes. The fit of a shoe is usually a matter of personal preference, so before purchasing these off brand shoes, it is important to test them out for fit and feel.

    Further information can be found online about generic or off brand shoes. However, it is important to remember that information about these shoes often comes directly from companies whom manufacturer and advertise their shoes. If in doubt about the quality of a generic shoe, it is sometimes not worth saving a few dollars. Buy the shoes from a brand that you know will not let you down, whether it is a nationally known brand of athletic shoe or not.

    Athletic shoes can be purchased for both recreational or competitive activity needs either online, in a store, or by mail order. When purchasing shoes online or mail order, there is always the risk of the shoe not fitting right because each brand will fit a little differently. However, you can increase your chances of finding a fitting shoe if you know a little about the brand of shoe that you choose to purchase. Also, consider trying the shoe on at a store before buying online.

    When purchasing a shoe in a store, there may be a smaller selection than what is available online. However, the advantage is buying a shoe that will fit properly. This goes for the fitting of athletic shoes as well. If you do a little online research on athletic shoes before shopping at a store, it is easier to make a better decision about the purchase of shoes. When researching shoes online, it is easier to compare shoe brands, prices and features.
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