These post earrings feature a pair of larger size earth-mined transparent red rubies set in 14 karat 'Gold Fill' * settings.
The gems were mined in Madagascar and are very well cut, showing fine proportions and symmetry and neat faceting. Internally each gem displays good clarity (technically: 'VSI') and excellent colour : a deeply saturated 'cardinal red' containing plenty of inner fire in candy pink and magenta tones. 'VSI' for clarity stands for 'Very Slight Imperfections', which is to say the rubies are transparent but have tiny flecks in their crystal matrix that could be seen on close inspection with a loupe or magnifying glass.
The rich colour is in part a product of a laboratory treatment process known as 'Lead Glass Filling'. This is an industry-standard treatment process for rubies in which micro fissures and cavities within the natural gem have been infused with tiny amounts of molten crystal chandelier glass under very high temperature. Most gem grade rubies selling for less than around $1000/carat enjoy this enhancement process these days. As well as improving the clarity and colour of the stone this cosmetic process also lowers their investment value on technical grounds, which is why I'm able to offer them here at what - for natural rubies - is a relatively low price (100% natural, untreated rubies of this size would cost about $415 each).
Alone, the gems weigh 1.25 carats and measure 6mm diameter each. Along with their 14 karat 'Gold Fill' * settings they measure 6.2mm (diameter) x 14mm (long) and weigh half a gram each.
As with all Salon Petite stud earrings, the prong tips have been micro polished to limit the chances of the metalwork catching in hair or long hair, and both Gold Fill butterfly clutches and clear silicone stoppers will be supplied for your comfort and convenience in fitting.
~
*
Gold-Fill was originally a metallurgy technique invented in the 19th century for the manufacture of hard-wearing pocket watch cases. It used to be called 'Rolled Gold'. The technique was revived in the late 20th century by precious metal manufacturers because it offered the same physical appearance and durability as solid gold for a fraction of its (skyrocketing) price.
Gold Fill is not the same as gold electroplate (or 'gold tone' as plating is sometimes called). With electroplating, gold ions in a cyanide solution are moved by electricity to lightly coat a base metal, typically copper, brass or sterling silver. With Gold Fill on the other hand, a thick layer - 5% by weight - of solid 14 karat gold is mechanically bonded to a base metal with heat. This layer is up to 20,000 times thicker than the mere ionic whisper of gold deposited by electrodeposition and looks, lasts, and tests (with an electronic tester) identical to solid 14 karat gold. Gold Fill jewellery is consequently VERY hard wearing. With everyday use it doesn't fade, flake or scratch off like gold electroplate, and is also completely safe for people with sensitive skins.
In the USA Gold Fill jewellery is regulated by the Federal Trade Commission because it looks identical to solid gold and can be passed off as such by shady gold dealers. You can tell genuine Gold Fill by its unique karat stamp : "1/20-14K" - which means, 1/20th (5%) of the items total weight is certified to be solid 14 karat gold.
The gems were mined in Madagascar and are very well cut, showing fine proportions and symmetry and neat faceting. Internally each gem displays good clarity (technically: 'VSI') and excellent colour : a deeply saturated 'cardinal red' containing plenty of inner fire in candy pink and magenta tones. 'VSI' for clarity stands for 'Very Slight Imperfections', which is to say the rubies are transparent but have tiny flecks in their crystal matrix that could be seen on close inspection with a loupe or magnifying glass.
The rich colour is in part a product of a laboratory treatment process known as 'Lead Glass Filling'. This is an industry-standard treatment process for rubies in which micro fissures and cavities within the natural gem have been infused with tiny amounts of molten crystal chandelier glass under very high temperature. Most gem grade rubies selling for less than around $1000/carat enjoy this enhancement process these days. As well as improving the clarity and colour of the stone this cosmetic process also lowers their investment value on technical grounds, which is why I'm able to offer them here at what - for natural rubies - is a relatively low price (100% natural, untreated rubies of this size would cost about $415 each).
Alone, the gems weigh 1.25 carats and measure 6mm diameter each. Along with their 14 karat 'Gold Fill' * settings they measure 6.2mm (diameter) x 14mm (long) and weigh half a gram each.
As with all Salon Petite stud earrings, the prong tips have been micro polished to limit the chances of the metalwork catching in hair or long hair, and both Gold Fill butterfly clutches and clear silicone stoppers will be supplied for your comfort and convenience in fitting.
~
*
Gold-Fill was originally a metallurgy technique invented in the 19th century for the manufacture of hard-wearing pocket watch cases. It used to be called 'Rolled Gold'. The technique was revived in the late 20th century by precious metal manufacturers because it offered the same physical appearance and durability as solid gold for a fraction of its (skyrocketing) price.
Gold Fill is not the same as gold electroplate (or 'gold tone' as plating is sometimes called). With electroplating, gold ions in a cyanide solution are moved by electricity to lightly coat a base metal, typically copper, brass or sterling silver. With Gold Fill on the other hand, a thick layer - 5% by weight - of solid 14 karat gold is mechanically bonded to a base metal with heat. This layer is up to 20,000 times thicker than the mere ionic whisper of gold deposited by electrodeposition and looks, lasts, and tests (with an electronic tester) identical to solid 14 karat gold. Gold Fill jewellery is consequently VERY hard wearing. With everyday use it doesn't fade, flake or scratch off like gold electroplate, and is also completely safe for people with sensitive skins.
In the USA Gold Fill jewellery is regulated by the Federal Trade Commission because it looks identical to solid gold and can be passed off as such by shady gold dealers. You can tell genuine Gold Fill by its unique karat stamp : "1/20-14K" - which means, 1/20th (5%) of the items total weight is certified to be solid 14 karat gold.
Powered by: BKGjewelry
