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The Natural Sapphire Company specializes in fine sapphire jewelry. We are a direct mine-to-market production house. We specialize in the creation of fine, one of a kind, handmade jewelry items.
Daily we create unique, custom pieces in our in-house art depart. We can achieve any simple or highly technical designs that our customers desire. Our pieces are handmade. Detail and quality are always our first priority.
Here are some basic details on jewelry terms, procedures and explanations. Please contact us if you have
further questions.
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The problem is that color interpretation is always unique from one person to the next, so it is almost
impossible to agree on a standard. Also, there are so many tones and hues of one type of color that
identifying them all correctly on a standardized basis would be impossible.
On clarity, colored stones are generally far more saturated with inclusions at a level of 10 x magnifications
than
with diamonds. There are many different types of inclusions in colored stones as well. If the same
clarity
grading system were in place for colored stones as it is for diamonds, there would almost never be
high-clarity graded colored gemstones.
This does not mean that all colored stones are included; rarely can you see inclusions without the support of
magnification. Even in "included" colored stones it is difficult to see clarity issues without close inspection or
with the aid of a loupe or microscope.
Cutting grading has similar complexity issues as clarity grading. The basic issue with grading cutting on colore
gemstones is that there are so many types of cutting styles. It would be almost impossible to give a complete
detail of a cutting style on each and every colored stone.
Demand for laboratory grading within sapphires and other colored stones has not reached a level where such
a standardized system has been needed as of yet. If demand continues to rise for a standardized grading
system it is possible that some perimeters will be established in a uniform code. In most cases an ideal
grading should be done by a third party that has excellent experience within the field as well as no interest
in the sale of the item being graded. But the bottom line is that there is currently no standardized grading
system.
If someone tells you otherwise they are trying to sell you a service that is only reliable with that one
person or
company and not the general market.
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Drawings and Renderings
Custom, made to order jewelry takes vision, skill and experience.A design is first
discussed verbally, with the aid of existing pictures, or from an already completed piece of
jewelry. Rough sketches are
then made to complete the model design. Finally, fine
drawings and pastels are used to create the finished design through the high skill of our in house artists. From these images a completed jewelry creation is handmade into a finished piece. |
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Wax model :
A wax model is created in many cases that will be used in the gold/platinum casting process. The wax model is hand carved to the exact specifications of the stones being used. Fine wax models take
considerable time and expertise. The wax model quality and design is very important as the finished
piece will be an exact replica of the wax design.
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Metal Types : |
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18K Gold:
This is a higher purity of gold. We normally use this standard over traditional 14K. We cast our mountings in both white and yellow 18K gold,depending on the jewelry item and the customer’s request. |
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14K Gold:
This is the standard
jewelry type metal.
We usually will not
use 14K metal unless
requested by a
customer. Normally
we use a higher purity
of gold for our jewelry. |
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White Gold:
White gold is a type of gold that has alloys mixed in so that the metal is white. White gold is as valuable and expensive as traditional yellow gold, in 14 or 18K. White gold is not a popular alternative to platinum, as it is much less expensive yet equally as precious as yellow gold. |
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Green Gold:
Green Gold is another unique coloring of gold. Sometimes it is referred to as “mellow yellow” as it has a unique gold coloring. Green gold is often seen with a “satin” (sandblasted) finish, this further accentuates the “green gold” coloration. |
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Rose Gold:
Rose Gold is sometimes referred to as “pink gold”. Rose gold is used in special designs where a pinkish metal color best suits the sapphires that are being incorporated into the jewelry design. The “rose” color comes from the addition of certain alloys in the gold casting process. Rose gold is very fashionable and used in fine jewelry. |
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Platinum:
This is the hardest metal available. It is the most expensive, usually 3 times the price of regular 14K gold. It is normally used for the most expensive and highest quality workmanship. We recommend this metal for more expensive items because platinum will surely last a lifetime of use, as it is an exceptionally durable metal. |
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Setting :
There are many different methods of setting stones in jewelry. Here are the most common and widely used methods.
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Prong :
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Prong setting is the most
traditional and classic type of
setting that is seen in jewelry.
It is quite simple in method
and design, yet a good setter
holds a unique role in the
finishing touches of jewelry.
Setting a stone at just the
right height, completely |
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Double Prong :
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A double prong setting is usually reserved for very large stones that require extra security and
support. A double prong setting is sometimes requested as a special order. It is used even for smaller stones on occasion, as it lends to a unique look. |
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| straight, centered and secure is not an easy task. The risk of chipping a stone is always an ever present danger for a setter. A good setter is a rare craftsman. |
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Claw Prong :
A Claw Prong is a fancy and unique way of finishing off prongs in the setting of a stone. This is a refined look and quite unique. A Double Claw Setting is extra special for
large set stones. |
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Bezel :
A bezel setting is a stone that
is set without prongs, rather
metal is surrounding the entire
perimeter of the stone. This is
a very safe and secure way of
protecting a stone in jewelry.
It also is a very unique look as
the metal completely
showcases the stone that is
being set. |
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Pave :
Pave’ is a specialty setting type
where small round stones
(usually diamonds) are set very
close together. There are many
methods in creating this type of
setting. This is normally done
by hand with a special tool
where a bead is raised and
created in between predrilled
holes. These very small beads
are then used to hold the
stones together in a very close
and uniform way. The finished
look is very clean and elegant
looking. |
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Micro Pave :
Micro Pave’ is very similar to
Pave’ except extremely small
stones are used, in some
cases
less than 1 millimeter.
This work is usually done
with the aid of a microscope
and sometimes with a laser
tool for ultra fine finishing
detail. This type of setting
work is very expensive and
highly labor intensive. It is the
work of a specialist. |
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Ring Size :
An important specification of any jewelry is the correct measurement for the wearer.
If you are unsure of your ring size, you can print out this ring sizer cut-out and take your own measurement. Yes, it is very accurate if you use it correctly.
Of course if you are not comfortable with taking your own size you can go to any local jewelry store and ask them to please measure your finger.
Ring Sizer PDF print out form click here!
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Bracelets and Necklaces :
Standard lengths for necklace are 18 inches.
Bracelets are 7 inches.
Special lengths can be accommodated for special orders.
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