Fine Jewelry Store
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A fine jewelry store specializes in designing pieces that are created from precious metals and either precious or semi-precious gemstones. Gold, platinum, and silver are examples of precious metals. White gold is mixed with an alloy to create the pale sheen, but platinum is naturally white. The three colored precious gemstones are emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. Diamonds are also classified as precious gems. Any other type of stone is classified as semi-precious. Examples of semi-precious gems include stones such as the amethyst, opals, peridot, and topaz. The four precious stones are traditional birthstones: April diamond; May emerald; July ruby; and September sapphire. The other eight months are traditionally represented by semi-precious stones: January garnet; February amethyst; March aquamarine; June pearl; August peridot; October opal; November citrine; and December blue topaz. Most months also have substitute birthstones. A fine jewelry store may have a collection of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and brooches that features each month's special gem. Customers can easily select a gift for a special birthday from the collection.
There are two other recognized jewelry classifications besides "fine." The second is called "bridge." Like fine pieces, the bridge jewelry is usually created with precious metals such as gold or platinum, but sterling silver seems to be a popular choice. However, the gems are from the semi-precious group of stones. Bridge pieces are not necessarily of lesser quality or less expensive than fine pieces, however. For example, a poorly cut emerald set in poor quality gold will not be as valuable as a quality garnet that is set in platinum. The sales personnel at a fine jewelry store should have the expertise to help customers distinguish the quality of different gems. In addition to the cut, the salesperson should be able to point out defects in individual stones and explain how these affect the stone's value. This type of expertise is especially invaluable for prospective bridegrooms who are shopping for the perfect engagement ring. Individual diamonds are graded according to the industries 4 Cs. These are cut, clarity, color, and caret. A knowledgeable salesperson can assist in balancing out these four factors. This helps the customer choose the best diamond for his budget. For example, a large diamond (caret) may not have the sparkle (clarity and color) of a smaller diamond with a higher quality cut.
The exceptionally fine jewelry store probably will not sell the third classification costume pieces. This classification refers to jewelry that is created with base metals and glass stones. The metals are often gold-plated or silver-plated to give the illusion of quality. The colored glass stones, such as rhinestones or crystals, may still be quite beautiful, but will not have the value of an authentic stone. Just like bridge pieces, however, costume jewelry isn't necessarily cheap. Some jewelry designers have made a name for themselves because of their creativity and the quality of their pieces. They can become quite fashionable in certain circles of society. Other costume jewelry manufacturers cater to a less affluent market and offer their products at discount retail stores at inexpensive prices. A few companies sell costume jewelry through independent salespeople who find individuals to host parties in their homes. These pieces are usually more expensive than shopping at a discount store, but the quality may be worth the price. These parties can be a lot of fun as the guests can try on different necklaces, earrings, and bracelets before completing order forms. The hostess often receives free pieces based on her party's sales. Very special pieces, however, such as an anniversary gift, should probably be selected from a fine jewelry store. These pieces often become sentimental heirlooms and should be the highest quality that the customer can afford.
The apostle Paul cautioned the Christians in Corinth to "take heed" how they built on the foundation of Jesus Christ. He wrote: "Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest . . . because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward" (1 Corinthians 3:10, 12-14). Fire destroys wood, hay, and stubble, but not precious metals or stones. However, the precious items that Paul lists in this passage cannot be bought at even the finest fine jewelry store. Instead, these represent the treasure of a person's heart and the work built on the foundation Jesus Christ of more eternal value than the shiniest of metals or the rarest of jewels. Lovely birthstone earrings, a sparkling diamond engagement ring, or a sentimental anniversary necklace are meaningful gifts and keepsakes. But their value needs to be kept in eternal perspective.
Not all gems sold in a fine jewelry store come from God's creative process. Innovative techniques allow for the manufacture of synthetic or lab-created equivalents of diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. The manufactured stones are produced in controlled environments so that they have the same chemical and physical properties as their natural counterparts. In fact, due to the manufacturing process, the synthetic gems may even be stronger in substance than authentic ones. It may be difficult for anyone but an expert to tell them apart. Additionally, the synthetic stones won't have any of the major defects that are often found in authentic deposits. Here again, the customer may need to rely on the expertise of the sales personnel in making a choice between authentic and lab-created gemstones. The choice may be about more than authenticity or economics. For example, many consumers are making a deliberate choice to purchase manufactured diamonds because of controversy surrounding what are commonly called conflict, or blood, diamonds. Some fine jewelry store companies are promoting their authentic diamonds as being conflict-free to ease consumer concerns about indirectly supporting wars in Africa with their purchases.
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