Synthetics and Simulants exist with me and my market in mind: we want pretty things that sparkle, but we're not going to spend our lifetime savings just to own one. You can be glamorous without breaking the bank, and you don't have to apologize for it. When it comes to diamonds, synthetics make for an ethical choice.
I will discuss synthetics and simulants in a separate blog post as it extends to colored gemstones as well. But in basic definition by the Gemological Institute of America:
Synthetic diamonds are grown in a laboratory and have essentially the same chemical composition, crystal structure and physical properties as natural diamonds.
Simulated diamonds have a chemical composition and physical properties that are very different from natural or synthetic diamonds.
As synthetics carry the chemical properties of a natural diamond, they posses the same durability that a diamond is known for: the hardest material on earth. Simulants, conversely, are made to resemble a specific natural gem, they may be natural or lab-grown, but the chemical properties does not match that of a diamond, in any way. Synthetics are technically diamonds, only they lab-produced, and not naturally derived as coveted diamonds are. Simulants only look like diamonds, but in no way equal them in hardness and durability.
Synthetics are lab-grown and often may easily pass the highest scores on the 4Cs (Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat weight) rating scale as they were developed to copy the best of the best. However, while synthetics may flood the market, branded synthetics remain the best option for optimal cut and quality. You may also read about brands for synthetic diamonds here.
The thing is finely-made synthetics are so well-made, even gemologists would not be able to confirm it's only synthetic without a full scale gemological laboratory to do the testing. Sans the conflict, drama and difficulty of acquiring natural diamonds, these actually make for the best choice, unless you're a stickler for the natural, and can easily afford the high cost of natural diamonds.
Simulants, on the other hand, remain questionable alternatives. For someone only after the aesthetic nature of a diamond, and with a very limited budget, a variety of alternatives are available:
*Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness is a qualitative ordinal scale that measures the scratch resistance of most minerals. Diamond measures as the hardest with 10 Mohs and and Absolute Hardness Rating of 1500; Talc at the bottom of the scale with rating of 1 Mohs and absolute hardness of 1. It is to be noted that the Mohs scale is not a quantitative measure as Corundum (Sapphire) measures at 9 Mohs, with an absolute hardness rating of only 400.
**Synthetic Moissanite is often confused as a synthetic diamond but the chemical properties are actually different as Moissanite is composed of Silicon Carbide, Diamond is pure Carbon. Natural Moissanite is very rare, but has been discovered as natural inclusions in diamonds.
To give you an idea of how the more popular simulant options compare, see table below:
Most of our pieces are set with Signity Star, which is a high grade Cubic Zirconia that has been cut to ideal and maximum reflection. In terms of color, clarity, it is superior to other stimulants, and has a better fire dispersion than an actual diamond. Cost-wise, it is very affordable.
Cubic Zriconias are easily dismissed as fakes, and while they are technically cheap, man-made copies of diamonds, Signity Star encompasses a different level of quality. Unlike traditional CZ, Signity will not cloud over time, and is a more lasting alternative compared to older, traditional CZ variants.
Still, a diamond is a diamond and should always be the first choice. However, not all diamonds are equal - lower grades variants under the 4C rating, would also render a low refracting index, a low dispersion or "fire", and clarity, rendering it aesthetically inferior to the other alternatives available.
Bottomline:
We decided to make this guide to simplify the basics that encompass different karats and finishing options.
Gold Purity
Basically, Gold is a very soft metal. At 24k and in its purest form, it is easily scratched and may easily loosen certain stone settings. While in fact and essence very valuable, it is not practical for jewelry that is used daily, and for holding precious gemstones. 22k is the next available option, but remains quite a soft metal. Most luxury commercial jewelry is set in 18k and 14k gold, but mass produced jewelry sellers will easily sell 8-10k gold as "real gold" at very discounted prices. It is still considered real gold, but technically, the percentage of base metals far outweighs that of the actual gold content.
Gold Alloys
To create different karats, as well as different gold tones, gold is often mixed with based metals to create a gold alloy. Increasing the percentages of certain metals gives a definitive tone to a specific piece. For instance, rose gold is produced by mixing copper into the gold alloy. The higher the percentage, the redder the tone. White gold is mixed with nickel or palladium, and plated with rhodium to give it a "whiter" finish. Plain white gold alloy without the rhodium plating often results in a yellow-toned white gold, which is not really ideal.
Silver
We offer silver as a cheaper alternative to gold, providing either a 14k yellow gold plating for yellow gold finishes, or a rhodium plating for a white gold finish. We prefer the rhodium plating as it toughens the silver and gives it protection against eventual tarnishing. However, for a yellow gold finish, we do an anti-tarnish coat that prolongs the gold finish on the silver. While this is not equivalent to buying actual gold (which on its own is resistant to tarnishing), it prolongs the plating and allows you to enjoy your piece longer without having to re-plate every few months.
How do you Decide?
First consideration is budget. Gold can be quite expensive. 14K Gold is the most practical choice as the alloys toughen the metal to make it more sturdy for daily use, and the gold percentage still outweighs that of the base metal, still making it a considerable investment piece. Gold is gold and the cost can easily be justified by how you intend to use it. If you are looking for something for daily use, then gold would always be the best option. If you are looking for something on the higher end of the spectrum, 18K is ideal in terms of color and investment. With a vibrant yellow tone, 18K speaks of class and a taste for luxury, albeit at an equally higher cost. We do not recommend any Karat higher than 18K, as this will be most likely a soft metal prone to dents and scratches. If you want something to last, and potentially give away as an heirloom piece, then gold would have to be the best choice.
For occasion pieces like bridal jewelry, cocktail or black tie jewelry, silver might be a more viable alternative. It's easy to dismiss silver as inferior to gold, but it is still one of the 3 precious metals and with proper care, silver can also last quite a while. Most of my experimental pieces are set in silver, and their platings have lasted years with care and proper storage. Some, I have even used daily on travels, because losing jewelry while travelling is not something I would be open to happening. Re-plating to update and refresh is always an option, even with gold jewelry, so it's not something that you will specifically have to do for silver jewelry.
Ultimately, it depends on the wearer, whether they consider something as an investment piece, or just something new to wear for a season or two.
You may also do something similar to what our more practical clients do: initially purchase items set in silver, and once they realize how they love the style, and wear it more often than they planned, they again seek us out for a re-setting to actual gold. Re-setting is something we would happily do for our clients, charging only for materials and labor.
]]>SIZES
Small Pendant Only: 14K gold. 17mm diameter.
Medium Pendant Only: 14K gold. 20mm diameter.
Extra Large Pendant Only: 14K gold. 1.25in diameter.
OPTIONAL CLASP LOCK
We have an optional clasp lock attachment for use with charm bracelets or thicker necklace chains:
Small Pendant Only: 14K gold. 17mm diameter.
Medium Pendant Only: 14K gold. 20mm diameter.
Extra Large Pendant Only: 14K gold. 1.25in diameter.
LAYER WITH LOVE
Our medals our available for purchase on their own or with our signature adjustable 14k gold chain. Chain length is adjustable from from any length up to 22" inches.
Aslo available in 14k White Gold & 18k Yellow Gold.
READY TO ORDER?
ORDERING GUIDELINES
This item is strictly made to order. However, prior to production, we will require 50% down payment for every order.
Payment Options: Bank Transfer, GCash, Paypal (+ Additional 5% Processing Charge)
To order, kindly send us a message and we will send you an order confirmation with complete details. Please pay 50% of total amount due and send us a copy of your transaction confirmation.
Production of your order will only start upon confirmed receipt of your down payment. Production may take anytime from 7-15 working days, so please allot enough time in making your orders as rush orders may or may not be accommodated, and might require an additional fee for overtime labor.
Once your order has finished production, we will send you a balance invoice for payment.
Your order will only be shipped/delivered upon completion of full payment.
Please note that all confirmed orders (upon completion of down payment) are deemed final. As production will commence as soon as payment has been settled, no changes or cancellations can be accommodated at the manufacturing stage.
Every fine jewelry piece purchased from Dainty Lily Jewelry is covered under a 6-month warranty. Should your jewelry suffer a breakage or tarnishing due to a manufacturing defect, we are committed to ensuring that your piece is either repaired or replaced at no cost to yourself if returned in under 6 months of receipt of the product. Repairs needed after 6 months or deemed to be caused by misuse, will incur a repair charge. As we have no control over the forces and elements our products will be subject to after sale, we can only offer a minimal guarantee, and ensure provision of minimal costs to your repair requirements.