How to choose a piece of jewelry?

1. Size

In the photos of the jewelry, it is very difficult to obtain a result showing the details of the jewelry as well as its dimensions. You should not rely only on the photos; you must also read the description carefully and check the measurements carefully.

In the description of each piece of jewelry, you must have access to several pieces of information including, of course, the dimensions of the piece of jewelry.

For chains: length/width

- The length of the chain is given in cm (open chain)

- The chain width is given in mm.

- We advise you to check these two measurements on a meter or a ruler before ordering the jewel so as not to have any unpleasant surprises, in particular on the thickness of the chain.

For bracelets: length/width

- For the length , we advise you to measure the circumference of your wrist using a soft tape measure or a string, and add 0.5 to 1 cm depending on your preferences: if you prefer to wear it tight or looser. You can also measure one of your bracelets.

- For the width , you must carefully check the width (in mm) of the bracelet with a meter or a ruler.

For rings: finger size or diameter

- Measure your finger circumference using a string or a soft tape measure at the second phalanx, as this is often the widest part of the finger. Then refer to the table below and choose the corresponding upper ring size.

For earrings: the diameter as well as in some cases the width of the wire and the length.

- For creoles you have to take into account the diameter and thickness of the wire.

- Do not hesitate to use a meter or, failing that, a ruler to measure or compare the dimensions given with your own jewelry. This will help avoid possible disappointments or size errors.

At Bijouxvk the dimensions are given as precisely as possible.

2. Materials used

This is probably the most important point when buying a piece of jewelry. We will explain the differences and properties of the metals we use in the manufacture of our jewelry.

If you are on a tight budget, then it is best to choose jewelry made of solid silver (925/1000) or gold plated. While they are less prestigious (and therefore less expensive) than their 9 and 18 carat counterparts, they are more resistant because the pieces contain less metal.

This is a great alternative to gold.

The different "tackles"

Technically, everyone knows that gold plating is a very successful reproduction of real gold that allows you to create equally beautiful and inexpensive jewelry.

There are several stages of gold plating:

- Gold plating , also called gold plated in some regions of the world.

This technique consists of covering/depositing by different methods a light layer of a metal other than the original one to give the desired color to the jewel.

The "plating" is generally between 0.3 and 1 micron thick . It is therefore absolutely necessary to avoid water, perfume or physical exercise (sweating) when wearing these jewels under penalty of tarnishing or damaging their colors very quickly. However, even if you take care of these jewels, they will lose their colors over time.

- French/European gold plating

The uninitiated call “gold plated” any metal covered with a layer of gold, regardless of its thickness or purity. However, there is a precise definition of gold plating: according to French and European legislation, only a 3-micron gold-plated jewel is an authentic gold-plated jewel. The lifespan of a 3-micron gold-plated jewel varies between 5 and 10 years if it is well maintained. In comparison, “fine gold-plated” jewels have a gold layer thickness 10 times thinner than gold plating with the European hallmark.

The gold used for plating must be at least 14 karat and can be up to 24 karat.

Gold plated jewelry has its own hallmarks to certify the quality and thickness of the plating.

- Rolled/filled gold or Goldfilled

Goldfilled products are created by mechanically bonding a layer of gold to a layer of metal. The outer gold layer must be at least 1/ ^20th of the total metal content by weight. Therefore, Goldfilled is an excellent alternative to conventional plating which is thinner and less durable.

Generally speaking, the quality and durability of a Goldfilled piece of jewelry will be better than that of a gold-plated piece of jewelry, and even more so than that of a piece of jewelry simply gilded with fine gold. This is the thickest form of gilding. A well-maintained piece of Goldfilled jewelry can last up to 30 years.

The gold used for its manufacture is generally 14 carats.

Goldfilled jewelry also has its hallmark to testify to its qualities and is hypoallergenic. It can be worn in all circumstances even if this will reduce its durability in the long term.

The different types of money

Solid silver

Mainly made of pure silver, solid silver is mixed with another metal to reinforce its solidity. To be considered solid silver , it must include at least 80% pure silver. Solid silver is now divided into three main categories: 925 silver (the most common and which is used for our jewelry) called "sterling silver", 950 silver and 800 silver. Solid silver jewelry has a much longer lifespan than other types of silver and, with proper care, it retains all its shine. Over time, it can even end up displaying a beautiful natural patina.

Please note that if your jewelry tarnishes or becomes covered with a blackish film, this does not in any way indicate a counterfeit. On the contrary, silver is a metal that oxidizes naturally and is sensitive to sulfurization. These chemical reactions are due to multiple factors, starting with water and air.

You should clean your silver jewelry regularly to restore its original shine.

You can wear your jewelry on any occasion! Sterling silver can be put in contact with water. However, it is advisable to remove them when swimming or when cleaning with strong products.

All silver jewelry must have a hallmark indicating its silver content. They have an unlimited lifespan provided they are taken care of. Silver is a hypoallergenic metal.

Rhodium silver

Rhodium-plated silver is 925/1000 silver on which a thin layer of rhodium has been plated: the jewel is dipped in a rhodium bath which prevents oxidation. Once the jewel is plated with rhodium, it looks almost like white gold and will no longer oxidize. It will keep a new appearance for a very long time, without maintenance.

Rhodium is a rare metal ; it belongs to the platinum group and is extremely expensive. This is why rhodium-plated 925/000 silver jewelry costs a little more than solid silver jewelry.

If, on the other hand, you like to maintain your jewelry and see it evolve over time, seeing it take on contrasts of different colors depending on the hollows of your jewelry, then natural silver jewelry will completely satisfy you.

The different types of gold

If you are considering buying gold jewelry, the first thing to understand is the concept of karat to assess the quality of the gold.

When buying a piece of jewelry, we don't always pay attention to the 9 or 18 carat indications, and yet it is a very important criterion of quality and resistance over time.

You should know that pure gold is 24 carat gold. However, it is too soft to be worked in jewelry. To be able to create jewelry with gold, it must be "hardened". To do this, other metals are added such as copper, silver or palladium. These alloys make it possible to create two types of gold: 18 carat and 9 carat.

The choice between 9 carat and 18 carat will depend on your priorities and your budget. 750/1000 gold is very popular for heirloom jewelry that you can wear daily and that can last for generations. On the other hand, 375/1000 gold is mainly used for high-end fashion jewelry. It allows you to have beautiful pieces at affordable prices.

375/1000 or 9 carat gold

9 carat gold, used in Europe, is the most economical; it corresponds to 375/1000 (thousandth) of gold, or 37.5% pure gold supplemented by an alloy. But it is less qualitative.

Indeed, in terms of hardness, the 9 carat alloy is the hardest compared to 18 carat gold or 24 carat gold. But who says harder, also says more brittle. Subjected to repeated pressures and shocks, 9 carat gold will be less resistant than 18 carat gold.

As for wear, the higher alloy of 9 carat with other metals promotes oxidation and can cause the jewelry to lose its shine more quickly. It will also be more sensitive to chemicals, perspiration and water.

Generally, cleaning with the appropriate products should easily restore its original shine.

750/1000 or 18 carat gold also called solid gold

You should know that the adjective "massive" refers to the gold content of the jewel, which is at least 750/1000 for an 18-carat jewel. Contrary to popular belief, this has nothing to do with the weight of the jewel.

18 carat gold is a very high quality gold, traditionally used in jewelry. It combines high purity of gold and solidity, which allows the jewel to be passed down from generation to generation. 18 carat gold or 750/1000 (thousandths) contains 75% pure gold alloyed with 25% other metals such as silver or copper. 18 carat gold is recognizable by its hallmark bearing the number “750”. A jewel bearing this hallmark is considered to be solid gold.

18 karat jewelry does not change over time. It does not tarnish, discolor or chip.

3. The price

The price of a piece of jewelry takes into account many factors including materials, weight (for gold), labor, origin (country, artisans), quality of the jewelry, marketing costs, manufacturers' and resellers' margins, etc.

At Bijouxvk we sell our jewelry at very competitive prices thanks to a small but qualified and passionate team.

Costs are kept to a minimum (local suppliers, simplified packaging, minimum advertising costs, etc.). The profit margin is low because the team seeks above all to adapt to all budgets and to meet your satisfaction.

Thanks to this, we can boast of being one of the cheapest online jewelry stores on the market while selling high quality jewelry.

4. Beware of scams!!!!!

Many online retailers/jewelers do not comply with European regulations and guarantees. They sell poor quality jewelry, omitting certain details or outright lying about the materials used.

The most common scams are:

Jewelry sold for money but is silver plated or silver plated.
Jewelry sold as gold plated when it is actually gilded with fine gold.
Jewelry sold as 18 carat gold when it is only gold plated.
jewelry sold as Goldfilled when it is only gilded with fine gold.

If you have any doubts about the quality of your jewelry, we strongly advise you to have it checked at a jewelry store.

At Bijouxvk, we comply with all regulations in force; all our metals are verified and come only from Europe; our jewelry conforms to the descriptions given and we make it a point of honor to provide you with all the necessary details for the purchase of jewelry, without any deception.