FAQ's

Jewelry FAQ's

Our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page can answer many of the questions you might have regarding jewelry in general and your jewelry purchase in particular. If you don't find an answer to your questions here, please feel free to contact us via email at jewelman@mikesjewelrystore.com for further assistance.

General Jewelry Questions:

1. What do I need to pay particular attention to when searching for a jeweler?

One of the most important things to take into consideration when making a jewelry purchase or locating a jeweler is the jeweler's credentials. Make sure you purchase from a jeweler certified as an appraiser or gemologist.

2. What is the difference between Antique jewelry, Vintage jewelry and Estate jewelry?

3. What is a jewelry appraisal and do I need to have my jewelry appraised?

There are basically three (3) types of jewelry appraisal. Each type of appraisal serves a slightly different purpose than the other and provides information and an estimate of a jewel's value based upon distinctively different criteria. Therefore, a jewelry consumer must first understand the types of appraisals available to him or her and then select the appraisal appropriate for his or her need.

1. A Consumer Protection Appraisal (CPA) is a jewelry appraisal for a consumer considering the purchase a fine jewel or precious gemstone. The CPA report offers a detailed and accurate description of a jewel's quality and physical characteristics. The CPA also provides the jewelry buyer with a jewel's estimated retail and wholesale cost.

2. A Replacement Cost Appraisal (RCA) is an estimate of the cost to replace a jewel with a new jewel of comparable look and quality. RCA's are often used to determine an appropriate amount of insurance coverage for a particular piece of jewelry. Your insurer may require this appraisal for your valuable jewelry pieces.

3. A Fair-Market Value Appraisal (FMVA) is often used for tax and estate valuation purposes. The FMVA report provides an estimate of the likely selling price of a jewel if sold in its current, "as-is" condition in its most common market.

4. Are there any jewelry pieces that I can buy for the woman in my life and never go wrong?

In short answer, Yes! Although a person's tastes in jewelry are very individual, there are basic pieces that are "absolute musts" in every woman's jewelry repertoire. The five jewelry items considered most essential to a woman's jewelry wardrobe are: (1) Diamond Stud Earrings; (2) Diamond Solitaire Necklace; (3) Gold Hoop Earrings; (4) Gold Bracelet; and (5) Pearl Necklace.

3. Caring for Jewelry

About Diamonds:

1. What are the 4 C's? (Clarity, Cut, Color and Carat)

2. What are the various types of diamond shapes or cuts?

There are eight (8) basic diamond shapes or cuts. A more detailed explanation and graphic representation of the diamond shapes can be seen here.

About Gemstones: Coming Soon

Ordering:

1. How can I tell if my order is secure?

You can determine when a web page is a secure page by first looking at the URL (in browser address bar) of the page. A normal web page uses an "http" suffix in the web page address (http://mywebpage.com). A page using a secure (SSL) connection to transmit information will instead start with "https" (https://mywebpage.com).

In addition to the URL change mentioned above, your browser will also signal you that you are in a secure mode. If you are using Internet Explorer 4.0 and above, a locked padlock in the lower right hand corner of your browser status bar indicates that you are in a secure mode. With Netscape Navigator 3.0 and earlier, the broken key symbol in the lower-left corner of your browser window becomes solid when you are in secure mode. In Netscape Communicator 4.0 and above, the padlock symbol in the corner, usually open, is closed in secure mode.