High end jewelry refers to pieces made with precious metals and gemstones that are of exceptional quality and craftsmanship. These luxurious adornments often have significant monetary and sentimental value. But what exactly goes into creating high end jewelry? Here we explore the materials, gemstones, and production methods used to make these exquisite accessories.
Precious Metals
The primary materials used in high end jewelry are precious metals. The most common choices are gold, platinum, and silver. Each metal has unique properties that make them well-suited for jewelry.
Gold
Gold is a precious metal that has been used in jewelry for thousands of years. It has a bright, warm yellow color and smooth, lustrous texture. Gold is very malleable and ductile, meaning it can be hammered and drawn into very thin sheets or wires without breaking. This makes it easy for jewelers to craft intricate designs. The purity of gold is measured in karats – 24 karat gold is 100% pure, while lower karats contain other metals like copper or silver. Most high end jewelry uses 18 karat or higher gold for its beauty and value.
Platinum
Platinum is a silvery-white metal known for its rarity and purity. It is extremely durable and hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for jewelry. Platinum is denser and heavier than gold, adding a luxurious heft to jewelry pieces. Unlike gold, platinum jewelry is typically 95-98% pure platinum. Its white luster pairs beautifully with diamonds and other colorless gemstones. Platinum has become a popular metal for engagement and wedding rings.
Silver
Sterling silver contains 92.5% pure silver mixed with copper. It has a bright, gleaming finish that oxidizes to a patina over time. Silver is more affordable than gold or platinum, yet still considered a precious metal. It is very malleable with a lustrous shine. Sterling silver is commonly used for jewelry adorned with gems or more elaborate artistic designs. Silver oxidizes more readily than other metals and requires greater care to retain its shine.
Gemstones
Precious and semi-precious gemstones are another hallmark of high end jewelry. These natural stones are valued for their beauty, durability, and rarity. Here are some of the most popular gemstones used in fine jewelry:
Diamonds
Diamonds are highly prized for their scintillating brilliance and hardness. In jewelry, diamonds are valued based on the 4Cs – cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Diamonds with excellent cut, colorless or near-colorless grades, high clarity with minimal inclusions, and larger carat weights command the highest prices. Large, high quality diamonds make lavish statements in engagement rings, tennis bracelets, and earrings.
Emeralds
Emeralds are a vibrant green variety of beryl known for their vivid coloration. Their green hue comes from trace amounts of chromium and vanadium. Emeralds are graded by their saturation and tone, as well as clarity and carat weight. Colombian emeralds with a rich, dark green color are the most desirable on the market. They create stunning statement pieces.
Rubies
Rubies display a brilliant red color from trace chromium. The most prized rubies are blood red in tone with minimal inclusions. Rubies also have excellent hardness and durability. Significant rubies are scarce, commanding high values – especially at larger carat sizes. Burmese rubies are considered the finest. Rubies make regal jewelry as center stones or embellishments.
Sapphires
Sapphires exhibit beautiful blue hues ranging from deep navy to sky blue. The best sapphires have full, saturated color. Fancy sapphires also occur in yellow, pink, orange, green, and purple. Blue sapphires contrasted with diamonds are classic for engagement rings and other elegant jewelry. Sapphires symbolize nobility, wisdom, and faithfulness.
Opals
Opals have a mesmerizing play-of-color that shifts and flashes. The highest quality opals are black or white with strong color fire. Australia produces 97% of the world’s opals in a spectrum of varieties. Solid opals are extremely rare, so most jewelry contains thin opal slices. Opals have a softer composition that requires protective settings. They make one-of-a-kind rings, pendants, and earrings.
Jewelry Production
Creating high end jewelry is an intricate process melding artistry with expert technique. Here is an overview of how these luxe adornments come to life:
Design
The design process begins with sketches translating inspiration into tangible jewelry pieces. Design elements consider purpose, style, materials, gemstones, wearability, and technical feasibility. CAD software is often used for precision in designing 3D jewelry models. Jewelers may hand carve waxes to refine prototypes. Designs are modified until complete.
Casting & Fabrication
Mold-making and casting creates exact metal replicas of jewelry designs. First, molds are made from hand carved waxes. Liquid metal fills these molds which solidify into casted jewelry components. Precious metals like gold and platinum are commonly cast. Jewelry pieces also undergo fabrication. Master jewelers expertly shape, join, and assemble metals and gemstones until bringing designs to life. Modern laser technology can engrave filigree and detail work.
Stone Setting
Gemstone setting is done by hand to align and secure each stone. Setting types vary based on the stone cut and design. Common settings include prong, bezel, channel, flush, and tension settings. Jewelers use tiny metalwork to contour and fasten settings around or underneath stones. This process requires immense precision and skill. The right setting protects gems and allows light to refract ideally.
Polishing & Plating
Meticulous polishing and plating finishes each jewelry piece. Stones are cleaned and metals buffed until smooth and lustrous. Additional plating applies rhodium, palladium, or other metals atop surfaces. This protects against wear and enhances shine. Jewelry must be carefully cleaned, inspected, and adjusted before completion.
Quality Assurance
Rigorous quality testing ensures jewelry meets exacting standards. High end pieces are examined for fine details like pattern alignment, stone security, structural integrity, sheen, and color consistency. Any flaws require rework. Only jewelry passing this verification merits hallmarks and designer signatures.
Unique Creations
Every high end jewelry piece tells a distinct story through its imaginative design, meticulous craftsmanship, and rare materials. Talented jewelers combine their artistic vision, technical excellence, and painstaking precision to create one-of-a-kind adornments. The exquisite beauty and incomparable quality of fine jewelry turns precious metals and gems into wearable works of art.
Pricing
High end jewelry commands premium pricing due to the first-rate materials and artisanal production. Precious metals and gemstones have inherent value. Larger and higher quality stones also drive cost. The intricate craftsmanship involved requires significant time, effort, and skill. Each piece is unique and exclusive. Designer names command luxury brand recognition and prestige. Combined, these factors place high end jewelry in an upper echelon of expense – typically starting in the thousands for finished pieces.
Factors Affecting Cost
- Precious metals – gold, platinum, silver
- Gemstones types, quality grades, size
- Design complexity and detail work
- Brand name and reputation
- Production effort and techniques
- Uniqueness, exclusivity, and limited production
While not inexpensive, high end luxury jewelry remains a meaningful investment. The metals retain inherent resale value, and many iconic jewelry designs maintain or increase in value. Passed down, they become precious heirlooms.
Where to Buy High End Jewelry
For such a significant purchase, discerning buyers want an optimal experience and trusted experts helping them. High end jewelry is available through these select channels:
Jeweler Boutiques
Upscale jewelers and luxury brands operate boutiques in major cities and high end shopping districts. Trying on jewelry in person allows you to evaluate quality and craftsmanship details hands-on, with guidance from knowledgeable associates.
Department Stores
Some high end department stores like Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bloomingdale’s have jewelry salons. They carry an curated selection of fine jewelry designers and pieces. You get department store service and convenience with elevated offerings.
Online Retailers
Websites like Blue Nile and James Allen allow you to shop for diamonds and customized engagement rings online. Carefully review provided certifications. Reputable sites offer free returns and lifetime warranty service.
Jewelry Auctions
Auction houses like Christie’s and Sotheby’s handle important jewelry sales. You can potentially acquire rare, antique, and estate pieces at auction. Preview items ahead of time and bid with caution.
Estate Sales
Selling previously owned fine jewelry allows consignors to recover investment. Reputable estate sales ensure pieces are authentic and in good condition. This gives buyers access to unique items at discounted prices.
How to Care for High End Jewelry
Caring for precious jewelry helps retain its beauty and value over time. Here are some best practices for keeping high end pieces looking their best:
- Store jewelry in a safe place away from chemicals, heat, and humidity. Use a fabric-lined drawer or jewelry box.
- Keep pieces in separate padded compartments to prevent scratching and tangling.
- Clean jewelry regularly with mild soap, water, and a soft brush.
- Avoid exposing jewelry to activities like exercising, swimming, sleeping, and gardening.
- Remove jewelry before applying lotions, fragrances, hair products or cosmetics.
- Take rings, bracelets, and necklaces off when hands will be immersed in water.
- Have jewelry periodically inspected by a jeweler to check for damage.
- Gems and metals may require professional cleaning or polishing over time.
- Get jewelry appraised every few years to verify current value.
With proper care, fine jewelry pieces become family treasures. Regular maintenance preserves their lasting sparkle and sentimental significance.
Final Thoughts
High end jewelry captivates with its peerless artistry and rare components – each piece a singular work of wearable art. These special adornments make meaningful gifts, milestones, and heirlooms conveying emotions and memories for generations. From glittering precious gems to exquisite handcraftsmanship, luxury jewelry commemorates life’s cherished moments in incomparable style and splendor.