More FAQ's
Question: Isn't 14k Gold Filled Fake or just another way of saying Plated?
Answer: No, 14K Gold Filled is actually an extremely thin brass core that has a thick layer of 14K Gold permantly bonded to it compared to the core material.
It contains a 100 times more gold than a Plated material does and will not wear off with normal wear. It is sold in very reputable Jewelry supply houses for jewelry construction and must meet exact standards in this country. It has also been known as "Rolled Gold".
This cuts down on the cost since it reduces the Troy weight of the gold and allows it to be a Durable, Cost Effective alternative to solid gold (which is now VERY expensive ! The cost of gold has tripled in the last few years.)
A piece of jewelry made with 14KGF can be considered a lifetime piece of jewery.
Conclusion: It is not a fake. Because is is "filled" in the very core with that very thin layer of brass is why it is called "filled".
Silver Filled is the same way except that it is "filled" with a base metal. The silver must be at least 1/20th of the weight.
Plated on the other hand has a large brass or nickel core and a microscopically thin layer of gold over it and will pit and wear off in time. The depth of the layer of plated gold will determine the durability of a Plated item.
Question:What's the deal? You're selling FAKE gemstones !
Answer: No, most LAB CREATED gemstones are just what their name states: the real deal but instead of being "grown" in the ground, they are "grown" in a lab which actually results in a nearly flawless stone.
Most are made with the same materials the "real" one grown in the ground is made from.
Question: Yah, but I want the real thing!
That's fine. :-) Many people want the "real thing". However, if you are not willing to spend a good chunk of your hard earned money, a LAB GROWN stone is the way to go.
Take a Ruby for instance. It is more expensive than a diamond for a real one of any great quality, cut and color.
But you can have a beautiful Lab Grown stone for a fraction of that cost and unless you tell someone that is was grown in a Lab instead of in the earth they aren't going to know the difference.
If you want a real stone we do sell those as well in some pieces of jewelry. We also use natural semi precious gemstones such as Jade, Sodalite, Amethyst, Onyx and others if you are into having one "grown by nature".
Conclusion:NO, they are not FAKE. Just grown in a different way. They have gained popularity as well as acceptance and are sold in many upscale jewelry stores. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.... :-)
Question: WOW! Why are some of your beads and jewelry so EXPENSIVE !! YIKES !
Answer: Well, because they are an individually handmade artisian product just like my handcrafted jewelry. They are not mass produced and each is a miniture work of "wearable art". Some take a very long time to make and the skill to make them has taken me years of practice as has my jewelry craft.
Question: Yah, but I can't afford to pay that much even if it's cool...
Answer: Well, I guess that would be up to you to decide what to spend your money on. Some people are willing to pay $20-$30 to have their nails done once a week and never blink an eye...
Some people are willing to pay $60-$90 every 6 weeks to have their hair done...
Some people will buy a Latte at least once every day for $3-$4 a cup and feel that it's a reasonable expense that makes them happy.
Then there are some people who really enjoy having something they can put on and wear for the rest of their lives and enjoy on a daily basis and only pay for it once. (smile)
So......if you average it out for a lifetime of joy.....
that piece of jewelry or handcrafted bead was pretty cheap after all...
Conclusion: I guess it has to do with what makes you happy.
What makes me happy is to create one of a kind pieces.
They are not cheap---but they ARE unique and to the right person, will bring a lot of joy.
I hope you are one of them. (smile)
