FAQs

Appraisals
Gemstones
Metals
Pearls
Repairs
Watches
Miscellaneous

APPRAISALS

How much is an appraisal? Do I need an appointment?
A simple typed appraisal starts at $75.00.  It’s always best to call for a convenient time to drop off an appraisal but an appointment is not necessary.

What are the different types of “Appraisals”?
An Insurance Appraisal is done at Replacement Value.  This is the amount you would pay to replace the item with the same or similar if it was lost, stolen or destroyed.
An Estate or Divorce Appraisal is done at Fair Market Value. This is often significantly less than replacement value, since it is the value if you were to sell the item to a private party in its current age and condition. It is meant as a fair way to put a value on assets being divided up, since some recipients may simply want to sell the items and others may want to keep them.

Cash Value is usually similar or the same as an Offer to Buy. It can be the value when selling to a private buyer, or to someone who has to resell it (and thus make a profit), which usually means this is the lowest value, but it is often the most realistic value and the quickest way to get your money out of the unwanted item without waiting for an auction, taking an ad in the paper, etc.

GEMSTONES

I was told to put oil on my opal to keep it from cracking.  Is this true?
False.  It will not harm it, but actually opal is a gemstone with a high level of water in it, so the oil will not penetrate; it only makes the surface look glossy.  The only thing that will help keep opals from developing fine hairline cracks is to keep them away from heat, which will dry them out.  However, cracks are a part of the natural aging process of the stone and often cannot be avoided.

Are Emeralds fragile?
The gemstone Beryl, which includes Emeralds and Aquamarines, is actually high on the hardness scale and it does not scratch easily.  However, the way emeralds grow in nature, they have many tiny seams and fissures throughout.  For hundreds of years man has been using a technique to enhance the look of these imperfections by oiling the gems, which can be compared to using “scratch cover polish” on wood but it goes deeper into the stone.  The oil is impregnated and does not leach out but if the stone is cleaned for too long or with strong cleansing products, it will “strip” some of those oils out and make the inclusions more noticeable.  In recent years other products have been used to fill these imperfections, which also require special care when heating (for ring sizing) or cleaning.  Your jeweler should specify if one of these new fill products has been used.

I love rubies, emeralds and sapphires but cannot afford them.  Are there any substitutes?
Pick a gem color and we can give you a long list of choices.  The colors may not be exactly the same but they can give the same effect for widely different prices.  Transparent red gemstones include ruby, garnet and tourmaline.  The dark blue family encompasses sapphire, tanzanite and tourmaline; light blues include aquamarine, blue topaz and blue zircon.  In the pink family, we have pink sapphire, tourmaline, kunzite & pink topaz.  Of course there are many synthetic and imitation stones for a fraction of the cost of genuine.

What is the difference between a “synthetic” and “imitation” gem?
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, any gem called “synthetic” is supposed to have the same physical and chemical properties as the genuine.  So a “synthetic sapphire” would have the same readings in various gem lab tests as a genuine sapphire and there are very subtle differences a gemologist has to look for to separate the real from the substitute.  An “imitation stone” only imitates the real one; it basically looks like the genuine stone, but it’s hardness, chemical structure, weight, etc. could all be different.  In general, a true “synthetic” will cost more than a simple “imitation”, so synthetic blue sapphire for instance will cost more than blue glass.

I don’t like my birthstone color.  Any suggestions?
You should know first that many months have alternate birthstone choices including March, June, August, October, November and December. Many gems also come in different colors.  For example, if you do not like the traditional deep brownish-red garnet (for January) there are garnets in pink, purplish-red, brighter red or even green.  Other birthstones that come in different colors are diamond (April), pearl & moonstone (June), sapphire (September), opal & tourmaline (October), topaz & citrine (November) and zircon (December). 

WATCHES

Can I change my own watch battery?
Although it is possible for someone to change their own watch battery, it is best to leave it up to the professionals. There are extremely fragile parts inside a watch and without the proper tools an inexperienced person can permanently damage their watch. Not to mention, each watch can take a different battery, most of which we have on hand and can change in just a few minutes.

Water resistant watches - Why aren't they water PROOF?
According to guidelines issued by the Federal Trade Commission, watch marketers are not allowed to label their watches "water-proof." The reasoning is that no watch is truly waterproof. Instead, a water resistance rating is given to some watches. The chart below is provided by Seiko Watch and can be used as a general guide for water resistance. In practice, the survivability of the watch will depend not only on the water depth, but also on the age of the sealing material, past damage, temperature, and additional mechanical stresses.

What does quartz mean?
A Quartz movement in either a clock or watch uses electricity from a wall outlet or a battery and applies it to a quartz crystal which in turn resonates at a precise frequency and keeps accurate time. Simply put: It is a specific type of movement that requires electricity to run. Other types of movements include automatic and kinetic.

How long should the battery in my watch last?
How long a battery lasts depends on the movement in the watch. If it is a lower quality movement you can expect to get less battery life, while higher quality movements are much more efficient. Likewise, if a watch has lots of extra features like a stopwatch or a light, the battery life can be drastically reduced. Usually, a battery can last between 1 and 4 years.

Why are Rolex watches so water resistant?
Rolex watches are highly water resistant because they have lock down crowns (setting button/knob) with gaskets, plus screw-on backs with gaskets to seal the watch.

Why does my Rolex stop when I put it down for a few days?
Your Rolex is automatically wound with the movement and motion of your wrist.  When you put it down and it is not moving for a few days, the watch will run down and stop.  It will re-start again when you put it back on your wrist or is in motion. 

How often should I have my Rolex serviced?
Your Rolex should be serviced when it begins to malfunction, usually between 6, 8 or 10 years depending on how often you wear it.

Why is a stainless steel Daytona Rolex so difficult to get?
Rolex only manufactures a very limited quantity each year and the demand far outstrips the supply.

METALS

What is the difference between 14K and 18K?
14K is 58.8% gold (14/24ths and 18K is 75% gold 18/24ths. That is why you may see 585 stamped instead of 14k, and on some 18K pieces they will use 750.  The rest of the metal is called the alloy, which is a mixture of other metals to create more strength or different colors in the gold. Most jewelry is not made in its pure form 24K because it is too soft.

What's the difference between palladium, white gold and platinum?
Palladium is a precious gray-white metal part of the platinum family.  It will never tarnish or change its natural color; it is a hypoallergenic metal.  Platinum is a white metal, but unlike gold it is used in jewelry at 90-95% pure. Platinum is extremely long wearing and is very white, so it does not need to be Rhodium plated. Platinum is very dense and heavy, so a platinum ring will feel heavier than a gold ring. White gold is an alloy of gold and some white metals such as silver and palladium. White gold can be 18kt, 14kt, 9kt or any karat.

Is there a difference between “gold filled” and “gold plated”?
Yes! Gold filled has a layer of gold actually bonded to the base metal’s surface. It will last much longer than plated jewelry and can usually be cleaned the same way as real gold jewelry.  Many gold filled items have been known to last 20 years or more if worn with care.  Gold plate is much less expensive to make, and has only a “wash” of metal over a base. Some platings are heavier than others, but if worn a great deal, the gold will wear off easily.  Almost all costume jewelry is gold plated.

What is the difference between white gold and yellow gold, besides “color?”  Why can you be allergic to one and not the other?
When gold comes out of the ground it is yellow.  In order to get white gold or rose gold, alloys are added to change the color.  You can be allergic to one color gold over another because different alloys are used to make different colors. 

What do markings like “925”, “750” or “585” mean?
Other countries often use the metric system instead of the “karat” system to denote metal purity.  So if 24kt gold is pure, and 18kt gold is 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metals, that means 18kt is 18/24 or 75% pure, which Europeans write as “750”.  In the metric system, 14kt gold is noted as “585” and sterling silver is often labeled “925” because it is 92.5% pure silver.  Anything of lower purity cannot be labeled “sterling”.

What about jewelry marked “1/20 12kt GF” (or similar)?
This is usually called “gold filled”, even though the gold is on the outside.  This means it has a bonded layer of gold on the outside and some sort of base metal on the inside.  Sometimes it is also called “gold overlay”.

Why does my platinum ring get dull so quickly?
Although platinum is extremely durable, it is quite soft.  This seems to be a contradiction, but it is not.  The durability of platinum is due to it’s density, meaning the molecules are tightly compacted and thus do not wear down.  That alone makes it one of the best metals for prongs on a diamond ring.  This is also why platinum is so heavy.  However, the platinum molecules themselves are not “hard”, so although they do not wear down quickly, they can scratch easily.  Platinum should be allowed to develop it’s own “patina” over time, and its soft finish should be enjoyed.  If you want a high gloss metal that stays shiny longer, try palladium or white gold.

I have a lot of skin allergies.  Which metals are best?
You only know from actually wearing the jewelry, but the general rule is “the purer the better”.  Of the precious metals, platinum and palladium are often the best because they are usually 90% pure or more (stamped “900” or “950”).  In the case of gold, an allergy to gold is very rare, but the metals it is mixed with often causes allergies.  Just because you get a rash from one 14kt gold ring does not mean another will do so, since each manufacturer has a different gold alloy “mixture”.  In the case of earrings, sometimes a jeweler can even switch the posts to stainless steel (the most hypoallergenic).  Also, switching your jewelry every day, not wearing it to bed and wearing more loose fitting jewelry will sometimes help so your skin is not in close contact with it for long periods of time.

What causes black marks on my skin when I wear gold jewelry?
Sometimes when people wear jewelry, they notice it turns their skin a dark color or makes a black mark on their clothing.  This is commonly referred to as “gold smudge,” and it most often occurs when the discolored area has been exposed to some sort of cosmetic.  Face powders, creams, blush, lipstick and some lotions contain compounds (such as zinc oxide, ferric oxide, titanium oxide or calamine) which are harder than the jewelry metals they come in contact with.  These compounds act like sandpaper on the jewelry, depositing a very fine, dark metallic residue on skin or clothing.

There is a popular misconception that gold smudge indicates poor quality or low karat jewelry, but actually the opposite is true.  Often the more precious the metal, the more discoloration produced.  Pure 24kt gold is the softest, and readily smudges, whereas 14kt gold (58.5% pure gold) has been mixed with other alloys, which make it more durable.

Beyond cosmetics, some people have sulfur in their perspiration, which can produce a greenish black stain when in contact with certain metals.  Salt is another culprit.  Simply exposing jewelry containing copper and silver alloys to salted snacks can cause corrosion and discolor the skin.

To avoid gold smudge, remove rings and other jewelry while applying cosmetics, and clean all areas touching jewelry before putting it back on.  Avoid exposing hands to salty foods, or remove rings and thoroughly wash hands and rings after exposure.  Gold smudge stains on clothing can be removed with soap and water, or by dry cleaning if necessary for the type of fabric involved.

Does Braunschweiger Jewelers buy old jewelry or old gold?  How do you figure out the prices for the gold buying offer?
Yes, Braunschweiger Jewelers does buy old gold and jewelry.  You can bring in unwanted and broken jewelry and we will be more than happy to give you an offer to buy.  When you bring in your old gold, we pay you the current market value for the weight and gold content (14kt, 18kt, etc…) in the pieces you bring.

Why is gold price so high?
The current gold price is so high because it correlates with the strength of the dollar.

Can I use jewelry cleaner on all sterling silver?
You should use only a special silver cleaning solution for sterling silver.  Follow the directions carefully on the jar.

PEARLS

What is the difference between natural, cultured & faux pearls?
A natural pearl is usually formed when a microscopic foreign object finds its way into a mollusk. The mollusk secretes a calcium carbonate substance called nacre. The secretion process is repeated many times over, thus producing a pearl. Round natural pearls are extremely rare.
Cultured pearls are formed when a round bead is inserted into the mollusk. The mollusk goes through the same secretion process as a natural pearl, but since the bead is usually much larger, it takes a shorter amount of time to create. Good cultured pearls are usually left in for at least 2 years, while lower quality pearls are left in for shorter time periods. The longer a pearl is left inside the mollusk, the longer the finish will last.
Faux pearls are fake.

How can I clean my pearls?
Pearls can be cleaned with a mild soap and water solution. Never clean your pearls with solutions that contain ammonia or harsh detergents and remember never to put pearl jewelry in an ultrasonic cleaner. Also, don't use abrasive cleaners or rub pearls with an abrasive cloth. Both can wear away the nacre coating, leaving you with a plain looking bead.  Lay pearls in a heap on a clean towel to dry in order to avoid stretching the cord.

What is the best way to take care of my pearl strand?
Keep pearls away from other jewelry, particularly metal items that can scratch the soft surface of the pearls.  Keep your pearls in a cloth or plastic baggie in your jewelry box at home or when traveling.  Cleaning is also important.  Use a mild gem cleaner to clean them regularly and let them dry on a towel.  Also check them often to make sure they do not need to be restrung.  If the pearls can move at all between the knots, your strand needs to be restrung.  This can be as often as once a year or every several years, depending on their size, length and how often they are worn.  Always spray your perfume or hairspray before putting on your pearls.  Chemicals in those products will ruin the luster of your pearls.

Is it true that wearing your pearls often will keep them lustrous?
While there is nothing wrong with wearing your favorite strand regularly, pearls are very soft and porous.  They will not only scratch easily, but will absorb skin oils, perspiration, cosmetics and perfumes.  This can lead to “pitting” (tiny spots on the surface) or a change in color because a foreign substance has penetrated the finish.  Cleaning them regularly with a mild solution will help keep them looking beautiful.  It is also very important to put on all your makeup and perfume and allow it to fully dry before putting on your pearls.  Never sleep in your pearl strand or bracelet.  Sleeping puts a great strain on the cord and will stretch or break it much faster than usual.

REPAIRS

Do you do repairs?  What is the repair process?  Is my item sent out?
Yes, we do repairs.  When you bring your repair into Braunschweiger Jewelers a sales associate will be able to help you.  They will evaluate your jewelry, enter a description of your jewelry in the computer and give you a date that the jewelry will be ready to be picked up.  About 80% of jewelry repairs are done by our jewelers in the Morristown store.  The only time we send it out is if it is a special designer piece or something that we are unable to fix in our service department.  If that’s the case, your jewelry is sent back to the manufacturer for repair. 

Can I watch while my ring is being set? Can I watch while you work on my diamond?
You can’t watch our jewelers as they set or work on your diamond – or any jewelry for that matter.  We have been in business for over 70 years and are an honest and trusted business.  If you do not feel comfortable leaving your jewelry with us, then we encourage you to take it to someone you do trust.  The same goes for appraisals; many times we will have to take in your jewelry and hold it for a few days while it is being appraised.  All jewelry is kept in our vault unless it is being worked on. 

How often should I have the prongs checked on my ring?
Newer rings should be checked at least once a year, while older rings are more prone to damage and should be checked every few months.

My ring spins around.  What can be done?
There are several reasons for this.  Of course, the ring may need to be made smaller but sometimes it is because your hands are smaller in winter when the weather is cold, or your knuckles are larger than the inside of your finger.  Possible solutions range in cost from lowest to highest: (a) a simple temporary ring guard, (b) “sizing beads” that help prevent tipping, or (c) a hinged shank, which expands to fit over the knuckle and then snaps closed.

How do I untangle a chain?
The first tools needed are good light and a pair of straight pins (and glasses or good eyesight!)  Lay the item flat, and stretch it out as much as you can.  Working your way from the ends, use the pins to try to gently pull apart one small section at a time.  If that fails, bring it into one of our stores – we do it all the time!  To avoid a tangle in the future, always put your chains away clasped.

MISC

Why do most settings have a white metal head but can have a yellow gold shank?
Not only are diamonds more secured in a white metal (because it is stronger) but because diamonds reflect the color of metals around it, a diamond could look yellow in a yellow gold head.

My heavy earrings don’t hang right.  Is there a solution?
Many earrings are just too heavy for the average ear lobe.  There are several possible solutions a jeweler can recommend, usually involving different types of earring backs and stabilizers available.

I have trouble putting some bracelets on by myself.  Is there help?
No need to hire a personal assistant!  There are actually tools to help you do this but before you come in to get the tool, try this first:  Use adhesive tape to stick one end of the bracelet to your arm.  Then you are free to attach the clasp end with your other hand without having to hold onto the bracelet or “chase” it around your arm.

I have an old brooch with no safety clasp and am afraid I will lose it.
Older pins (and some inexpensive ones) have only a simple hook clasp.  Jewelers have small, inexpensive attachments that can make them safer to wear.  Stop in and drop off your brooch for us to add a safety clasp.

What do I do with my mother’s old costume jewelry?
Costume jewelry can make great accent pieces and the “vintage” style trend is here to stay!  All those old brooches that our mothers and grandmothers wore look great in your hair, on evening bags, your belts, or the shoulder or back of a dress.  Bold costume earrings make great vintage statements, and sometimes they can even be converted to pierced earrings.  Clip-on earrings can sometimes accent a neckline or collar. 

What is the difference between “carat” and “karat”? 
Carat with a “C” is a weight measurement for gemstones (like pounds or kilos).  So a one carat gem is usually abbreviated and written “1 ct.”  Karat with a “K” is a measure of the purity of a metal and is usually written as: 14kt, 18kt etc… Pure gold for example is yellow in color and is called “24 karat” (or abbreviated “24kt” or 24k”).  Something that is 18kt gold is 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metals; 14kt gold is 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metals.  The metals mixed in are for durability, price, and/or to change the color of the precious metal, etc.