Tennis and rope chains are two types of chains that you may see on necklaces and bracelets. While they look similar, there are some key differences between them.
A tennis chain consists of a series of interlocking links connected by small round ball bearings. You will find this chain in pre-cut lengths that you can easily slip over the head. Tennis chains are often used for necklaces because they can be easily sized to fit any size neckline. They also have a nice, smooth feel that makes them comfortable to wear against the skin.
A rope chain has a more distinctive look than a tennis chain because it consists of long strands that resemble ropes rather than interlocking links with ball bearings like tennis chains do.
The links in rope chains tend to be larger than those found on tennis chains, giving them their distinct look while providing added durability, so they don't break as easily under stress as tennis chains.
Rope chains are often used for bracelets because they can be easily sized by cutting off desired lengths from the main strand at any point along its length (instead of buying pre-cut lengths like with tennis chains).
If you're looking for a chain that will make an impression but not overpower your outfit, then a tennis chain is the way to go. Its fine texture and intricate details make it the perfect choice for events like weddings or proms where people are focused on their attire.
The rope chain is a little more subtle than the tennis chain. It's made with thicker links that create a smooth appearance while still maintaining its durability and strength and giving off a bit of sparkle when light hits it in just the right way. As a result, it is perfect for everyday wear or special occasions such as weddings or anniversary parties where all eyes are on you anyway!
While tennis and rope chains are great options for men's jewelry, the choice ultimately depends on your style. A rope chain is usually a better choice if you're looking for something simple, but if you want something more ornate, a tennis chain could be what you need.
Regardless of which type of chain you choose, we hope this article has helped provide some insight into how these two different types of men's jewelry differ. Whether looking for a new tennis chain or rope chain, look no further than Little John's Derby Jewelry.
We have the best selection of authentic jewelry, so you can easily find the chain that suits you!
]]>The first thing you want to do is remove all of the pieces from the watch. This includes all of the jewelry on the face and around the edges and any straps or chains that may be attached. Once you remove these pieces, you can begin cleaning them individually.
Use a soft cloth to clean the case of your iced-out watch. Make sure not to use anything abrasive or harsh because this will scratch the surface of your timepiece and damage it permanently. A mild soap solution may also be used on the face of the watch if necessary.
Most people will use soap and water for this task, but some people like to use alcohol instead because it dries more quickly than soap does. If you choose to use soap, make sure that it doesn't have any moisturizers or perfumes in it; these could cause damage over time if left on a piece of jewelry for too long! Take a soft toothbrush and dip it in water before using it; this will prevent scratches while scrubbing away at dirt build-up on each diamond on your watch face.
After you've cleaned all of the diamonds on your watch:
Once you've rinsed off all of the soap residues from your iced-out watch, let it dry completely before reattaching the bracelet and putting it back on. Don't forget to pat down all of your diamonds after they're dry not to get scratched or damaged by friction against other pieces in your jewelry box or drawer!
Iced-out watches can make a fashion statement, but they can't offer the same level of protection as genuine gemstones. That means that you should take extra care when cleaning them. If you don't clean them properly, you risk damaging the lacquer and exposing the base metal underneath.
Hopefully, these tips helped show how to clean your iced-out watch. It's essential to take care of your watch and keep it looking brand new by cleaning it regularly. With the help of these steps above, you can do just that. Now you can get an iced-out watch without worrying about damaging it! Contact us today if you have any questions or concerns about your jewelry or watches!
]]>The Franco Chain, named after the designer who created it, is a beautiful gold necklace link designed in Italy and inspired by the popular curb link pattern. The main difference being that Franco Chain links are V-shaped and are significantly more intricate than the curb link but still retain the desirable qualities of the curb, like strength and durability.
Their intricate design, strength, and durability have made Franco Chains one of the most sought-after chains. Here's a closer look at some of the benefits of this iconic hip-hop chain:
Franco Chains work well with both formal and casual outfits. If you're rocking a casual look, a simple Franco Chain with or without a pendant works well. For formal events, elevate your look with a pendant or consider layering up, wearing two or three chains at a time.
Contact Little John's Derby Jewelry for authentic, high-quality solid gold diamond cut Franco Chains and everything you need to get you shining.
]]>But what is a Cuban link chain, and why do people love it so much?
The Cuban link chain is a jewelry design that interlocks round or oval links in a rope pattern that will lie flat on your wrist or chest. Cuban links are among the strongest and slimmest designs, perfect for all wearers and outfit styles – a classic chain with a modern edge.
There are two types of Cuban links:
Yellow gold is the most common material used to craft Cuban link chains. At Little John's Derby Jewelry, Cuban links are available in 10 and 14 karat gold, and you can also have it in silver or custom-made in whatever material you want.
There are a few reasons why the Cuban link stands out from the rest of the gold chains.
At Little John's Derby Jewelry, we've got the chains you're looking for. Our goal is to provide you with the best selection of hip-hop jewelry, from classics like the Cuban link with matching bracelet options to custom-made iced-out pieces.
Browse our extensive selection of gold and silver chains and explore some of our other accessories like bracelets, watches, and rings.
]]>There are multiple effective ingredients and at-homes solutions you can use to maintain your gold jewelry. Depending on what you have on hand, clean your gold with one of the following options:
Depending on the kind of gold you're working with, and whether your jewelry piece has settings, choose one of the following techniques to complete your at home cleaning:
The easiest way to get your gold gleaming is with the tried-and-true soak technique. This is safe to use on yellow, white, and rose gold jewelry and is gentle enough for gemstones that are considered fragile or porous.
If your gold jewelry needs a bit more buffing, baking soda is a great gentle cleanser that can scrub away stubborn build-up, but should be approached with some caution. If your paste is too gritty, you risk scratching the surface of your gold, which is why this is not recommended for white or rose gold jewelry.
If you have more questions about caring for your gold jewelry, contact Little John's Derby Jewelry Inc. located in Louisville, Kentucky.
]]>If you're more active or hands-on, 14k is probably the best fit for you - it's more durable and less susceptible to scratching and deforming. When it comes to 14k yellow gold, there's a bit of a deeper, darker tone than 18k yellow gold, which has a brighter tone and appearance.
At the end of the day, it all depends on your presence and personal style!
The main way to tell the difference between your own gold is by the stamp on your jewelry. If it's a ring, the stamp will be on the inside. If it's a bracelet, it will be stamped on the clasp.
Neither one is better than the other. They are both beautiful and have unique qualities. If you're more active, try 14K gold - if you're worried about durability, then 18k gold may be the right choice for you.
At Little John's Derby Jewelry, we understand how difficult it is to find a jeweler you trust to make your jewelry dreams come true. Founded in 2005, we believe in keeping our clients informed and educated on their jewelry decisions. Our talented team at Little John's Derby Jewelry is fully equipped with the knowledge, passion, and expertise needed to bring your vision to life.
]]>When you’re shopping for diamond jewelry, you’ll need to know your carats from your karats. What does each mean? What’s the difference between 10-karat and 24-karat gold? Carat and karat to many sound like the same thing, but in fact they are totally separate terms, and in the jewelry world you have to know the difference.
Diamond carat (ct) is the globally recognized standard for the weight of a diamond or gemstone. One carat weighs 0.20 grams. Karat is a measure of the purity of gold. 24-karat gold - is pure gold with zero impurities. By comparison, 10-karat gold is 41.7 percent gold and 58.3 percent base metals or impurities. -Webster Dictionary
A metric “carat” is defined as 200 milligrams. Each carat is subdivided into 100 ‘points.’ This allows very precise measurements to the hundredth decimal place. A jeweler may describe the weight of a diamond below one carat by its ‘points’ alone. For instance, the jeweler may refer to a diamond that weighs 0.25 carats as a ‘twenty-five pointer.’ Diamond weights greater than one carat are expressed in carats and decimals. A 1.08 carat stone would be described as ‘one point oh eight carats.’
All else being equal, diamond price increases with diamond carat weight because larger diamonds are rarer and more desirable. However, two diamonds of equal carat weight can have very different values (and prices) depending on three other factors of the diamond 4Cs: Color, Clarity, and Cut.
While now you know what carat means, it’s also important to remember that a diamond’s value is determined using all of the 4Cs, and not just carat weight. -GIA
Karat, also spelled Carat, a measure of the fineness (i.e., purity) of gold. It is spelled carat outside the United States but should not be confused with the unit used to measure the weight of gems, also called carat. A gold karat is 1/24 part, or 4.1667 percent, of the whole, and the purity of a gold alloy is expressed as the number of these parts of gold it contains. Thus, an object that contains 16 parts gold and 8 parts alloying metal is 16-karat gold, and pure gold is 24-karat gold.
This system of indicating the relative proportion of gold originated with a medieval coin called a mark. A mark weighed 24 carats (in this case, the carat was the same as that used in the weighing of gems and was theoretically equal to the weight of the seed of the coral tree). Pure gold could not be used to produce marks because it was too soft, so copper or other metals were added to produce a hard alloy; the purity of the coin was then expressed by the proportion of its carat weight that was actually contributed by gold. -Britannica
]]>When searching for the perfect diamond, you will quickly learn that price differences vary greatly. The price of a diamond is commonly determined by using the four “C’s” for judging a diamond’s quality, where the four C’s include: color, clarity, carat and cut. It is a good idea to learn what each of these terms mean and choose a reliable jeweler before buying diamonds. Of course you can inspect diamonds personally, but the only way to guarantee a good value for the money is to use the knowledge of a diamond professional.
Jewelers commonly use a type of magnifying glass, called a loupe, to judge a diamond’s quality and to examine it for inclusions and flaws. Keep in mind that you should expect at least a few imperfections, because perfect diamonds that are flawless are not only rare, but they are also very costly. Inclusions can include cleavage, pinpoint, growth lines, laser lines, bearding, feathers and grain lines. Any reputable and honest jeweler will allow you to examine your engagement ring using their loupe.
When determining the rating for a diamond’s color, jewelers usually use letters D to Z. The more brown or yellow tint that a diamond has, the less the value will be. In other words, a colorless diamond would be rated D, while a diamond that has a light brown or yellow hue will be rated Z.
Is the diamond you are viewing clear or cloudy? A diamond’s clarity denotes the stone’s clearness. If a gem has many inclusions, it won’t be as valuable as a diamond with very few flaws. Clarity is rated by jewelers using the chart that follows:
• I1, I2, I3 – Diamonds that have flaws you can see with your naked eyes.
• SI1, SI2, SI3 – These numbers represent diamonds that have small flaws.
• VS1, VS2 – These are diamonds with very small flaws.
• VVS1, VVS2 – These are diamonds that contain very, very small flaws.
• Internally Flawless – Diamonds with this rating have blemishes that are very minor and on the stone’s outer portion.
• Flawless – These are obviously diamonds that don’t have inclusions and are thought of as perfect.
Carat is the word used to refer to a diamond’s size. Each carat is equal to a hundred points. The weight of the carat is used to describe the mass of the diamond. Diamonds that are larger will obviously be more expensive, but other factors such as clarity, cut and color will also need to considered to properly value diamonds.
Can you remember seeing a beautiful diamond that catches light and sends sparkles around the room? Well, more than likely that diamond had a great cut! A diamond’s cut refers to the amount of perfectly-proportioned facets inside the stone. A good cut allows the diamond to sparkle. The cut also refers to the shape of the diamond. For instance, emerald, oval, round or pear.
One vital question that you must ask the jeweler is if the diamond you like has been treated. These types of diamonds have either had glass fillers inserted or have been painted to make them look clearer. It’s a good idea to ask for a certificate that proves the diamond is not treated.
In the end, there are many considerations when it comes to determining the quality of a diamond. However, the best ways to judge a stone’s value is whether the bride-to-be likes it or not, if it fits into the couple’s budget or if it symbolizes their relationship or not.
-GIA
]]>A diamond engagement ring represents love and commitment. It is an outward sign of the inward love you have for your bride-to-be. Before purchasing your diamond engagement ring, there are a few things to consider.
Diamonds are priced according to the 4 C’s: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Please read our diamond education, as well as "How to Choose the Perfect Diamond," to learn about each attribute in detail and what diamond grade offers the best value for your budget.
In addition to the 4 C’s, shape (e.g. round, pear, marquise, oval, heart, etc.), brilliance, dispersion and scintillation determine a diamond's value.
Engagement rings are typically made from one of three metals: platinum, white gold, or yellow gold. Platinum is the most expensive metal as it resists tarnishing, but it is also the most expensive to repair if damaged.
Yellow gold rings are the most popular and are available in 14-karat or 18-karat gold. Although this type of ring can show scratches and other abrasions, repairs come easy.
White gold rings have a silver-like appearance which will eventually wear off and need to be replaced. The appeal of white gold is that it easily matches most other jewelry.
Engagement ring styles are individual and should match the personality of the person who will be wearing it. There are endless options of standard and custom engagement ring settings from simple solitaire settings to contemporary tension settings. Prong settings are among the most popular settings as they make the center diamond appear as though it is hanging, which creates an attractive sparkle. To learn more about setting options, check out our education center.
Once you have chosen the setting and diamond, your work is done. Little John will then prepare your perfect engagement ring and have it ready for you to present to your beloved as you ask for her hand in marriage.
Upon purchasing your diamond and setting, you will receive a certificate of authenticity. This certificate will confirm the engagement ring's value and is what you will need if you choose to insure your purchase. All of Little John's diamonds come with certificates of appraisal. Do not purchase a diamond if it does not come with a certificate from a reputable Jeweler.
Depending on the jeweler, some type of guarantee or warranty may be offered with your purchase. Many jewelers provide a limited time money back guarantee while others will give to you a lifetime warranty. Understand what you are buying and the policy before you make your purchase.
If you have any questions or need any help selecting the perfect engagement ring, feel free to call our gemologists or customer service experts.