When buying fine jewelry, it’s easy to focus on the precious stones in the center that draw the eye and overlook what is arguably one of the most important parts of a piece: the metals into which those stones are set.

There are several things that go into the quality of metals, including which substances they’re mixed with, the balance between the metals, the way the metal is constructed into a piece and so much more. In view of that, we have put together this guide to the most common and sought-after jewelry metals: gold, silver, and platinum.

Metals are classified based on the chemistry of the metal. Noble metals—like gold, silver and platinum—are more scarce (and therefore more expensive) than base metals, but they are stronger, less likely to corrode, and more resistant to oxidation. Base metals like iron, nickel, and copper are more common, but they are not as durable as noble metals. In an effort to maintain the durability of jewelry but also produce affordable pieces, jewelers have found a sweet spot, so to speak, where they mix noble metals with base metals to create different kinds of alloys that are attractive, affordable, and long-lasting.

Gold:

[Cartier Trinity Ring]

Gold is one of the most desired metals in jewelry making because of its rarity and luster. Since gold is extremely soft and malleable, it is easy to work with in jewelry making, but it has to be alloyed with base metals like copper or zinc to make it more durable. However, despite its softness, purer gold is more expensive. In the jewelry industry, the purity of gold is represented in karats, with 24K gold being 100 percent pure and 10K gold—the minimum to be considered gold in the U.S.—ringing in at only 41.7 percent pure. The base metals that pure gold is mixed with and the purity of the gold in the mix are instrumental in deciding the color of the final product, which we have illustrated here:

Yellow Gold: Gold is naturally yellow in color, however, since pure gold is very soft, it is usually alloyed with copper, silver or zinc.

White Gold: To create the white-silver color, the gold is alloyed with metals like zinc, nickel and platinum. However, white gold usually needs to be coated with platinum or rhodium for durability and shine. Often, white gold jewelry needs to be re-plated with those metals again after the coating wears off.

Rose Gold: Rose gold is gold alloyed with copper to create a reddish hue. The more copper, the less pure the gold is, but the redder the metal will appear.

There are several ways in which a jewelry designer can use gold. A designer might choose not to use solid gold in an effort to lower production costs or to use up other kinds of metals they have in-shop. The following are different ways jewelers create jewelry using gold.

Gold-Plated: An item that is gold-plated must be coated with gold that is at least 10k. A base metal is electroplated with the gold in a very thin layer. Since the layer is so thin, the plate will wear over time and the jewelry will need to be re-plated.

Gold-Filled: A gold-filled item might sound similar to a gold-plated item in theory, but the quality and composition of the two are incredibly different. Gold-filled items are made of a core metal that is usually brass or copper. The core metal is then layered on the top and bottom with a proportional amount of gold. The difference is that, while gold-plated jewelry will rub off and need to be re-plated, gold-filled jewelry will not.

Gold Vermeil: Gold vermeil jewelry, unlike the former two, is coated in a much thicker layer of gold. The core metal of gold vermeil jewelry is usually sterling silver, a very strong alloy, and the purity of the gold layer must be at least 14 karats. Out of these three gold-layering options, vermeil is the most durable.

Silver:

Silver is another noble and precious metal. It is not rated in karats, but in fineness, which is the percentage of pure silver in the alloy. Like gold, pure silver is not typically used in jewelry-making due to its softness, so it is typically alloyed with other metals, specifically copper.

Sterling silver is the alloy that is produced from pure silver and copper, and it has a fineness of 92.5 percent. The copper in this alloy makes it more durable and doesn’t affect the color of the final product like it does with gold, but it does make the silver more prone to tarnishing and oxidization.

Platinum:

Platinum is even rarer than gold, and more expensive, too. It is the most durable of all the precious metals, but due to its rarity, it is not common in jewelry making. Its white-silver color makes it preferable to those who would like white gold, but are allergic to nickel, with which white gold is often alloyed.

Layered and stacked jewelry is on trend this season, and whenever there’s an opportunity to wear even more jewelry, we don’t need any convincing. Layering is fun and allows you get creative with your jewelry selection. Check out some of our favorite looks below for inspiration.

1. Small Pendants

[Chanel Star Pendant Necklace] [Cross Necklace] [Diamond Heart Arrow Necklace]

We love this unusual layering! Get the looks with small pendants of the same approximate length and arrange them asymmetrically. You can even match your rings to the pendants!

2. Glittering, Gold Stacks

[Cartier Oval Link Bracelet] [Cartier Love Bracelet] [Rolex DateJust]

For this glamorous look, use gold bracelets and a watch of different sizes, styles and textures. We especially like the chain bracelet with a pave diamond bangle.

3. Boundless Boho

[Turquoise and Gold Plated Bangles] [Damiani Rough Diamond Bracelet] [Brass Cuff]

The boho look is perfect for the jewelry fanatic — you can wear as much jewelry as your heart desires, making it easy to stack. For the look, wear jewelry in earthy tones with natural-looking stones, like turquoise.

4. Minimalist and Modern

[Tiffany & Co. Bar Pendant Necklace] [Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Necklace]

This look is easy and beautiful. Choose two simple pendant necklaces of different lengths and one simple gold chain of a different length. Wear them symmetrically or asymmetrically and you’ve got the look!

The more the merrier — more jewelry that is! We don’t stop at just a pair of earrings or a bracelet, we like to layer and load up with our favorites. Check out our favorite jewelry looks; maybe these unexpected match-ups will bring you some summer styling inspiration.

1. Sweet Sets

[VCA Alhambra earrings] [VCA Alhambra butterfly earrings] [VCA Alhambra necklace]

What’s better than one? Two, of course! We love the paired Van Cleef & Arpels collection. With this look, the more VCA the better.

2. Bows and Bracelets

[Sapphire Bow ring] [Diamond Bow Ring] [Two Tone Bracelet] [Carrera y Carrera Bracelet]

We love this pretty and feminine combination. Try a bow-shaped cocktail ring in silver or gold and two tone gold bracelets to add some shine.

3. Watch the Pearls

[Mikimoto Pearl Necklace] [David Yurman Cable Chain Necklace] [Michael Kors Watch]

This look is a great for fashionable casual Friday at the office. Layering is in this season, and we love the unexpected combination of the pearls and the two tone chain.

4. Summer Style

[Turquoise and Diamond Ring] [YG and Turquoise Ring] [Victorian Ring] [Pearl Necklace]

It’s almost summer, and we can’t wait for the light and bright colors. You can try this look with a white necklace, like pearls, combined with a bright, turquoise statement.

5. Golden Glow

[Cartier Panther Bangle] [Bulgari Bangle] [Bulgari Serpinti Ring] [Cristiano Pagnini Ring]

Forget the Golden Rule, we have a new one: gold always matches gold. Pair up your gold rings with your gold bracelets. Classic and beautiful, it really is that simple.

So it happened. You waited until the last minute to pick out a gift for mother’s day and now you’re panicking about what to get. Don’t worry, we’ve all been in your position before and you’re going to be fine. If you’re hunting for a present that will show your mom how much you care, we have four last minute Mother’s Day gift ideas for you. You’ll have a gift lined up and ready to go before you know it, and your mother will never needs to know how long you waited to figure it out.

A Stunning Watch

While you might have lost track of time waiting to buy your Mother’s Day gift, your mother doesn’t need to fall behind. Pick out a stunning design from the TrueFacet collection of women’s watches. There’s a wide range of options, so you can find the look that fits best with your mom’s style. If she likes simple and elegant styles, she’d like the Cartier 18K Gold Tank watch, or if prefers more white gold, the Franck Muller Cintree Curvex is sure to please.

A Pair of Vintage Earrings

For a unique Mother’s Day gift that you can find last minute, check TrueFacet’s collection of designer and vintage earrings. We have an extensive collection of fine gold, platinum, and diamond earrings from top designers that are sure to delight your wife or mother. And with complimentary shipping on all orders, you can have it sent right to your home up until the final day free of charge.

A Signature Brooch

Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to give your mother something that speaks to her as a person. Check out our collection of unique brooches to find a design that expresses her personality. The Van Cleef & Arples Dragonfly Libellule Brooch is a gorgeous piece, recently seen on Camilla Parker Bowles and made from 18K Yellow Gold with diamond and sapphire stones. It’s a brooch any mother would love to unwrap this Mother’s Day.

An Iconic Bracelet

When you’re looking for a unique Mother’s Day present, a chic bracelet like an Hermes bangle or a Cartier Love Bracelet are always going to be well received. It might take slightly longer to figure out her bracelet measurement, but we’re guessing she might be slightly more excited to open that box than receive a promise of home improvements. But hey, there’s no rule that says you can’t give her both.

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Seasoned watch collectors and newcomers alike know that a Rolex watch is reliable investment. The Swiss brand’s watches are consistently in demand and, because they’re crafted from high-quality materials, built to last. So if you’re ready to put your investment-dollars towards a Rolex, here are our tips to ensure your watch will retain its value.

1. Invest in a pre-owned Rolex watch.

Consider purchasing a pre-owned Rolex in lieu of a new (read: full-priced) one. When you buy a new watch, the value drops significantly and immediately; just like driving a new car off the lot, your brand spanking new Rolex’s resale value plummets once you step out of the store. However, purchasing a pre-owned Rolex watch circumvents that immediate depreciation to ultimately save you a lot of money.

2. Pick the right Rolex style for you—and resell later.

The beauty of investing in a Rolex is that you can actually wear and enjoy your investment every day. Therefore, you want your Rolex watch to be a representation of your personal style. If you work in a suit-and-tie office, opt for the formal-looking Rolex President or timeless Rolex DateJust. Sportier Rolex styles include the Rolex Daytona and Rolex Yacht-Master. The Rolex Submariner is perhaps the most iconic model that feels as appropriate at brunch as it does in the boardroom. For a comprehensive breakdown of Rolex’s most popular watch styles, read our guide to Rolex models here.

These core Rolex styles are consistently in demand so, if you ever want to resell your wrist watch, you will have no problem finding an interested buyer. Picking up a well-known and beloved Rolex model increases your watch’s resale value and makes it even easier to trade up down the line.

3. Care for your Rolex watch.

Photo Credit: askmen.com

Rolex watches retain their value well but you’ll earn even more for your pre-owned watch if you take care it. And regardless of whether or not you hope to eventually upgrade or resell your timepiece, it’s wise to care for a significant purchase like a Rolex watch. Here are some fundamental care tips:

Avoid extreme temperatures. Do not wear your Rolex watch in temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit as the cold weather may damage the inner components. Similarly, your watch will not fare well in high temperatures; if you’re going to be in the sun on a balmy day (think: a hot afternoon at a baseball game or a picnic in the park), leave your Rolex at home.

Double-check the water-resistant crown before going for a swim. Rolex watches are incredibly water-resistant. But, in order for the watch to truly be water-resistant, the Rolex’s crown must be thoroughly screwed and locked down. Also, confirm to what depth your watch is water-resistant.

Wipe down your Rolex at the end of the day. Clean away any smudges, fingerprints, or residual oils (sometimes left behind by hand soap or lotion) with a soft cloth.

Wind your Rolex regularly. If your Rolex watch has a manual movement, you’ll need to wind it every one to two days to keep it ticking. To wind your Rolex, remove the watch from your wrist, unscrew the crown, and slowly wind the crown clockwise. If your watch has an automatic power reserve, you will need to wear it 10-12 hours a day with normal usage.

4. Be on the lookout for fake or replica Rolex watches.

Photo Credit: watchreport.co

Many shoppers are hesitant to buy a Rolex watch online—and for good reason. With the high value of and demand for a Rolex watch, it leaves them incredibly vulnerable to counterfeiting and these scams are made easier by the anonymity of the internet. When shopping online for new or pre-owned Rolex watches, do not be swayed by a low price tag. If it seems too good to be true, it probably isn’t.

Before you click “Buy Now,” scan other websites to see the general market value range for that specific Rolex model. If the quoted price you receive falls well below that range, it’s a strong indication the Rolex is a fake. For more quick tips on how to spot a fake Rolex, read our post here.

It’s not worth the risk of buying from a questionable seller; you’re highly likely to be out of the hundreds or thousands of dollars you shell out to a counterfeiter.

When it comes to Mother’s Day, finding the perfect gift is something of an art form. If you’re in need of a little inspiration, we’ve put together some great Mother’s day gift ideas to help you get started. Check out our collection of designer jewelry and watches to find something your mom will love this Mother’s Day, from TrueFacet!

Stunning Gift Ideas for 2015

Diamond Earrings

Give your mother the luxury Mother’s Day gift she deserves this year with the Verdara Large Princess Earrings. These designer style pave diamond princess cut earrings have 10 KT white gold and 0.26 total carats of diamonds.

Retail Price: $720
TrueFacet Price: $360

A Diamond Watch

A luxury timepiece is a staple for any woman’s wardrobe. The Michele Deco Diamond White Ceramic Stainless Steel Combo chronograph watch is an exquisite Mother’s Day gift idea that she’s sure to love.

Featuring 108 diamonds with a total weight of 0.27ct, as well as a stainless steel bracelet, this watch is simply stunning. With a white enamel dial, quartz movement, and two year warranty with the box and papers, the Michele Deco watch is a great choice for this year’s gift.

Retail Price: $1,745
TrueFacet Price: $1,225

A Contemporary Necklace

If you’re looking for something with a contemporary look, the Bron – Yr – Aur necklace by Lyon Fine Jewelry is a perfect Mother’s Day gift idea. The necklace has 8.1 grams of 925 sterling silver, with 0.25 total carats black diamonds.

With a horizontal bar and symmetrical hanging chains, the necklace is a chic and stylish addition to any fine jewelry collection. All metal elements of the necklace are plated with black rhodium, giving the piece its distinctive look.

Retail Price: $1,000
TrueFacet Price: $700

A Fun Pendant

For a casual piece with personality, the White Gold Diamond Key Pendant is a unique Mother’s Day gift idea. The pendant features 18KT white gold and pristine round diamonds in a delicate key setting. Your mother can add the white gold and diamond pendant to a charm bracelet or hang it from a chain for multiple designer looks.

Retail Price: $720
TrueFacet Price: $230

Verification and Shipping

At TrueFacet, we offer marketplace-priced designer jewelry at a fraction of retail prices. We also take great care to verify every item, making sure that our customers receive only the highest quality luxury gifts. Just to sweeten the deal, you’ll receive free shipping on every item when you order your Mother’s Day gift from TrueFacet. If you’re not completely satisfied with your purchase, we also offer complimentary returns.

No matter what you decide to get your mom for Mother’s Day, you can’t go wrong with any of these fine pieces. The holiday is just around the corner so order an unforgettable Mother’s Day gift from TrueFacet today!

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It’s that time of year again — the kids are growing up. The class of 2015 will be ringing in the summer with a new life outside of the classroom, or possibly back in for college! This important milestone is deserving of a precious gift, and nothing’s more precious than gold. To relieve the stress of shopping for the perfect present, we’ve compiled a list of the most meaningful and sensible golden gifts for your grad.

1. A Timeless Staple

[Tiffany & Co. White Gold and Diamond Atlas Watch] [Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual]

Your grad is moving on to bigger and better things after graduation, so why not get them a watch with a bigger and better movement? Help them start their new life with a professional and beautiful timepiece.

2. Love Jewelry by Cartier

[Cartier Rose Gold Love Bracelet] [Cartier White Gold High Love Ring]

The Love collection from Cartier is not only beautiful, but also holds significant meaning. You can let your grad know that your love is eternal even when they begin their new adventure on their own.

3. A Golden Investment

[Tiffany & Co. Yellow Gold Heart Charm Necklace] [Yellow Gold Curb Link Chain Necklace]

A classic display of gold, a beautiful and simple chain can hold loving sentiments and a steady source of value. With a gold chain, you can help your graduate with their first investment in timeless jewelry.

4. Traditional Values

[Rose Gold and Diamond Cross] [Tiffany & Co. Yellow Gold and Diamond Cross]

Cross jewelry is not only traditional and elegant in its simplicity, but also fashionable. The cross holds a powerful meaning and your grad will love to wear and hold such beautiful piece so close to their heart.

5. Cufflinks

[Bvlgari Yellow Gold Cufflinks with Red Enamel] [Hermès Yellow Gold Marine Cufflinks]

After graduation, the world is full of opportunity and your grad will need to look the part! Get your guy classic cufflinks for a polished and professional look that will take him further than fashionable.

While all that glitters is gold — you can’t forget the sparking gemstones and designs of grandeur! We love all things precious here at TrueFacet, including precious stones and metals. This is especially true when it comes to jewelry and watches, and we can assure you these unbelievable, glimmering items aren’t too good to be true. Check out these extravagant pieces featuring golden highlights.

1. Patek Philippe SuperComplication

This impressive pocket watch is a world record holder, breaking its own 1999 record at auction in 2014. The title: the world’s most expensive timepiece. Every part of this watch — yes, all 900 — is hand crafted to perfection. The face of the watch boasts the starry skies above the bright New York City lights, and the chime sounds just like Big Ben of London. The 18k gold case seals the deal on this one. The pocket watch sold for $11,000,000 in 1999, and then $24,000,000 in 2014 — talk about an investment!

2. Chopard Blue Diamond Ring

The fancy blue diamond is one of the rarest colored gemstones in the world. So it’s no wonder the price tag is so steep. This Chopard beauty features a dazzling 9-carat, oval-cut blue diamond as well as two triangular-cut white diamonds. To compliment the vivid blue of the diamond, the jeweler at Chopard chose an 18k white gold band. This exquisite ring is one of the most expensive in the world with a price tag of $16,260,000.

3. William Goldberg Fancy Diamond Necklace

This colorful necklace is unique in its extraordinary design. The William Goldberg design features 36 fancy-colored diamonds of various cuts and sizes of the ultra-rare gemstones. In total, the necklace features 45 carats of diamonds set in platinum and yellow gold. This unique necklace has a retail value of $2,000,000.

4. Chanel D-Flawless White Gold, Pearl and Diamond Watch

Chanel isn’t known for understatement, and neither is this watch. With an 18k gold band, 133 diamonds and 120 pearls, this watch can only be described as luxurious and extravagantly flashy. With 35.1 carats worth of diamonds, this watch is priced at $1,900,000.

5. Bvlgari Gold, Sapphire and Diamond Necklace

Bvlgari is known for artistry, design and superior craftsmanship, so it’s no surprise that this extraordinary bib necklace is a one-of-a-kind Bvlgari. The necklace features 950 diamonds and sapphires of various cuts and colors, totaling over 66 carats. Set in 18k gold, this design is the definition of luxury. Retail Value? $1,050,000.