My Jewel Shop Recycles

MY JEWEL SHOP, INC.  ENCOURAGES OUR CUSTOMERS TO BRING IN THEIR UNWANTED, UNDERUTILIZED,  PRECIOUS METAL  JEWELRY ITEMS SO WE CAN ASSIST YOU IN ACCESSING THEIR VALUE.

     MANY OF US HAVE A JEWELRY BOX CONTAINING INHERITED JEWELRY, OUTDATED JEWELRY, GIFTS FROM EX-BOYFRIENDS,  REMORSEFUL PURCHASES, OR YOUR TASTE MAY HAVE CHANGED OVER THE YEARS.  THAT  “JUNK” USUALLY HAS  MORE VALUE THAN YOU THINK.  JEWELRY BOX CLEAN OUT CAN BE INCREDIBLY REWARDING… WHERE ELSE CAN YOU CLEAN  AND END UP WITH NEW JEWELRY AND/OR MONEY?

    OFTEN, WE  ENCOURAGE YOU TO KEEP THE GEMSTONES AND DIAMONDS TO REUSE AND RECYCLE AND WE GIVE YOU ALLOWANCE FOR THE METAL VALUE TO OFFSET THE COST. THE FINAL RESULTS ARE WIN, WIN, WIN! YOU SAVE MONEY BY RECYCLING THE STONES, MAINTAIN THE MEMORY/SENTIMENTAL VALUE OF FAMILY HEIRLOOMS AND FEEL PROUD TO WEAR NEWLY DESIGNED FASHIONABLE  JEWELRY. WE HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO COME UP WITH SOME AMAZING DESIGNS WITH THE THEME OF “SLICE AND DICE.” HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF BEFORE AND AFTER…AMAZING TRANSFORMATIONS!

Here is s a short video to show how metal is melted, here we are melting sterling silver.

Consumer Advice: Q & A

HOW TO MAINTAIN THE BEAUTY OF WHITE GOLD JEWELRY.

Why does white gold jewelry turn yellow?

It’s natural for white gold to “fade” showing a slightly yellowish color. Pure gold is very yellow and adding white alloys like zinc and nickel can only dilute the color. Most white gold rings are flash plated with a thin coating of rhodium (a pure white metal) to give a more brilliant white appearance.

Can this be fixed?

Yes, at My Jewel Shop, Inc. we are able to polish and re-plate white gold jewelry for minimal cost.

How often should I re-plate my jewelry?

In my experience it depends on the jewelry item and the lifestyle of the wearer. For example, earrings and pendants almost never need re-plating, however rings, chains, and bracelets do. I have customers that re-rhodium annually and others that never notice the subtle change in metal color. If it becomes bothersome to the wearer then it’s worth investing in a cleaning, polishing and rhodium plating. Personally, I think it’s worth a “spa” day for your jewelry every few years to keep it looking it’s best. When jewelry comes in for repair, re-plating is usually included in the price.

How do I avoid this problem?

Remove your jewelry when swimming in a pool or ocean as well as when doing manual and physical labor. Another solution is to wear platinum jewelry, a true white metal that needs no plating.

Remember, your jewelry is meant to give you nothing but pleasure, so wear and enjoy…we’re here to take care of any necessary maintenance. 

Lab Grown Diamonds

Diamonds used to take millions of years to form. Now, thanks to technology, these precious gems are developed in mere weeks. Don’t look down on lab-grown diamond engagement rings, diamond stud earrings, wedding bands, etc., —they’re every bit as bright, sparkling, and eye-catching as those who feature naturally found diamonds.

What Is a Lab-Grown Diamond?

A lab-grown or lab-created diamond is a diamond grown in a controlled laboratory setting through processes that mimic the natural high heat and high-pressure conditions of Earth. Lab-grown diamonds are very similar to natural diamonds and can be fully formed in weeks, rather than millions of years. Lab-grown diamonds are identical to natural diamonds in nearly every way. They have the same chemical, physical, and optical qualities as Earth-mined diamonds.

Pros and Cons of Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Rings

Because of how they are made, lab diamonds are conflict-free and ethically sound. Many couples are looking for alternatives to traditional diamonds, and that’s how they discover lab-grown diamonds. People choose lab-grown diamond engagement rings for a lot of other reasons. Often, they are excited to be able to get a diamond that is larger in size or higher in quality than they might have been able to afford with a natural diamond. This enables people to size up to a larger carat for their desired shape.
Many couples also like the technological advancement of producing a lab-grown diamond and the uniqueness of it compared to the traditional natural diamond. The excitement around being part of something new and revolutionary is something a couple can enjoy together.
There’s no doubting the appeal of lab-grown diamonds, but there are still reasons people choose to go with traditional, naturally-found diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds lack the “emotional” component of Earth-created ones. Mined diamonds taking millions of years to produce, with mysterious origins, one of nature’s true miracles, is quite a different story than one created in under 10 weeks. Also, the long-term resale value is unknown since lab-grown diamonds are a fairly new market.

What to Look for in a Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring

Do lab-grown diamonds compare favorably with real diamonds? 

Natural diamonds are formed in the Earth’s crust, while lab-grown diamonds are man-made. They’ve been around for over 20 years, however, it wasn’t until the last five to seven years that lab diamonds have become jewelry grade. They are now on par with natural diamonds. In addition to white diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are now available in a variety of colors like yellow and pink, which are very rare in their natural states. Lab diamonds of the highest quality are grown from a seed under conditions in which the purest form of carbon, Type IIA, is used. Lab-grown diamonds are graded on the same parameters of cut, color, and clarity as natural diamonds. Also, they have the same certification processes that natural diamonds do.

How are lab-grown diamonds different from natural diamonds? 

The only real difference is in their formation. Upon looking at a natural diamond and lab-grown diamond side by side, there would be no way to tell which was which. This is why it is important to purchase a certified diamond to ensure that it is vetted for quality.

Are people actually buying lab-grown diamond rings? 

We’ve seen a shift from 100 percent natural a decade ago, to about 50 percent of customers considering a lab diamond. The lab diamond market growth was between 15 to 20 percent last year alone. Over the last five years, it has been perfected to the point where lab-grown diamonds and mined diamonds can’t be told apart. As with any technology-focused industry, there definitely will be more efficiencies and controlled processes in the future that could speed up the rate at which diamonds are grown and also provide more control on the quality of the diamonds. However, only time will tell how fast these advancements can be achieved.

Do lab-grown diamonds look different than real ones? 

Some common myths and misconceptions about lab-grown diamonds have persisted since the news of their existence. Some people assume they will look different, but they don’t. They are the same exact composite as a naturally-unearthed diamond.

Do lab-grown diamonds have value? 

Some people’s opinion is they are not worth anything. However, they are diamonds and possess value, even though they are now readily manufactured. As in most things, supply and demand will factor into future market conditions.

What is the pricing for a lab-grown diamond? 

The supply chain for a natural diamond is complex, the millions of years to form, and the logistical costs can add up, making natural diamonds more expensive than lab-grown diamonds. The most amazing aspect of lab-grown diamonds is that they can cost approximately 50-80 percent less than a comparable natural diamond. (noted as of 1/2022).

Why are lab grown diamonds cheaper?

Lab grown and natural diamonds have the same costs when it comes to cutting, polishing, and grading inspection. The difference in price stems from the difference in the costs and processes leading up to that point…basically, the heavy cost of mining.

Where do I find a lab grown diamond?  

From our reliable resources, My Jewel Shop will hand select the finest certified lab grown diamond options available on the market, as well as educate you. With our extensive knowledge and utmost attention to every detail, we will work together so you can choose the right diamond to represent the significance of your love. We offer endless engagement ring designs, as well as custom design rings to meet a variety of taste and budgets.  

MY JEWEL SHOP CUSTOMERS – WE NEED YOU!

“No one who achieves success does so without the help of others.”

In light of the technology-orientated world in which we live, My Jewel Shop’s goal is to embrace these transformations, and we encourage our loyal customers to do the same. Through your feedback, we invite you to share your experiences via social media – whether it be through an Instagram like, or a simple shout-out on our Facebook page!

My Jewel Shop values your time and reflections… We are constantly searching for better ways to serve our wonderful customers. Thank you for taking part.

SHOP LOCAL

When you shop local, you directly impact the tax contribution to your local economy. As our close neighbors know, Jenkintown has undergone beautiful restorations and renovations, including building public parking lots! Numerous property owners and businesses have come together to breathe new life into our beloved Jenkintown. Help be part of this renaissance and visit the suburban “Jeweler’s Row”, the numerous restaurants and various eateries, or indulge yourself to a small town more intimate shopping experience.

Insuring Your Jewelry

My Jewel Shop encourages all of our clients to insure their valuable jewelry. If your blanket home owner’s insurance policy does not cover your pieces, we suggest insuring with Jeweler’s Mutual – the only company dedicated solely to insuring jewelry for more than 100 years. We trust Jeweler’s Mutual to provide professional, comprehensive protection against loss, theft, damage, or disappearance, with a consumer protection program to maintain your jewelry treasures. Visit www.jewelersmutual.com for questions and free price quotes. We can assist you with updated current market value appraisals…call to schedule your appointment. 

Be Informed

Rob and Linda have forever believed that educating our clientele makes for happy customers. Here, we will feature tips, tricks, and helpful advice for jewelry lovers, old and new.

DIY? DI-DON’T!

In lieu of a number of repairs that have recently come into the shop, we feel that it never hurts to reiterate some basic jewelry 101. You can avoid costly repairs by first referring to a jeweler before tackling a “fix-it” on your own.

What often may seem like a quick jewelry repair or adjustment requires specialty tools that you may or may not have in your repertoire. Countless customers come in assuming that they can add a jump ring, close a spring ring, remove links from watchbands, etc. and in almost all cases, the client damages or severely mars the surface of the piece. If in any doubt, stop in for a consultation! Our jeweler’s are always happy to assist you with even the most minor repairs, and in most cases, small adjustments can be done immediately.

With a fully functioning jeweler’s shop on premises, My Jewel Shop has the appropriate tools to perform any jewelry alterations. Just remember, it is always easier to modify an undamaged piece rather than working with compromised parts.