Fashion Jewelry Shopping Guide

[I am an old Macy's employee, this information I am sharing we refer to as "product knowledge"]

FASHION JEWELRY

What is the difference between sterling silver and silver plated jewelry?

Silver plates jewelry is sterling silver over another basis-metal (not silver).

What is the difference between the pearls carried in Fashion Jewelry and those carried in Fine Jewelry?

Pearls in Fashion Jewelry are not pearls—they are plastic / resin beads created by machine to look like pearls. Pearls in Fine Jewelry come from a living organism (oyster, mollusk, etc.) Some sterling silver pieces may have some genuine parts.

Are the stones in Fashion Jewelry genuine?

Most stones in Fashion Jewelry are beads and crystals. Sterling silver Fashion Jewelry will have some real stones.

What does it mean when the tag says 18K or 24K gold over sterling silver?

This means that 18K or 24K gold has been applied over the surface of sterling silver.

What is the difference between a diamond and a cubic zirconia?

A diamond is a natural gemstone and is the hardest natural substance known to man. Cubic Zirconia is a lab created gemstone created to stimulate a diamond.

TERMS & DEFINITIONS

Necklace Lengths	Necklaces come in 16, 18, 20 or 24 inch lengths but long necks (up to 100 inches) are the current trend.
Ring Sizes	Rings come in sizes 6, 7, and 8
Cubic Zirconia (CZ) Care	The best cleaning agent for CZ is mild soap. Baby shampoo or other general jewelry cleaners can be used as well.

What type of chain clasps are used for bracelets?

Clasps consist of the three basic styles:

How many different kinds of hoops are there?

CARE INFORMATION

Silver jewelry should be wiped with a polishing cloth or cleaned with mild soap and water (unless the item contains a pearl or soft gemstone; then do not use soap and water as this could damage the stone)