Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to the questions we most hear from our customers.

• GENERAL
1. Is shopping on PollysJewelry.com safe and secure?
2. What are the Benefits of Buying a Diamond from Polly's?
3. What are the monthly birthstones?
4. What are the traditional gifts for anniversaries?


• JEWELRY CARE
1. How should I care for and clean my rings?
2. Will Polly’s inspect my jewelry?


• GOLD
1. How do I care for Gold jewelry?
2. What is the difference between yellow and white gold?
3. What do the karat stampings on a piece of gold jewelry mean?
4. If a piece of jewelry discolors my skin, does that mean it is under-karated?


• PLATINUM
1. How is platinum different from white gold?
2. What does the platinum stamp mean?
3. How do I care for my platinum pieces?


• SILVER
1. What is the stamp for sterling silver?
2. How do I care for sterling silver jewelry?


• DIAMONDS
1. What do the terms on a Diamond Certificate mean?
2. How many facets does a Round Brilliant Diamond have?
3. What are the definitions of Commonly used Diamond Terms?
4. What are the 4 C's of a diamond?
5. What is the GIA Clarity Scale?
6. What is the GIA Color Scale?


• PEARLS
1. How are pearls sold?
2. How is a pearl formed?
3. How is the value of a Cultured Pearl determined?
4. How do I choose Cultured Pearls?
5. What lengths do pearl strands come in?
6. How do I take care of my pearls?


• WATCH CARE
1. How do I take care of my watch?
2. Battery Replacement
3. Yearly Maintenance
4. Repairs
5. Overhauling a watch

GENERAL

Is shopping on PollysJewelry.com safe and secure?

• Yes! Shopping on our website is secured through the highest level of digital certificate.
  
  
• Roll your mouse over the image below, then click the image, for more details.

What are the Benefits of Buying a Diamond from Polly's?

• We are locally owned, with the owners readily available should you have any questions.
• We have been in business since 1986.
• We offer individual customer service.
• We have four convenient locations which will service a piece purchased at the other locations.
• We offer a lifetime trade-up on diamonds without a requirement that you spend double.
• We offer an appraisal for diamond purchases.
• We will be glad to fax or mail a copy of your appraisal to your insurance company.
• We also will update the appraisal every 5 years with a new replacement value at no additional charge.
• We have an educated staff who provide skilled service.
• We have our own jewelers available who can design a custom piece of jewelry for you.
• We carry a wide selection of lines including designers such as Scott Kay, Tacori, and Artcarved.
• We offer free estimates for watch and jewelry repairs.
• We offer free inspections and cleanings of the jewelry at any of our 4 convenient locations.
• We offer a referral program for recommending customers to us.
• We offer special financing options including 90 Days same as cash.
• We offer revolving charge accounts.
• We offer a flexible Lay-a-Way plan.
• We offer gift certificates.
• We guarantee the lowest prices.
• We have a gift registry program.

What are the monthly birthstones?

What are the traditional gifts for anniversaries?

JEWERLY CARE

How should I care for and clean my rings?

• Do not wear jewelry when doing rough work; avoid exposing gold jewelry to household chemicals, chlorine and salt-water.
  
  
• Always handle a ring by its edges or shank, do not pull a ring off your hand by its prongs.
  
  
• Do not subject stones to excessive heat (only Rubies, Diamonds, and Sapphires can withstand high temperatures).
  
  
• Put on jewelry after using hairspray, perfume, and cologne- as they may dull the gemstones.
  
  
• At home, clean your jewelry with a polishing cloth or home ultrasonic, but check that the gemstones can tolerate the chemicals used.

Will Polly's inspect my jewelry?

• This is a complimentary service Polly's provides. It is very important that this be done consistently to ensure the security of your mountings. Safety claps must be periodically tightened; they will loosen, especially gold.
  
  
• Nothing else you buy will last as long, with such little maintenance, as jewelry. Some pieces are passed through several generations- so, we recommend you have your jewelry inspected, cleaned, and the prongs checked at least every six months.

GOLD

How do I care for Gold jewelry?

• Gold is tarnished by exposure to chlorine. Protect your investment by keeping your gold jewelry away from chlorinated cleaning products, swimming pools, and bleach, as well as hairspray, cosmetics, perfume, and cologne.
  
  
• Keep your gold jewelry free from dust, excessive moisture, and perspiration.
  
  
• Take chains off at night and lay them flat to prevent kinking or breaking.
  
  
• Polish jewelry with a soft cloth after wearing.
  
  
• Clean your gold jewelry with lukewarm water, mild detergent, or a solution of three parts water to one part ammonia. Brush gently with a toothbrush and rinse thoroughly. Do not leave items in this solution for an extended length of time, and do not put gemstones in this solution.
  
  
• Dry with a hair dryer for a lint free shine.
  
  
• Polly's on-staff jewelers can re-polish your wedding bands and other gold pieces to look new.
  
  

What is the difference between yellow and white gold?

• Yellow gold is a mixture of gold, silver and copper.
  
  
• White gold is a mixture of gold, platinum or palladium, zinc, copper, and sometimes nickel.
  
  

What do the karat stampings on a piece of gold jewelry mean?

• "Karat" is a measurement of gold's purity. 24-karat is pure gold.
  
  
• Pure gold (24-karat) is too soft for jewelry. Gold is alloyed with other metals to increase its strength and durability.
  
  
• Jewelry must be no less than 10-karat gold to be legally marked or sold as gold jewelry.
  
  
• Karat Stampings:

If a piece of jewelry discolors my skin, does that mean it is under-karated?

• Gold sometimes discolors skin or clothing due to the alloy's reaction to perspiration or abrasion caused by cosmetics which contain compounds harder than the jewelry.
  
  
• To solve the problem, clean your jewelry frequently and remove all jewelry before using soaps, detergents, or cosmetics. Some may find that they need to move to a higher karat gold or platinum.
  
  

PLATINUM

How is platinum different from white gold?

• Platinum is one of the finest precious metals, as well as one of the heaviest.
  
  
• A platinum piece containing 90% platinum will weigh 60% more than the same piece in 14kt.
  
  
• Platinum jewelry is perfect for everyday wear because of its durability.
  
  
• Some people find platinum preferable to white gold- if they are allergic to the nickel (in some white gold alloys).
  
  
• Platinum is also an excellent choice as the setting material for your diamond jewelry because of its strength and durability.
  
  

What does the platinum stamp mean?

• Platinum is designated by the Plat or Pt. Marking.
  
  
• Platinum jewelry that contains between 85% - 95% platinum is marked as follows:.
       850 Plat. or 850 Pt.
       950 Plat. or 950 Pt
  
  
• If a piece contains at least 50% platinum and other group metals (platinum, palladium, iridium, osmium, rhodium, and ruthenium) it is marked with the plat first as follows:
       600 Plat 350 Irid
       600 Pt. 350 Ir
  
  

How do I care for my platinum pieces?

• Platinum jewelry can be scratched by other platinum pieces- store separately.
  
  
• Bring in to be re-polished as necessary, at least every 6 months.
  
  

SILVER

What is the stamp for sterling silver?

• Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy metal.
  
  
• It is often stamped 925.
  
  

How do I care for sterling silver jewelry?

• Clean with mild soap and water or use a professional silver dip available for purchase at Polly's.
  
  
• Keep silver in an air tight place to prevent tarnish or purchase anti tarnish strips available at Polly=s (air and light cause tarnish).
  
  
• Only rub with a polishing cloth- paper towels and tissues can cause scratches.
  
  

DIAMONDS

What do the terms on a Diamond Certificate mean?

• SHAPE AND CUTTING STYLE: Is the cut or face-up outline of a stone. Common shapes are round brilliant, marquise, pear, oval, heart and square.
  
  
• MEASUREMENTS: The millimeter measurement of the stone- the diameter and depth.
  
  
• DIAMETER: Is measured in several places; it is the smallest to largest measurement in millimeters from one edge of the diamond to the other side (girdle to girdle).
  
  
• DEPTH: Measurement in millimeters from table to culet.
  
  
• WEIGHT: Actual weight in carats.
  
  
• PROPORTIONS: The dimensions and angles of a polished diamond.
  
  
• DEPTH %: Divide depth by the average diameter.
  
  
• TABLE %: Divide the TABLE measurement (not girdle to girdle) by the depth.
  
  
• GIRDLE: The outer edge of the diamond. It can be very thin to very thick and can be faceted and polished.
  
  
• CULET: Primarily for protection, it is the small facet at the bottom of the pavilion of the diamond.
  
  
• FINISH: The precision of the cutting details (symmetry) and the quality of the polish GIA classifies cut as Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair or Poor.
  
  
• POLISH: The condition of the girdle, facets and culet. When evaluating the polish characteristics such as bearding, scratches, polish lines, nick and pits are considered.
  
  
• SYMMETRY: Alignment and proportion of the facets and the correct size of the facets.
  
  
• CLARITY GRADE- Characteristics which aid in establishing the quality and identity of a diamond.
  
  
• GIA classifies clarity as FL, IF, VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, I1, I2, or I3.
  
  
• Inclusions -internal characteristics are plotted in red on the diagram of the stone.
  
  
• Blemishes- external characteristics are noted in green.
  
  
• COLOR GRADE- The diamond=s position on a scale from colorless (D) to light yellow (Z).
  
  
• FLUORESCENCE- The light given off by some diamonds when exposed to ultraviolet light.
  
  
• If the fluorescence is strong, the diamond may have an oily appearance or bluish color.
  
  

How many facets does a Round Brilliant Diamond have?

What are the definitions of Commonly used Diamond Terms?

• Brilliance - The amount of white light reflected from a diamond=s crown.
  
  
• Dispersion (Fire) - The reflection of spectral colors (rainbow colors) from the diamond.
  
  
• Durability - The hardness, stability and toughness of a diamond which determines its high resistance to wear or damage.
  
  
• Hardness - The stone=s resistance to scratching.
  
  
• Stability - The stone=s resistance to heat, chemicals or light.
  
  
• Toughness - The stone=s resistance to breaking or chipping.
  
  
• Luster - The amount and appearance of light which reflects off the surface of a diamond.
  
  
• Scintillation (Sparkle) - The combination of brilliance, dispersion and luster when the diamond or light source moves.
  
  

What are the 4 C's of a diamond?

• They are Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat.
  
  
• a. Cut - is the human element of the diamond, it is the shape of a polished stone as well as its proportions and finish.
  
  
• The most common cut is the round brilliant which has 58 facets (small, flat, polished surfaces that reflect light). Other popular shapes include the marquise, oval, emerald, pear, princess, radiant, and heart shapes.
  
  
• A stone that is ideally cut will have maximum brilliance, luster, dispersion and scintillation.
  
  
• Other cuts can be described as:.
  
  
• Nail-head - If a diamond is cut too deep, it will appear smaller than its carat weight. The diamond's brilliance and fire are both reduced, and the diamond appears dark.
  
  
• Fish-eye - If a diamond is cut too shallow it will appear larger than other well-cut diamonds of the same carat weight, but the diamond has a glassy, dark appearance.
  
  
• Bow-tie - Often seen in marquises, ovals and pears in the center of the stone.
  
  
  
  
• b. Color - Diamonds are graded for color by measuring the degree to which a diamond is colorless.
  
  
• The GIA scale lists the highest color grade as D and gradually moves through the alphabet to Z (the lowest color grade). A diamond's position on the scale is determined by how closely it approaches colorlessness.
  
  
• Diamonds graded D, E, or F would be more rare and therefore more expensive than a diamond graded closer to the bottom of the scale.
  
  
• Color is often caused by nitrogen and boron. A trace amount of nitrogen causes yellow in diamonds.
  
  
• Color does not affect the brilliance (unlike a lower clarity or cut grade) or the wearability of the diamond.
  
  
• A blue diamond paper background can make a diamond look more white. To get true color, look at the diamond on white paper in natural light.
  
  
• Color is very difficult to recall by memory. It is best to put diamonds side by side to compare color.
  
  
• FLUORESCENCE - Fluorescence is the light given off by some diamonds when exposed to ultraviolet light. If the fluorescence is strong, the diamond may have an oily appearance or bluish color.
  
  
• * See below for the GIA Color Scale.
  
  
  
  
• c. Clarity - The internal and external identifying features .
  
  
• The nature of these characteristics - such as their type, number, size, placement, color and position determine the clarity grade. Location of inclusions is as important as its size and color. Diamonds are graded under 10X magnification.
  
  
• CLARITY GRADE - Characteristics which aid in establishing the quality and identity of a diamond. GIA classifies clarity as FL, IF, VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, I1, I2, or I3.
  
  
• Inclusions - internal characteristics are plotted in red on the diagram of the stone. (remember red- internal). Inclusions can be identified as follows: feathers, cleavage, fractures, grain lines, knots, included crystals, pinpoints, bruises, and/or chips.
  
  
• Blemishes - external characteristics are noted in green on a diamond report diagram.
  
  
• 5 characteristics determine clarity.
  
  
• Quantity - How many inclusions are there?
  
  
• Size - How large is the inclusion when compared to the diamond as a whole?
  
  
• Color or Relief - Does the inclusion blend in?
  
  
• Type - Does the inclusion affect the diamond's durability?
  
  
• Location - Is the inclusion easily hidden under the prong? Does it reflect anywhere?.
  
  
• * See below for the the GIA Clarity Scale.
  
  
  
  
• d. Carat - A carat is the standard unit of measurement of a diamond's weight.
  
  
• There are 100 points in a carat. For example:
  
  
• 200 points = 2 carats
• 100 points = 1 carat
• 75 points = 3/4 carat
• 50 points = 2 carat
• 38 points = 3/8 carat
• 25 points = 1/4 carat
  
  
• Larger diamonds are not necessarily more valuable just because of their weight. The value of a diamond depends on its color, cut and clarity. Generally:
  
  
• color is more noticeable
• cut has greater visual impact
• clarity can be more easily viewed (or hidden by prongs)
  
  
• A 1ct. diamond of similar quality to two 2ct. diamonds is far more expensive than two 2 ct diamonds.
  
  
• Standard sizes - like 3, 2, and 1 ct. usually command premium prices. The word "Carat" is said to come from the carob seed - uniform seeds that were used to balance the earliest gem scales.
  
  

GIA Color Scale

GIA Clarity Scale

FL IF VVS1 VVS2 VS1 VS2 SI1 SI2 I1 I2 I3 Flawless Internally Flawless Very, Very Slightly Included Very, Very Slightly Included Very Slightly Included Very Slightly Included Slightly Included Slightly Included Included Included Included

PEARLS

How are pearls sold?

• Pearls are sold in rings, earrings, bracelets and pins. Pearl necklaces are available with different clasps, including invisible clasps.
  
  

How is a pearl formed?

• Cultured Pearl - formed from an oyster, made of many layers of nacre deposited around an irritant introduced by man.
  
  
• Natural Pearl - nacre forms around an irritant which lodges within the body of the oyster - a naturally occurring event.
  
  
• How to tell if a pearl is genuine - sometimes you can tell by taking a look at the nacre and blemishes - look closely at where the hole is drilled.
  
  

How is the value of a Cultured Pearl determined?

• A pearl's value is determined by its.
  
  
• Nacre
• Orient
• Size
• Shape
• Surface Perfection
• Rarity

How do I choose Cultured Pearls?

• Look for body color, lustre, overtone, and orient in the shadow area (not where the light reflects). Higher quality pearls have a clear color with few blemishes.
  
  
• Pearls in a strand should match each other.
  
  
• Make sure they are strung through the exact center.
  
  
• You can always later upgrade the clasp to update a more traditional look.
  
  
• Pearls come in many colors (black pearls are made from yellow or green pearls which have had acid dropped on the nucleus - it is very difficult to differentiate the natural from the cultured black pearls).
  
  
• Pearls usually look best when on a white background.
  
  

What lengths do pearl strands come in?

• Choker (14-15" in length).
  
  
• Princess (18" in length).
  
  
• Matinee (22-23" in length).
  
  
• Opera (30-36" in length).
  
  
• Bib (Multiple Strands each shorter than the one below).
  
  
• Graduated strands (pearls taper downward from large pearls in center) come in many lengths.
  
  

How do I take care of my pearls?

• Hair spray, cosmetics and perfumes can weaken the silk string or discolor the pearls, spray these before putting on the pearls.
  
  
• After wearing, clean the pearls with a soft piece of cloth. Cultured pearls can be scratched; do not use gold cleaner, or other chemicals not specifically designed for pearls.
  
  
• Protect pearls from perspiration, dust and dirt. The pearls may be washed in a mild soap and water solution.
  
  
• Have the pearls re-strung once a year. Ordinary wear can weaken the thread on which the pearls are strung.
  
  
• Make sure the pearl strand is knotted between each pearl. This serves to keep the pearls from rubbing against one another and keeps them from scattering should the strand break.
  
  

WATCH CARE

How do I take care of my watch?

• Required Daily maintenance.
  
  
• Wind-ups - Always wind in clockwise direction- try for the same time each day.
  
  
• Kinetics and solar powered - most kinetics and solar powered must be worn a normal working day.
  
  
• Automatics - (e.g. some Rolexes) must be worn to retain accuracy, if not wind, but do not overwind.
  
  
• Water-resistance
  
  
• Avoid rain and splashes of water unless you are sure of water resistance
• Most watches cannot be worn while swimming or bathing unless specifically noted resistant to 50 meters
• Most watches are not water-proof but some are water-resistant. Generally a watch may be worn as follows:
• Water resistant to 30 meters (100 feet) will withstand splashes of water or rain but should not be worn while swimming or diving.
• Water tested to 50 meters (165 feet). May shower or swim in shallow water.
• Water tested to 100 meters (330 feet). May swim or snorkel in the watch.
• Water tested to 150 meters (500 feet). May snorkel in the watch.
• Water tested to 200 meters (660 feet). May skin dive in the watch.
• Diver's 150 meters (500 feet). May scuba dive in the watch.
• Diver's 200 meters (660 feet). May scuba dive in the watch.
• Pocket watches - When closing a pocket watch hold in the tab at the top with your thumb, close the lid, then release the tab. Do not just snap shut the cover; this wears out the closing mechanism, especially if the watch is gold.
  
  
• Battery Replacement.
  
  
• Only let an authorized jeweler change the battery in your watch.
  
  
• If the battery is dead most watches will stop suddenly rather than losing working power. The watch's performance will not vary much if the battery is running low. If your watch is working erratically, more than a battery change may be required.
  
  
• We have the correct tools to measure the battery's voltage to ensure that the battery is low and that the watch does not have other problems such as rust or is in need of an overhaul.
  
  
• Our watchmaker can test the quartz timer and replace the gaskets and crown if necessary.
  
  
• Our watch batteries are guaranteed for 1 year.
  
  
• Yearly Maintenance.
  
  
• Make sure both the safety and bracelet are securely attached and have the movement inspected periodically.
  
  
• Mechanical watches and water-resistant watches should be regularly checked (at least once a year) by a watchmaker to ensure tha:.
  
  
• The seals between all the major parts of the watch case are tight.
• The gaskets are not deteriorated by wear and the crown is screwed down to prevent moisture from entering the watch.
• .
  
  
• Repairs
  
  
• Replace Crystals (broken or scratched) as soon as possible - to minimize damage from moisture or dust seeping in the watch.
  
  
• Overhauling a watch
  
  
• If the watchmaker recommends an overhaul he will - take several steps, all designed to maintain the watch movement. The procedure includes.
  
  
• Disassembling the watch and cleaning the movement, correcting any problems and replacing worn or broken parts.
• Cleaning the case and bracelet (if the watch is plated metal, care is taken to protect the finish as best as possible).
• Oiling of all moving parts, regulating the timepiece, and re assembling the watch according to the manufacturer's specifications and industry standards.
• Battery replacement.
• Observing accuracy in time keeping of the model.
• Polly's provides a 6 month warranty on all work performed.