Bring in a stone or stones, pick one of ours, or order one through us.

Bring in a picture, pick a setting from one of our many catalogues,

or use our designing tool to create your own setting.

Bring in a drawing to have it engraved or made into jewelry.

Bring in a photo to have a charm or pendant made from it.

Gold is a is a precious metal with the chemical element symbol Au. It is a bright, slightly orange-yellow, dense, and soft metal. Gold is a relatively rare element that has been used for coins, jewelry, and works of art throughout history. Gold is the most malleable of all metals. It can be made into a single-atom width wire. Gold often occurs as nuggets, veins, and river deposits. Because pure (24k) gold is soft, it’s usually alloyed with other metals for use in jewelry making. It makes it harder and more durable. Alloys with lower karat ratings, such as, 22k, 18k, 14k, and 10k, contain higher percentages of copper, silver, palladium or other metals.

The gold proportion of alloys is measured by karat (k). Pure gold is designated as 24 karat (24/24 parts gold) and abbreviated 24k. There are different gold alloys used in jewelry with 18 karat (75% pure gold), 14 karat (58% pure gold), and 10 karat (41.7% pure gold) being common. In the United States and many other countries, 10K gold (10 parts gold and 14 parts other alloys) is the lowest level of purity that can be legally be marketed and sold using the word “gold.” Others seen are 9k (37.5% gold) and 22k (91.70% gold).

24 Karat Gold
24k gold is the purest and is 99.9% yellow gold. It is the shiniest, yellowest, and most expensive type of gold. Pure gold is hypoallergenic and safe to wear if you have sensitive skin. It also has a high resistance to tarnish and corrosion. 24 karat gold is soft and not ideal for jewelry because it wears out easily.

Common 24 Karat Gold Stamp Marks:
Gold (pure gold)
24 Karat or 24K (24/24 parts gold)
999 (999/1000 parts, or 99.9% gold)

18 Karat Gold
18k gold consists of 75% pure gold and 25% other metals such as silver, copper, and zinc. It is much stronger and more durable than 24k gold and is used in a wide variety of jewelry. 18k gold doesn’t have the same intense yellow color of pure gold. Nickel can cause skin irritation. If the 18k gold alloy contains nickel, it is so low as to be a concern for most people, even those with sensitive skin.

Common 18 Karat Gold Stamp Marks:
18 Karat or 18K (18/24 parts gold)
750 (meaning 750/1000 parts, or 75% gold)

14 Karat Gold
14k gold is the most popular type of gold karatage sold in the United States. It is made from 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% other metals. 14k gold isn’t as bright as 18k, but it’s stronger and less expensive. Allergic reactions to nickel in 14k gold are uncommon.

Common 14 Karat Gold Stamp Marks:
14 Karat or 14K (meaning 14/24 parts gold)
583 (meaning 583/1000 parts, or 58.3% gold)

10 Karat Gold
Containing 41.7% pure gold, 10k gold is the minimum that jewelry can legally be sold as gold in the United States. 10k gold is durable, but its low purity gives it a paler yellow color. For some, this makes it a less popular gold alloy for special types of jewelry, such as wedding rings. Nickel in 10k gold jewelry is more likely to cause problems for those with nickel allergies, since it often has a higher nickel content.

Common 10 Karat Gold Stamp Marks:
10 Karat or 10K (meaning 10/24 parts gold)
417 (meaning 417/1000 parts, or 41.7% gold)

9K is considered real gold in other parts of the world and is the lowest permitted gold purity sold in the UK and Europe. 9K is 9 parts pure gold and 15 parts other metals. In other parts of the world Karat may be spelled Carat.

White Gold

White gold is an alloy of yellow gold and white metals, and sometimes also copper. The less gold and copper content in the metal alloy, the more white it appears. White gold jewelry is usually plated with rhodium, which makes it even whiter. White gold is usually formed from one of two different alloys:

Palladium white gold is a mixture of gold, palladium, and sometimes silver. Palladium is a hypoallergenic precious metal that’s rarer than gold. Common alloy percentages:

18K White Gold: 75% Gold, 0-10% Silver, & 15-25% Palladium
14K White Gold: 58.3% Gold, 28-35% Silver, & 8-14% Palladium
10K White Gold: 41.7% Gold, 46-48% Silver, & 7-11% Palladium

Nickel white gold is not hypoallergenic. It consists of gold, nickel, copper, and zinc. This form of gold is more affordable than palladium white gold. Common alloy percentages:

18K White Gold: 75% Gold, 17-19% Nickel, 4-6% Zinc, & 2-3% Copper
14K White Gold: 58.3% Gold, 7-9% Nickel, 6-8% Zinc, & 18-20% Copper
10K White Gold: 41.7% Gold, 16-18% Nickel, 11-13% Zinc, & 29-31% Copper

Rose Gold

Rose gold first came into wider use in the late 1800s, after it was introduced to the Russian Imperial court by Carl Fabergé. Rose gold is made from gold, copper, and silver. Copper is what gives rose gold its pinkish color. Most rose gold alloys are either 18k or 14k. 18k rose gold is shinier but has a paler rose color. 14k contains more copper and is less bright, but has a deeper rose color. Common alloy percentages:

18K Rose Gold: 75% Gold, 22-23% Copper, & 2-3% Silver
14K Rose Gold: 58.3% Gold, 31-33% Copper, & 8-10% Silver
10K Rose Gold: 41.7% Gold, 37-39% Copper, & 19-21% Silver

Need a gift? Parkville Jewelers can provide a gift in any price range. Pick something by their favorite color or by individual or family birthstones. Many gifts for events and for special interests. If we don’t have it, we can probably make it or order it for you.

Birthstones:

January – Garnet
February – Amethyst
March – Aquamarine
April – Diamond
May – Emerald
June – Pearl, Alexandrite , Moonstone
July – Ruby
August – Peridot
September – Sapphire
October – Opal, Tourmaline
November – Topaz, Citrine
December – Zircon, Turquoise

Wedding Anniversaries:

1st – Gold Jewelry or Clocks
2nd – Garnet Jewelry
3rd – Pearls, Crystal Jewelry or Leather (Leather Bracelet or Wallet)
4th – Blue Topaz or Flowers (Flower Jewelry)
5th – Sapphire or Wood (Wood in Jewelry, Pens, Boxes & Watch Boxes)
6th – Amethyst Jewelry
7th – Onyx or Copper Jewelry
8th – Tourmaline Jewelry
9th – Lapis Lazuli Jewelry
10th – Diamond Jewelry
11th – Turquoise Jewelry
12th – Alexandrite or Jade Jewelry
13th – Citrine Jewelry
14th – Opal Jewelry
15th – Watches or Ruby Jewelry or Crystal Items
16th – Peridot Jewelry
17th – Watches or Carnelian Jewelry
18th – Cat’s eye or Alexandrite Jewelry
19th – Aquamarine Jewelry
20th – Emerald Jewelry or Platinum
21st – Iolite Jewelry
22nd – Spinel Jewelry
23rd – Topaz Jewelry
24th – Tanzanite Jewelry
25th – Silver Jubilee
30th – Pearl Jubilee
35th – Emerald Jewelry
40th – Ruby Jewelry
45th – Sapphire Jewelry
50th – Golden Jubilee
We can order or make any of these or pick something we already have.

Favorite Colors:

See Gemstone Colors

Events:

Weddings
Gifts for Wedding Attendants
Baptisms
Confirmations
Baby Showers
Graduations
Anniversaries
Work Gifts
Add a Coin with a Special Date to a Coin Bezel
ETC…

Lost and Broken Items:

Repair a family heirloom
Remake a favorite piece of jewelry that was lost
Take gems from an old item and make something new with it
We do in-store repairs for jewelry that has been broken

Jewelry, Keepsake Boxes & Figurines for:

Hobbies
Activities
Animals
Travel Locations
Sport Teams
We can order or make any of these or pick something we already have.

Engraving:

Jewelry
Picture Frames
Glassware
Metal Cups
Ornaments
Watches
Plaques
Lighters
Money Clips
ETC…

Jewelry by Zodiac Symbols:

Aquarius – Black Spinel
Pisces — Garnet
Aries — Emerald
Taurus — Fire Opal
Gemini – Peridot
Cancer — Aquamarine
Leo — Citrine
Virgo – Orange Garnet
Libra — Chrysoprase
Scorpio — Zircon
Sagittarius — Amethyst
Capricorn — Sapphire

There are more options than the traditional mother’s ring. In addition to Rings, we can make Necklaces, Bracelets, and Earrings. The piece can be of the children, grandchildren, a single individual, a couple, or the whole family. You can also create something for yourself with the colors you like.

The jewelry can be made out of Silver, White Gold, Yellow Gold, or Rose Gold. The pictures above are just a few examples. There are so many options.

With Stones

The gemstones can be Genuine, Lab-created, Imitation, or a combination. The birthstones come in different sizes and shapes. The ring picture above is separated with diamonds or CZ’s. The bracelet on the top right has heart shaped stones. (Some of the pictures above are unset examples.)

Engraved

Pieces may be engrave with individual names or nicknames. Some of the examples above are engravable. They may or may not come with birthstones.

Colors of Common Gemstones:

Clear:
Diamond, Moissanite, White Sapphire, White Spinel
White:
Moonstone, Opal, Pearl
Purple:
Amethyst, Iolite, Sapphire, Spinel, Tanzanite
Purple-Blue:
Iolite, Sapphire, Spinel, Tanzanite
Red-Purple:
Amethyst, Rhodolite Garnet, Ruby, Topaz, Rubellite Tourmaline, Alexandrite (incandescent light)
Red:
Ruby, Garnet, Spinel, Chrysoberyl, Topaz, Friedelite
Pink:
Pink Tourmaline, Kunzite, Rose Quartz, Spinel, Beryl, Pearl, Moissanite, Topaz, Sapphire
Peach:
Morganite, Garnet
Orange-Red:
Topaz, Citrine, Garnet, Sapphire, Friedelite
Orange:
Topaz, Citrine, Sapphire, Fire Opal, Spessartite Garnet, Spinel, Chalcedony, Sunstone, Zircon
Yellow-Orange:
Citrine, Amber, Topaz, Sapphire, Fire Opal, Chrysoberyl, Spinel, Zircon
Yellow:
Citrine, Diamond, Topaz, Lemon Quartz, Sapphire, Chrysoberyl, Spinel
Yellow-Green:
Peridot, Chrysoberyl, Tsavorite Garnet
Green:
Emerald, Tsavorite Garnet, Tourmaline, Sapphire, Jade, Malachite, Chrysoprase, Alexandrite (daylight)
Blue-Green:
Tourmaline, Topaz, Zircon, Sapphire
Blue:
Sapphire, Topaz, Aquamarine, Lapis, Turquoise, Zircon, Diamond, Spinel, Tourmaline
Brown:
Chrysoberyl, Spinel, Topaz, Garnet, Zircon, Tourmaline, Smokey Quartz, Tiger’s-Eye, Chalcedony
Black:
Onyx, Sapphire, Spinel, Smokey Quartz, Pearl
Multi Colored:
Agate, Alexandrite, Ametrine, Bloodstone, Chrysocolla, Jade, Jasper, Lapis, Opal, Rhodonite, Sunstone, Topaz, Tourmaline, Turquoise

When prongs become thin or are missing, there is a risk that a stone may fall out. Worn flat prongs are more likely to get caught and break off and they need to be fixed. It is less expensive to tip a worn prong than to replace a missing one. If there is movement in the stone or the prong is bent, the prong or setting will also need to be checked. Bezel and channel settings can also become thin and may need work.

Common Prongs and Settings

Round Prong The pictures above are of a round prong. They are rounded at the tip and they are the most common style in jewelry. The smaller prong shows more of the diamond or gemstone. There are usually four or six prongs in the rounded style with six prongs offering more security than four. Some prong variations are more pointed and some are flatter. Earrings often have three or four prongs.

V-Prongs V-prongs are a good way to protect pointed stones. These prongs are longer and go around the corners of a stone to protect the corner from chipping. They are ideal for pear, marquise, and heart-shaped.

Shared Prongs Shared prongs are a style that costs less and allows the use of a prong to secure both a stone and the stone next to it. More stones can be used in the same space. If a prong is damaged, then you risk losing more than one stone.

Channel Settings A channel setting is a mounting style where the gemstones are placed in a channel formed by two metal strips. The stones create a row and can run a portion or the length of the ring’s band. Most channel set rings feature a thin lip that extends very slightly over the edge of the stones to secure them.

Bezel Settings The bezel setting surrounds a stone with a strip of metal to protect the entire edge. A bezel setting is secure and can protect a stone, but the stone won’t be as luminous because it limits light from entering it.

Round (Faceted, Cabochon & Rose Cut)
Oval (Faceted, Cabochon & Rose Cut)
Emerald (Faceted & Cabochon) The most popular of the step cuts
Cushion (Faceted & Cabochon) They have a square shape with rounded edges
Marquise (Faceted & Cabochon) They have pointed ends and are curved on the sides
Pear (Faceted & Cabochon) The have a rounded edge tapering to a point
Trillion & Triangle (Faceted & Cabochon) Trillion cuts have slightly rounded sides & triangles have straight
Princess & Square (Faceted, Cabochon & Rose Cut)
Baguette Thin and elongated with corners with some straight and some that are tapered on one end
Radiant They are usually elongated and have beveled corners
Asscher They are a step cut stone that has an emerald or square shape with cut corners
Heart (Faceted & Cabochon)

The Three Main Gem Cutting Styles

Brilliant Cut – Brilliant cuts consist of triangular and kite-shaped facets that spread from the center of the gem outward. They give off the most light dispersion of any cut.

Step Cut – Step cuts consist of rectangular facets that descend down in steps. Step cuts include emerald and baguette cuts. They show off the stone’s color and clarity. They are generally not as brilliant, but they often appear larger than than other shapes of of the same carat weight.

Mixed Cuts – Mixed cuts combine the brilliant and step cut styles. They have brilliant facets on the crown and step facets on the pavilion, or vice versa. Mixed cuts may even combine cabbing and faceting techniques.

Other Gem Cutting Styles

Cabochon Cut – Cabochons gems are polished into domes. Certain gems, such as opal and moonstone, better display visual effects such as play of color and asterism (star effect). In faceted gems, these effects would be less visible. Some stones may be cut into cabochons because they are a lower quality or too opaque for faceting. Cabochon stones emphasize their color and luster instead of their brilliance. Softer gem materials may also receive cabochon cuts. Opal, Turquoise, Moonstone, Jade, and Onyx are usually Cabochons.

Rose Cut – The rose cut dates back to the 16th century. The rose cut has a round, cabbed flat base and a faceted top.

Checkerboard Cut – In a checkerboard cut, the gem is cut with square facets, so its crown resembles a checkerboard. This cut is sometimes used on translucent stones.

I am 14 different breeds!  The top 3 breeds of my mix are Shih Tzu, Pomeranian and Chihuahua.

Most people come in just to see me, but you can also do jewelry, watch, and engraving things. We do carry dog silver jewelry.

I am friendly and I love to get petted! You can pet me as long as you want, but you can’t take me home as many people have asked.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) was founded in 1931. GIA created the 4Cs (Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight) as a universal method for establishing the quality of any diamond, anywhere in the world. Now diamond quality can be described in a universal language and diamond customers can know exactly what they are buying.

Color Scale:
In 1953, GIA introduced the D-to-Z color scale for grading the color of diamonds from colorless to light yellow. The letter “D” was chosen for the top grade (colorless).

Clarity Scale:
The GIA Clarity Scale today has six categories ranging from Flawless to Included and contains 11 specific grades. A gemological microscope is used for clarity grading to plot the inclusions and blemishes in all diamonds when a GIA Diamond Grading Report is requested.

Cut Scale:
The GIA Cut Scale ranges from Excellent to Poor. It tells how successfully a diamond interacts with light to deliver the brilliance, fire, and brightness of the diamond. It also assesses the overall cut quality, taking into account such features as proportions, table size, polish and symmetry.

Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor

Carat Weight:
The carat weight has been used in the gem trade since antiquity, but the weights differed between locations. In 1907, the use of the metric carat began. The carat is subdivided into fractions or decimals. Small diamonds are weighed in points and 0.01 carats (ct) equals 1 point. Small brilliants with a weight of .07 – .15 carats are called Melees.

(Appoximate sizes for round diamonds)

Can you tell the difference between them?
The difference between a laboratory-grown diamond and natural diamond can be determined using verification instruments. Laboratory-grown are produced in weeks, so they have specific growth-related patterns that can be detected.

Diamond Creation
Natural diamond formation took place millions of years ago under high pressure and heat and the diamonds came toward the surface in limited areas through volcanic activity.

The process to make laboratory-grown diamonds requires the generation of temperatures close to 20% of the temperature of the Sun’s surface. It begins with a small piece of natural diamond. Most laboratory-grown manufacturing occurs in China and India.

Diamond Values
In 2016, a 1.5 carat laboratory-grown diamond cost $10,600 and in early 2023, it decreased to $2,445. From 2016 to 2022, the price of a 1.5 carat laboratory-grown has decreased by over 75% in some diamonds.

Natural diamond prices have also fluctuated. Over the last 25 years, they have appreciated in price by approximately 3% on average each year.

Diamond Grading
The terms used in reports for laboratory-grown diamonds for color and clarity are different. Instead of the D to Z color grades used for natural diamonds, broader category terms are used: Colorless, Near-Colorless, Faint, Very Light and Light. The natural diamond reports have abbreviated clarity grades from If to I3, while lab-grown again use broader terms, such as, Very Slightly Included and Slightly Included.

Natural Diamonds
Under the Kimberley Process mandated by the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, the rough diamond trade is strictly regulated to ensure it is conflict-free. The natural diamond industry is accelerating its traceability initiatives and using technology to bring transparency to its supply chains.

Global natural diamond recovery peaked in 2005 and has decreased by over 30% in the last 16 years.

The diamond industry protects the biodiversity of an area 4 times larger in size than the land they use. It supports the livelihoods of 10 million people. Up to 80% of the rough diamond value can remain with local communities (local purchasing, employment benefits, social programs, infrastructure investment, and taxes).

Lab Diamonds

Any organization selling a laboratory-grown diamond is legally required to disclose it is man-made.