Canberk Koksal

The same or different? Do you know the difference between the two? For better or worse, which is your go to and why?

Originally both a necklace and a pendant are incredible pieces that come in such a wide variety of styles. More and more as designers become more experimental with trends. There will always be a necklace or pendant built for the occasion. 

Spot the difference

A necklace and pendant can both be worn around your neck but the differentiation between the two is the small pendant at the end of the necklace. Usually a pendant is a small heart shaped diamond with a white gold setting. To add some fun and versatility to a pendant is that it can be interchangeable to attach to an anklet or any part of your body with a chain. 

The different types of necklaces 

A necklace can come in many shapes, sizes, colours and designs. They have the ability to make or break an outfit. They can pull it together or throw all your hard work away, or maybe in other cases a necklace is your saving grace to an outfit. Okay, let’s list off all the different types of necklaces that you can have. 

Choker 

This is a popular design that tends to sit above the collarbones. Some people even prefer to finish the look with a gemstone to enhance the look.

Cascading necklace 

This kind of style is truly magnificent because it tends to feature a gemstone to tie the whole outfit together. Common pieces worn with this style are strapless dresses and anything with a high neckline.

Single strand necklace 

This can come in many lengths and is commonly seen with diamonds or pearls.

Princess length necklace 

After a necklace that’s not too long and not too short? A princess necklace is going to be a staple in your jewelry box! It hangs just below your collarbone.

Opera length necklace 

Much like the name hints this type of necklace is a very dramatic styled piece. A statement piece if you will. It is long and hangs extremely low down over a dress or blouse.

Solitaire diamond necklace 

If you are looking for something more stylish this type of necklace tends to be more sophisticated and features a singular round cut diamond that sits on a beautiful chain.

Overall

In terms of which is better is up to the buyer's choice and preference. Both a necklace and a pendant are beautiful. No matter the occasion there is always something unique to fit you and the event. 

If you like it then you should put a ring on it… right?

I am sure you have seen this in some way shape or form. Whether it’s been during your daily life or when watching a movie. You might have been like us and been a little curious to who, what, where, when and why. Well rest assure we are here to keep you in the loop and let you know the real reasons that people do this.

Ring necklace meanings

1. A ring that holds a large amount of sentimental value but no longer fits tend to be placed on a necklace. The next best place to fit a ring.
2. A promise ring from a significant other as a representation of their vow to you.
3. This last one is quite common to see. When women lose their partners, they will wear their deceased boyfriend/husbands ring around their neck.

Likewise, men also tend to wear a ring on a necklace for similar reasons. In modern society men are being seen wearing necklaces more and more so it is not an outlandish thing to see anymore. As long as they look good, feel good and it compliments their attire who is complaining really?

For men a big thing around this topic can be that they want to avoid losing the ring when doing something physical or quick paced. All in fear that the ring might fling off his finger and into the abyss. Therefore, they opt for the safer option around their neck so that they can still hold the same value and meaning.

Pro tip for the men: it is a classier look to have a longer chain for your necklace to put your ring on. It will make your outfit all the edgier and bring your look to a whole new level!

In conclusion of why people wear necklaces with rings on them and their specific meanings, we say that everyone has their own reason and their own story. It is only by nature that we humans are so gosh darn curious. Asking someone about their jewelry also never hurt anyone. You might discover a new reason to why people wear rings on their necklaces. Never be too afraid to ask if you are faced with the opportunity. Or maybe you can turn it into your own little guessing game to why you think they hold sentimental value towards their ring.

Do you love gold jewelry? If yes, then you must be familiar with the infamous Italian Gold. You will never go wrong with any 14K Italy Gold chain around your neck, they are the best on the market.

Whilst it has a positive reputation amongst the jewelry enthusiasts around the world there is one question on everyone’s lips. How can I tell if my 14K Italy Gold chain is real or fake? Well we have the answers! 

Features of 14K Italy gold

14K gold means that your chain is made up of 14 out of 24 parts gold, the rest being other alloy metals. In short, this is the real deal honey!

To know if it is real or fake there are some distinctive features that you can identify. One being the colour, its yellow gold is a striking colour that is hard to miss. Another feature is the hardness of it, because it is usually a lot harder than most golds.

Real or Fake?

We have discussed the distinctive features, but this may not be enough to authenticate whether you have the real deal or not.

Check markings

One way to verify your jewels is by checking the markings on it. All 14K Italy Gold pieces will have a marking instead of a karat symbol on it. Look out for the numbers 585 if you want to know if it is 14K or 7500 for an 18K piece.

By chance if this number is missing then we hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you might have yourself a fake!

Acid testing

Another reliable way to check your Italy Gold chain is with acid testing. For this test you will need to take your chain to your local jeweler who will conduct the test. What they will do is they take a small sample of your chain by making a scratch with a testing stone. Then they test the reaction of the sample with an acidic chemical to monitor the reaction. Depending on the reaction you will get your answer.

Magnetic test

Gold is non-magnetic so if your chain is attracted by a magnet then this is proof enough to say that it is fake! Likewise based on this reaction your chain is probably laced with other metals.

What is the best price?

The price will vary depending on where you buy your piece of jewelry. On average it is $24.50/gram but do keep in mind that this is not a fixed price. 

It will also depend on who you buy it off. Beware of suspicious dealers who are looking to scam you for a higher price. Our word of advice is to do your research on the best places to buy from and who your dealer is. Always compare prices and fact check to get the most reliable dealer.

If you are considering a branded engagement ring, here are a few things to keep in the back of your mind before taking the plunge into married life.

What is the difference… Let’s address it!

The only influence that man has on diamonds is the shape and cut that it will be as it becomes the ring of someone's dreams. The cut of the diamond is responsible for the radiance and fire of a diamond ring!

Tolkowsky has been designed and cut to have proportions that will ideally bring out a truly radiant beauty. Because of their light and radiant appearance, they are used as the benchmark for all diamonds that are to be judged. Tolkowsky diamonds have the highest possible grade and certification, no wonder they are used as the benchmark!

Leo diamond is known as a “modified round brilliant” cut (oh la la, the crem de la crem) and is only found in select stores! Interestingly enough, unlike the Tolkowsky diamond, not all Leo diamonds have the same cut quality. However, because they are only sold in selected stores they tend to cost more. That is if you are looking for more than just your traditional round brilliant diamond style. 

What you should know about the two

Tolkowsky:

The Tolkowsky diamond cut has been specifically designed in a way that captures the light and perfectly reflects and shows off the spectrum of colors within the diamond. Now that is a fun fact! Knowing that your diamond is the product of a lot of historical study, trial, and error to achieve what some might consider ‘The Perfect Diamond”.

Leo:

The first diamond to be branded as “visually brighter” (not only branded but certified). Whether this is a marketing ploy, sales tactic or play on words you can’t deny the feeling you get when you wear a diamond ring. The patterning of a Leo is usually made up of smaller sparkles due to thinner pavilion and how they are polished.

Overall, everything boils down to your personal tastes and what you adore in a ring or what will fulfill your childhood wedding ring dreams.

Is buying based on brand worth it???

We all want to buy quality when it comes to our engagement ring, whether it’s branded or not we want a ring that will represent your loving memories. So, what do brands provide?

1. A feeling of a safer purchase because you are familiar and understand the brand name, values, and standards.
2. You feel aligned with the brands image
3. You know you will feel proud and special to show off your ring and name drop the brand when telling all your friends and family!

Whilst there have been very happy customers, Effy Jewelry only racks up to have a 2-star rating overall. The business is inspired by global trends to which they design a fine collection for people who are in search of bold, stylish jewelry. It is based in New York City and has been running for 30 years, building up their reputation for "unrivaled quality and flawless craftsmanship."

With this being how the brand describes themself in the eyes of their consumers, their ratings seem to tell a different story in relation to their quality. Although in saying this, the brand continues to win the people over with the trendy looks and different styles that they create. So they must be doing something right! But as we search a little deeper, there may be some areas that the brand can improve. 

Let's see what the people think

"I used to think that Effy was a high-end line because it was sold at the bay. Then when I learned a thing or 2 about diamonds, that's the time I realized they used I1 and I2 in their diamond line. They were overpriced. I bought a pearl earring from them on sale. After a year or less of using it though it wasn't every day, it just fell apart. The pearl detached from the gold, and I noticed the gold one to be too thin that's why it can't hold on long too the pearl, which was too big for it. I didn't even drop it or anything. When I tried to remove the lock, everything just came out." - Anonymous.

"I had a heart-shaped ring from Eppy that was inlaid with rubies. I loved it and wore it all the time, and it held up well. Effy isn't a luxury brand, but I never felt that the quality was bad or that my ring might fall apart. Definitely a cut above the typical mall jewelry." - Jen W

"I really like this necklace. I always look at it when I go to Macy's. I have several Effy pieces. Effy isn't top quality, but I personally feel you get what you're paying for with them. You should go to Macy's and ask them when the best sale for this piece would be. I have a feeling the next jewelry sale is end of Jan/beginning of Feb. you should also price it on Effy's website and compare to Macy's price." - Anonymous. 

What do you think?

Is this the brand for you? Maybe or maybe not. You can't deny this established brand thrives on their passion for style, and they have sold themselves to be highly involved when it comes to creating the best quality.

Now from the reviews we have seen, people love the pieces they have bought, so don't let this discourage you from the brand. They sell some amazing and trendy pieces if that is your style, but they don't seem to hold their shape forever. But really, does anything ever last forever? No. It is just a personal matter of if you believe that their jewelry is worth their lifespan.

We will leave you to be the judge to answer the age-old question on whether you believe Effy is a good quality brand for you.