When it comes to purchasing fine jewelry, one of the most important decisions you'll make is selecting the right metal. From gold to platinum, each option has its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks. Here's a closer look at four of the most popular metals used in fine jewelry, so you can make an informed decision.

1. 10K gold is the least expensive of all gold options, and it's also the most durable. It's made up of 41.7% pure gold and the rest is made up of other metals, like copper, silver, and zinc. This means that 10K gold is less susceptible to scratches and is a good choice for jewelry that will see daily wear.  10k Gold comes in yellow (natural), rose/pink gold (mixed with other metals to create the desired color), and white gold (which is plated in palladium and needs to be re-plated over time to keep that "white" gold look).
2. 14K gold is more expensive than 10K gold, but it also contains a higher percentage of pure gold (58.3%). This makes 14K gold a great option for those who want a little more luxury and don't mind spending a little extra.  14k Gold comes in yellow (natural), rose/pink gold (mixed with other metals to create the desired color), and white gold (which is plated in palladium and needs to be re-plated over time to keep that "white" gold look).
3. 18K gold is the most luxurious of all gold options, with a pure gold content of 75%. It's also the most malleable and susceptible to scratches, which means it's not the best option for jewelry that will be worn daily. However, if you're looking for a high-end, special occasion piece, 18K gold is a great choice.  18k Gold comes in yellow (natural), rose/pink gold (mixed with other metals to create the desired color), and white gold (which is plated in palladium and needs to be re-plated over time to keep that "white" gold look).
4. Platinum is a rare, dense metal that's prized for its beauty and durability. Unlike gold, platinum is naturally white, so it doesn't require plating to maintain its color making it the clear choice is low maintenance is one of your key values. Platinum is also much more expensive than gold, but it's also much more durable and scratch-resistant. If you're looking for a piece of jewelry that will last a lifetime, platinum is a great choice.

In conclusion, the right metal for your fine jewelry depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors like budget, durability, and the type of jewelry you're purchasing, to help you make the right choice. Whether you choose 10K, 14K, 18K gold, or platinum, you're sure to find a beautiful piece that you'll treasure for years to come.

Check out our wide variety of gold, platinum, and sterling silver jewelry in our monthly and twice-a-month fine jewelry auctions exclusively at www.KaratsAuctions.com

Shopping for an engagement ring is an important and exciting task. It's a symbol of love and commitment and should reflect the personality and style of the person who will be wearing it. However, with so many options, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect ring. Here are a few things to keep in mind before making your purchase.

1. Diamond Quality: The four C's (Cut, Clarity, Carat, and Color) are important factors to consider when evaluating the quality of a diamond. Make sure to choose a diamond that fits within your budget while still meeting your standards for quality.
2. Style: The style of the ring should be chosen based on the preferences of the person who will be wearing it. Do they prefer a solitaire, halo, or three-stone ring? Do they prefer a classic or modern look?
3. Budget: Determine your budget and stick to it. Engagement rings can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, so it's important to find a balance between quality and cost.

That's where Karats Auctions comes in. We offer a variety of options to meet all of your needs, including earth mined and lab grown diamonds, and a large selection of diamond and colored stones to choose from. Additionally, shopping with us allows you to save a substantial amount of money compared to retail stores. Our prices are significantly lower, making it possible for you to purchase a beautiful ring without breaking the bank.

If you can't find the perfect ring in our selection, we also offer custom engagement ring services for a fraction of the cost of a retail engagement ring. Our team of experts can work with you to create the perfect ring that fits your specific style and budget requirements.

Contact us today to assist you in making that special proposal one you'll both remember and one that one leave you with unnecessary debt!

Tanzanite is a rare and valuable gemstone that is found only in one place in the world – the Merelani Hills in Tanzania. This makes it a highly sought after investment opportunity for those interested in acquiring a piece of this rare gemstone.

Tanzanite is known for its unique blue-violet color, which can range from a light sky blue to a deep indigo. The color and quality of the stone is determined by its origin within the Merelani Hills, with different blocks yielding different qualities of tanzanite.

Block D is considered to be the most valuable of the tanzanite blocks, producing the finest quality of gemstones. These stones are known for their intense saturation of color, high clarity, and minimal inclusions.
However, tanzanite is a finite resource, and it is estimated that the current supply of this gemstone will be mined out within the next 20 to 30 years. This means that the value of tanzanite is expected to increase over time, making it an attractive investment opportunity.
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Aside from Block D, there are also Blocks A, B, and C which yield tanzanite of varying quality. Blocks A and B produce tanzanite with a lighter, more blue color, while Block C is known for its deep indigo stones.
Tanzanite is found in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is the highest peak in Africa. This mountain range is also home to other precious minerals, making it a valuable source of investment opportunities for those interested in acquiring rare gems and minerals.
Here is a list of the key factors to consider when grading Tanzanite:

1. Color: The color of Tanzanite is its most important attribute, with shades of blue and violet being the most valuable.
   
2. Clarity: The clearer the stone, the more valuable it is, but small inclusions are often acceptable in Tanzanite.
   
3. Cut: The cut of Tanzanite affects its brilliance and sparkle, with well-cut stones being more valuable.
   
4. Carat Weight: The larger the stone, the more valuable it is, with larger stones being more rare.
   
5. Origin: Tanzanite from Tanzania is the most valuable, with stones from other countries being less valuable.
   
6. Treatment: Tanzanite is often heat-treated to enhance its color, with untreated stones being more valuable.
   
7. Rarity: Tanzanite is a rare gemstone, with larger and more valuable stones being even rarer.
   

Check out our wide variety of these and many more gem in our monthly and twice-a-month fine jewelry auctions exclusively at www.KaratsAuctions.com - we also keep high-grade, investment grade Tanzanite in our inventory for private sales.  Let us know if you are interested in making an appointment to see our Tanzanite and other gemstone inventory.

How many of the top 10 most popular gemstones for jewelry could you guess right now?  Go ahead, take a moment.  No peeking below!  Well, without further adieu here they are  (see how many you got right!).

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1. Diamonds: The classic diamond is still the most popular gemstone for jewelry, and for good reason. Its brilliance and durability make it the perfect choice for engagement rings, wedding bands, and other special occasion jewelry.
2. Sapphires: Known for their deep blue color, sapphires are a popular choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry. They are also available in a variety of other colors, including pink, yellow, and green.
3. Rubies: Another popular choice for engagement rings and fine jewelry, rubies are known for their deep red color. They are also available in pink and purple shades.
4. Emeralds: Emeralds are a beautiful green gemstone that is often used in fine jewelry. They are a popular choice for engagement rings and other special occasion jewelry.
5. Pearls: Pearls have been a popular choice for jewelry for centuries. They are available in a variety of colors and sizes, and are often used to make necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
6. Opals: Opals are a unique gemstone that can display a variety of colors in their patterns. They are often used to make earrings, rings, and pendants.
7. Amethysts: Amethysts are a popular gemstone that comes in various shades of purple. They are often used to make rings, earrings, and pendants.
8. Aquamarine: Aquamarine is a blue-green gemstone that is often used to make earrings, rings, and pendants. They are also a popular choice for engagement rings.
9. Topaz: Topaz is a gemstone that comes in a variety of colors including yellow, orange, pink, red, and blue. They are often used to make earrings, rings, and pendants.
10. Citrine: Citrine is a yellow to orange gemstone that is often used to make rings, earrings, and pendants. It is also a popular choice for engagement rings.

These are just a few of the most popular gemstones for jewelry right now. Whether you're looking for something classic or something a little more unique, there's a gemstone out there that will suit your style and budget.

Check out our wide variety of these and many more gem in our monthly and twice-a-month fine jewelry auctions exclusively at www.KaratsAuctions.com

1. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. They are created using advanced technology in a controlled laboratory environment, rather than being mined from the earth.
2. Lab-grown diamonds are more environmentally friendly than mined diamonds. The process of mining diamonds can have a significant impact on the environment, while lab-grown diamonds do not require mining.
3. Lab-grown diamonds are often less expensive than mined diamonds of similar quality. This is because lab-grown diamonds do not require the same expenses associated with mining, such as labor and equipment costs.
4. Lab-grown diamonds are generally considered to be ethically superior to mined diamonds. The diamond trade has been associated with human rights abuses and environmental devastation.
5. Lab-grown diamonds are graded using the same criteria as mined diamonds. They are graded based on the 4 Cs: carat, cut, color and clarity. Lab-grown diamonds can be found in a variety of color grades, including colorless, yellow, and fancy colors.

It's important to note that lab-grown diamonds are becoming more and more popular and accepted in the market, and that many reputable jewelers and diamond grading organizations now offer certifications for lab-grown diamonds.

​Check out our high quality selection of both lab-grown and earth-mined diamonds in our monthly and twice-a-month fine jewelry auctions exclusively at www.KaratsAuctions.com

Sapphires and rubies are both varieties of the mineral corundum. They are both incredibly beautiful and valuable gemstones, but they have one distinction: color. All colored varieties of corundum, with the exception of red, are called sapphires. Sapphires come in a wide range of colors, including blue, yellow, pink, green, purple, and even black. The most popular color for sapphires is blue, but they can be found in many other colors as well.

Rubies, on the other hand, are a specific variety of corundum that are red in color. The red color is caused by trace amounts of the element chromium in the mineral. The finest rubies are a deep, rich red color and are highly prized for their beauty.
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It's important to note that the color of a sapphire or ruby is not the only factor that determines its value. Other factors such as clarity, cut, and carat weight also play a role in determining the value of a gemstone.
In conclusion, sapphires and rubies are both varieties of corundum but have distinct colors. Sapphires come in a wide range of colors, while rubies are red in color. Both are valuable and beautiful gemstones that can make a great addition to any jewelry collection.

Check out our constantly changing selection of Sapphires (in all of it's beautiful colors) and Rubies in our monthly and twice-a-month high quality fine jewelry auctions exclusively at www.KaratsAuctions.com

Earth-mined diamonds are diamonds that are naturally formed in the earth's crust over many years. They are extracted from mines using various methods such as open-pit mining and underground mining. These diamonds are considered to be natural.

Lab-grown diamonds, also known as man-made diamonds or cultured diamonds, are diamonds that are created in a laboratory using advanced technology. They are created by replicating the conditions under which natural diamonds form in the earth's crust. These diamonds are chemically and physically identical to earth-mined diamonds but are considered to be more ethical and eco-friendly.

It's important to note that lab-grown diamonds have the same properties as earth-mined diamonds, but are typically more cost accessible (more bling for your buck). Lab-grown diamonds are becoming increasingly popular, with many people choosing them for their ethical and environmental benefits.

Ultimately, earth-mined and lab-grown diamonds are both real diamonds; they just grew up differently: which one to choose becomes a personal choice (and a budget choice!).

Check out our high quality selection of both lab-grown and earth-mined diamonds in our monthly and twice-a-month fine jewelry auctions exclusively at www.KaratsAuctions.com

Birthstones are gemstones that are associated with a person's birth month. They are believed to have special properties or powers that can bring good luck, health, and prosperity to the wearer (but we just think they're pretty!).

Some people choose to wear birthstones as jewelry, such as rings or necklaces, as a way to connect with their birth month and the qualities it represents. Some people also choose to give birthstones as gifts to loved ones, as a way to celebrate their birth month and show them that they are loved and cherished. Birthstones are not only special because of the perceived powers they hold, but also because they are a personal and meaningful way to connect with the beauty and significance of birth months.
Here are the traditional birthstones and the months they are associated with:

January: Garnet
February: Amethyst
March: Aquamarine or Bloodstone
April: Diamond
May: Emerald
June: Pearl, Moonstone, or Alexandrite
July: Ruby
August: Peridot or Sardonyx
September: Sapphire
October: Opal or Tourmaline
November: Topaz or Citrine
December: Turquoise, Zircon, or Tanzanite.
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Check out our selection of birthstone jewelry in our monthly and twice-a-month high quality fine jewelry auctions exclusively at www.KaratsAuctions.com