Information About Our Jewelry
alloy info, chain info, packaging info,- Jewelry Sizes
- Our Jewelry Findings
- Precious Metal Information
- About Our Chains
- Jewelry Packaging Information
Jewelry Sizes
The size varies a bit from design to design (depending on the characteristics of the breed) but the following can act as a general guideline:
PENDANTS
Average approximately 23mm (7/8 inch) high plus the bale which is approximately 8mm (a bit over ¼ inch).
BROOCHES
Are the same in design and size as pendants, so they average 23mm (7/8 inch) high, but of course have no bale. Generally the brooch pin will extend below the design around ¼ inch.
EARRINGS
Come in two styles (drop and post) and differ only in their findings. The average size is approximately 17mm (2/3 inch). The drop earring finding is approximately 16mm (a touch over ½ inch) high.
Our Jewelry Findings
We use the highest quality findings available. Specific information follows:
BROOCHES
Have heavy "old fashioned" stick pins with an attractive end cap. We have gone the extra mile to bring a timeless elegance to our brooches… you will not find a cheap hinged bar pin here!
EARRINGS
Come in two styles: drop and post. Post earrings use a typical post finding. Our drop earrings have a high quality hinged back finding (NOT an open back French hoop).
The above image shows the difference between our drop and post earrings.
Precious Metal Information
All of our jewelry products are hand cast and finished in the United States. All jewelry are solid precious metal (we do no electro-plating of any kind at Maizu). We offer the following alloys:
14k Yellow Gold
We use a gorgeous yellow gold alloy that exudes the wonderful quality and color of traditional yellow alloy without any brassiness. Our 14k yellow gold alloy is a subtle, rich, buttery yellow. As usual, our 14k yellow gold is hypo-allergenic.
14k White Gold
For our jewelry, we use the highest quality palladium white gold. We do NO rhodium plating, therefore the subtle warm color you will find with our white gold is the color of the alloy through and through, and not the color of a thin plating over a non-optimal colored "white" gold alloy. It costs more to use palladium white gold, but we feel the benefits FAR outweigh the extra cost. Our 14k white gold is hypo-allergenic and if you have nickel allergies our white gold alloy should not cause you any problems.
14k White Gold Chains
Due to the inability to source palladium white gold chains, we offer the highest quality rhodium plated 14k white gold chains.
While our chains are beautifully rhodium plated if you have severe nickel allergies, please be aware that the white gold alloy used (ONLY for our chains) contains nickel.
Argentium™ Sterling Silver
Here is an excerpt from the Argentium™ home page:
Argentium™ sterling silver
Sterling silver has come of age - with the invention of Argentium™ Sterling Silver, the most important advance in silver technology in modern times. Unlike standard sterling silver, Argentium™ sterling silver is virtually tarnish-free and stays how silver was meant to be: forever beautiful.
The biggest benefit to you is its high tarnish resistance… You will not need to clean your new Argentium sterling silver jewelry like traditional sterling alloys… think more along the lines of 14k gold jewelry (If you do want to polish up your jewelry, take a look at our reasonably priced silver cleaning kit).
If your gold or sterling silver jewelry ever gets dirty, please clean it with a product designed for fine jewelry such as our high quality jewelry cleaners.
About Our Chains
We offer matching chains in 3 styles and in 3 lengths, all at a very attractive price! All of our chains are solid precious metal and come with a secure and durable "lobster clasp." Please visit our chains page for more information and ordering options.
Jewelry Packaging Information
Your jewelry will arrive very well protected in our unique Maizu metal case. With each item we include a lovely greeting card, which is perfect for gift giving.
