FAQ

FAQs: All that you wanted to know about Jewelry

General Questions
How can I sign up to receive special offers?

You can sign up to receive information about special offers through our website. Enter your email address in the “Sign Up for Special Offers” panel on the homepage and click on the > button. The “Sign Up for Special Offers” page will appear to you. Enter the required information and click on the “Sign Me Up” button. You will be signed up to receive special offers and invitations to our special events, and a confirmation screen will be displayed to you. Also you will receive a sign up confirmation email for our special offers.

How can I refer this website to my friends?

To refer our website to your friends enter your friend's email address in the “Refer a Friend” panel and click on the > button. The “Refer a Friend” page will appear to you. Fill in the required information and friend’s email address(es) along with your optional message and then click on the “Refer Friend(s)” button. The “Thank You for Referring” page will appear to you and your friends will receive an email, containing your message and our website's link, inviting them to visit our website. You will also get a confirmation email for your reference.

How can I share a favorite item with my friends?

To share an item with your friends, you need to click “Email to Friend” link available on product detail page. Once you click this link, another page will appear where you can fill in your name, email address, your friend’s email address along with email subject and your optional message. After entering all the required information, click on the "Email" button and a confirmation page will appear. Your friend will receive an email, containing your message and the product's link. You will also get a confirmation email for your reference.

How can I search for a specific item?

To search your desired products, click on the “Search” link at the top of the page. Once you click this link, a small search box will appear which will accept your keyword(s). You need to enter minimum of 4 characters to search your choice of products and then click on the “Submit” button. The results of your search will be displayed. Also on that small search box, you can also find a link for “Advance Search”. Once you click this “Advance Search” link, you will get “Advance Search” page containing multiple search criteria to filter your search results. You can enter your keyword(s) and/or select the attributes from available search criteria dropdown menus, and then click on the search button. All the products that meet these specifications will be displayed to you in search result page.

How can I contact you?

Our website provides various means of communication. You can click the “Contact Us” link available at the top of our website and a “Contact Us” page will appear. The right side of the “Contact Us” page provides a simple form for sending us your comments & feedback. Simply enter your first name, last name, email address and subject, along with your message and click the "Submit" button. Your message will be emailed to us and you will also receive a confirmation email for the same. You will receive a reply within 1-2 business days.

The "Contact Us" page also displays our mailing/physical address, our phone number and our email address for further communication.

How can I create my personal account on your Website?

Creating an account on our website is a simple procedure. You can create a new account by clicking the "Sign In" link available at the top of our website. On the "Sign In" page, you need to click the "Create New Account" button to get the registration form. You need to enter all of the required information in the respective fields and then click the "Create New Account" button to submit your account information. Upon successful creation of your account, a confirmation page will appear and you will get a confirmation email. After creation of your account, you will be able to access this account by entering your email address and password information at the "Sign In" page.

How can I change my account password?

There are two options for changing your password.

  1. To change your account password, sign into your account. Once you have signed in, you will see an "Update My Account" page and then you can click the "Change Password" button at the bottom of that page. On the "Change Password" page, you need to enter your existing password and your desired new password and then confirm your new password by re-entering it. Then click on the "Change Password" button, and your account password will be changed and a confirmation page will appear. You will also receive a password change confirmation email.
  2. If you have forgotten your password, please click "Sign In" as though you were going to sign into your account, and then on the next page click where it says "Forgot your Password?" and follow the instructions.
What is Recently Viewed? How can I view my Recently Viewed Products?

The "Recently Viewed" page will display a list of your most recently viewed products on our website. This page facilitates an easy way to navigate back to product pages you are interested in. To get your most recently viewed products, you can click the "Recently Viewed" link available at the top of our website or the "Recently Viewed" tab on the "Product Detail" page. If you are signed in into your account and viewing our product pages then your recently viewed product list will be maintained in your account and you will be able to view this list from any other computer also after signing in into your account. **If you are not signed in then your recently viewed product list will not be maintained.

What is Wish List? How can I create my own Wish List?

While browsing the products on our website, you may come across many products that you are interested in seeing again, or in purchasing in the future. Our website offers you the option to store all these items in a personal wish list for future reference. To create your own wish list, you need to have an online account on our website. You have to sign in into your account to add products to your wish list. Then, when you find an item you want to add to your wish list, simply click the 'Add to Wish List' link on the Product Display or Product Detail pages to add your favorite products to your wish list.

How can I share my Wish List with my friends?

To share your wish list with your friends, you have to first access your wish list. Make sure you are signed into your account, then go to the wish list page, and click on the "Email Wish List" link to email your entire wish list, containing details of all your favorite items, to your friends. If you wish to send details of only one item off your wish list to your friend(s) then click on the 'Email' link available next to that particular product in the list. Clicking on this link will display a simple form where you need to enter your friend(s) email address along with email subject and your optional message

What is Terms of Use?

The use of our website is governed by specific terms and conditions which are mentioned in our Terms of Use page. It is advisable to read these Terms of Use carefully before using our website. By using our website, you signify your agreement to these terms and conditions. We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to change, modify or otherwise alter these terms and conditions at any time. Such changes and/or modifications shall become effective immediately upon the posting thereof. You are advised to review the terms and conditions periodically. Your continued use of the website following any posting of changes and/or modifications will constitute your acceptance of the revised terms and conditions.

What is Privacy Policy?

A website's privacy policy is a legal statement providing information about the use of personal information related to its customers and visitors collected via the website by the website owner. We respect your privacy and our aim is to provide you a safe and secure surfing experience whenever you visit our website. Our Privacy Policy is created in order to demonstrate our firm commitment to your privacy. This privacy notice describes our online information practices to inform you about what information we collect, why we collect such information and how we use the information that we collect from our customers and visitors.

How can I get directions to your store?

You can find a map to our store location in several locations on our website.
You can click the "Location" link available at the bottom of our website and our Location Page will appear. From here, you can click on the "Google Maps" link to get directions. Additionally, you can view a map of our location on our "Contact Us" and "About Us" pages.

What's the most important thing to remember when buying a diamond?

There are many different factors that contribute to the value of a diamond. The 4 C's- Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight are a good indicator of the beauty of a diamond. However, because the 4 C's do not guarantee a diamond's beauty, it is important to look at the diamond in person. At Ackerman Jewelers, all of our diamonds are hand-selected by Ron and Tina Ackerman to ensure that the beauty of the diamond matches the certification and the value. Additionally, we offer a Diamond Trade-Up Policy so you will retain the value of your diamond.

What are the 4 C's?

GIA, the Gemological Institute of America, is responsible for developing the standard by which diamonds are graded- the 4 C's. See below for what they say about each.

Cut:

Diamonds are renowned for their ability to transmit light and sparkle so intensely. We often think of a diamond’s cut as shape (round, emerald, pear), but a diamond’s cut grade is really about how well a diamond’s facets interact with light.Precise artistry and workmanship are required to fashion a stone so its proportions, symmetry, and polish deliver the magnificent return of light only possible in a diamond.
A diamond's cut is crucial to the stone’s final beauty and value. And of all the diamond 4Cs, it is the most complex and technically difficult to analyze.
(http://gia4cs.gia.edu/EN-US/diamond-cut.htm)

Color:

The diamond color evaluation of most gem-quality diamonds is based on the absence of color. A chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond has no hue, like a drop of pure water, and consequently, a higher value. GIA's D-to-Z diamond color-grading system measures the degree of colorlessness by comparing a stone under controlled lighting and precise viewing conditions to masterstones of established color value.
Many of these color distinctions are so subtle that they are invisible to the untrained eye; however, these distinctions make a very big difference in diamond quality and price. (http://gia4cs.gia.edu/EN-US/diamond-color.htm)

Clarity:

Natural diamonds are the result of carbon exposed to tremendous heat and pressure deep in the eart. This process can result in a variety of internal characteristics called 'inclusions' and external characteristics called 'blemishes.'
The GIA Diamond Clarity Scale has 6 categories, some of which are divided, for a total of 11 specific grades.

Flawless (FL)
No inclusions and no blemishes visible under 10x magnification
Internally Flawless (IF)
No inclusions visible under 10x magnification
Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2)
Inclusions so slight they are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification
Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2)
Inclusions are observed with effort under 10x magnification, but can be characterized as minor.
Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2)
Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification
Included (I1, I2, and I3)
Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification which may affect transparency and brilliance

Many inclusions and blemishes are too tiny to be seen by anyone other than a trained diamond grader. To the naked eye, a VS1 and SI2 diamond may look exactly the same, but these diamonds are quite different in terms of overall quality. This is why expert and accurate assessment of diamond clarity is extremely important.(http://gia4cs.gia.edu/EN-US/diamond-clarity.htm)

Carat Weight:

Diamond carat weight is the measurement of how much a diamond weighs. A metric “carat” is defined as 200 milligrams.Each carat can be subdivided into 100 ‘points.’ This allows very precise measurements to the hundredth decimal place. All else being equal, diamond price increases with diamond carat weight, because larger diamonds are more rare and more desirable. But two diamonds of equal carat weight can have very different values (and prices) depending on the three other factors of the diamond 4Cs: Clarity, Color, and Cut. (http://gia4cs.gia.edu/EN-US/diamond-carat-weight.htm)

How do I care for my jewelry?

According to Perfect Circle Insurance (by Jeweler's Mutual), there are six important factors to keeping your jewelry beautiful.

Get regular checkups
At least once a year, take your jewelry to Ackerman Jewelers for inspection and cleaning. We will check for loose settings, worn prongs, or other potential areas of concern. Feel free to ask us for tips on how to best clean your jewelry at home between visits to us. Remember, you can visit us as often as you’d like for cleaning and checking, which we will always do at no charge to you!

Clean regularly
Clean your jewelry at home to avoid dirt buildup that can increase wear, but use precaution. It is always best to use warm water, your Ackerman Jewelers jewelry cleaner, and a baby soft tooth brush. Stay away from sinks and drains!

Don't wait.
If you see a loose gemstone or a prong that is worn or catches on fabric, it could lead to a lost gemstone. Take the item to your jeweler and have it checked immediately.

Store gently.
When you're not wearing your jewelry, place each item in a separate soft compartment or container. Storing jewelry cluttered together can cause scratches. Never hang necklaces as that can cause them to stretch or kink. Be careful when using ring holders or jewelry dishes as these tend to stack rings on top of each other, which can cause damage.

Go easy.
Diamonds are among the hardest materials on earth, but they can chip if struck at the right angle. Don't risk a damaged ring, even engagement or wedding ring. For any potentially rough activity- gardening, visits to the pool, housework, etc., store your ring safely on the sidelines.

Insure it!
Be sure to get jewelry insurance with coverage that's right for you, so if you do experience theft, loss or damage, you’re covered. Visit http://www.perfectcircleinsurance.com/ for a quote. Remember, Ackerman Jewelers will provide you an appraisal at no charge on all items purchased from us. You will need this to get your quote, so make sure you have it handy!

(http://www.perfectcircleinsurance.com/Tips---Trends/Jewelry-Care)

What's the difference between Carat and Karat?

Carat refers to the weight of a gemstone. See Carat Weight.

Karat refers to the purity of a metal. According to the World Gold Council, karat is a ”Unit of fineness, scaled from one to 24. 24 karat gold (or pure gold) has at least 999 parts pure gold per thousand; 18-karat has 750 parts pure gold and 250 parts alloy, etc.” http://www.gold.org/investment/why_how_and_where/glossary/ In the United States, common karatages are:

18 Karat, which is 18 parts gold and 6 parts alloy. This can be abbreviated or stamped as 18K or 750. The 750 stamp refers to the percentage of gold- 75%.

14 Karat, which is 14 parts gold and 10 parts alloy. This can be abbreviated or stamped as 14K or 585. The 585 stamp refers to the percentage of gold- 58.5%.

10 Karat, which is 10 parts gold and 14 parts alloy. This can be abbreviated or stamped as 10K or 417. The 417 stamp refers to the percentage of gold- 41.7%.

What is a Birthstone? What are the different Birthstones?

According to the American Gem Society, “traditionally, a birthstone is associated with each month of the year.

The origin of birthstones is believed to date back to the breastplate of Aaron which contained twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The current list dates back to 1912 with only one addition since then- the tanzanite was added to December.

There are numerous legends and myths about birthstone healing powers and their therapeutic influence. According to these legends, wearing a gemstone during its assigned month heightened its healing powers. For the full effect, individuals needed to own all twelve and alternate them monthly."

http://www.americangemsociety.org/birthstones

 

January's Birthstone - Garnet
February's Birthstone - Amethyst
March's Birthstone - Aquamarine or Bloodstone
April's Birthstone - Diamond
May's Birthstone - Emerald
June's Birthstone - Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone
July's Birthstone - Ruby
August's Birthstone - Peridot or Sardonyx
September's Birthstone - Sapphire
October's Birthstone - Opal or Pink Tourmaline
November's Birthstone - Citrine or Yellow Topaz
December's Birthstone - Turquoise / Tanzanite, Zircon, Blue Topaz

What are the Modern Anniversary Gifts by Year?

1st     Clocks

2nd   China

3rd   Crystal and glass

4th   Appliances

5th   Silverware

6th   Wood

7th   Desk Sets, Pens/Pencils

8th   Linens and Lace

9th   Leather

10th   Diamond Jewelry

11th   Fashion Jewelry

12th   Pearls or Colored Gemstones

13th   Textiles and Furs

14th   Gold Jewelry

15th   Watches

16th   Silver Holloware

17th   Furniture

18th   Porcelain

19th   Bronze

20th   Platinum

25th   Sterling Silver

30th   Diamond

35th   Jade

40th   Ruby

45th   Sapphire

50th   Golden Jubilee

55th   Emerald

60th   Diamond Jubilee

What is Precious Metal?

A precious metal is a metal with rare metallic chemical element and due to that is of high economic value. Precious metals are less reactive than most elements, have high luster, and have higher melting points than other metals. Gold, Platinum and Silver are considered as precious metals and used extensively in jewelry.

Gold

Gold is an extraordinary and rare precious metal, with an unmatched combination of chemical and physical properties. Gold is the most non-reactive of all metals and it does not oxidize under ordinary conditions. No other metal is as malleable as gold. Pure gold is very soft and pliable, and alloys of different other metals are combined with pure gold to enhance its durability and strength, as well as creating a blush in the gold’s appearance with different color tones. 24 karat is 100 % pure gold, and it is more expensive and less durable than gold that is alloyed with other metals.
Visit The World Gold Council for more information about Gold: http://www.gold.org/

Platinum

Platinum, an extremely rare and expensive metal, is a silvery gray precious metal often used for setting or mounting high quality diamonds and gemstones. Platinum is a strong, durable and dense metal which is valued for its white color and purity.
Visit The Platinum Guild website for more information about Platinum:
http://www.preciousplatinum.com/en-us/index.aspx

Silver

Pure silver is very soft metal with its lustrous white color. Silver was used as jewelry metal well before the development of white gold alloys, and before platinum could be isolated. It is normally stable in pure air and water but tarnishes when exposed to ozone, hydrogen sulfide or sulfur.

Did we answer your question? If not, feel free to ask us directly-call us at 813-961-7321 or email us at [email protected].