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Jewelry, Gems, & Minerals/Questions Answered by Expert Lisa Brooks-Pike
| Subject | Date Asked |
| diamonds | 1/25/2012 |
| Q: how do i tell if a diamond is real? A: A google search of your question will bring up pages and pages of information and tutorials, but ... | |
| Sapphire ring worth refurbishing? | 1/10/2012 |
| Q: I recently aquired the attached 14K ring. I've been told that it may be from the 1800s and that the ... A: Assuming the person who told you the gemstones and setting are authentic is an experienced ... | |
| Gold diamond ring | 3/28/2010 |
| Q: I have a gold ring my aunt gave me, she says she bought it from an antique store. It's stamped 18 on ... A: The 18 should be followed by kt. It is possible with an 18kt antique ring that the kt has worn away ... | |
| diamond stones | 3/25/2010 |
| Q: i went to jewelry exchange to sell a ring but i didn't want to part with the diamond stones so the ... A: I am afraid without before and after pictures of the stones in question, there isn't much that can ... | |
| silver marking | 3/23/2010 |
| Q: What does the marking 925 AFCZ mean? A: 925 is the silver purity mark telling you that the piece contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% metal alloy. ... | |
| diamond ring | 10/20/2008 |
| Q: I received a diamond ring and it has the marking 14KD15 inside the band what does this mean? Thanks ... A: Let me preface this by stating that I am not a hallmark or makers mark expert. I was able to search ... | |
| Jewelry after a fire | 10/17/2008 |
| Q: We recently had a house fire, my wifes jewelry box was burned and all her rings, watches and jewelry ... A: Mr. Vaughter, You will want to address this on a piece by piece basis as some items that may be ... | |
| filigree diamond sapphire brooch | 10/11/2008 |
| Q: The brooch is marked S14K it's looks like white gold...can you tell me what the S stands for? A: I am not an expert in hallmarks or makers marks. It is possible that the "S" is the makers mark, ... | |
| necklace of beads | 10/10/2008 |
| Q: I have necklace that was brought back from Germany30 yrs. ago. It is strung on red thread. The beads ... A: Having your beads restrung should not diminish its value, but will keep it safe. You can check with ... | |
| Stamp on platinum band | 9/29/2008 |
| Q: Any idea what the "19" means? Thank you! A: Platinum is supposed to be stamped to identify the platinum content of the piece. For example, PLAT ... | |
| Unstamped White Gold ring | 9/25/2008 |
| Q: I just received my engagement ring two days ago and noticed that it was not stamped... He used his ... A: Although there are pretty tough FTC guides regarding the naming of gold and how it should be ... | |
| 22 KDM Necklace & Earrings | 9/24/2008 |
| Q: I was lucky enough to get this at a sale. Can you tell me anything about it? it is marked on all the ... A: 22 means that the gold should be 22kt, very soft and 91.6% pure gold. 22kt and 24kt require some ... | |
| Stamp on necklace | 9/22/2008 |
| Q: Lisa, I am writing with regard to a necklace I purchased at an antique show this past weekend. I ... A: The best I can do is point you in the right direction to search the internet and research what you ... | |
| oil exterior of stones | 9/21/2008 |
| Q: I went rockhounding for the first time. What is your recommendation of an oil to rub on exterior of ... A: I am assuming that you are wanting to be able to inspect the rough for facetting. I think the best ... | |
| Using clear nail varnish on copper to stop tarnishing | 9/12/2008 |
| Q: is it safe for skin to use clear nail varnish to coat copper discs in jewellery to stop them from ... A: There is actually a product on the market available from jewelry supply stores like nail polish. It ... | |
| burned ring | 6/18/2008 |
| Q: Recently, by accident of course, my wedding ring (yellow gold and diamonds) was wrapped in a paper ... A: Take it to a local jeweler that has a really good bench jeweler in house. I am not sure what they ... | |
| Disney Ring | 6/11/2008 |
| Q: I have a ring from Disney. It has a head in the shape of mickey mouse.its just 3 circles one for the ... A: 925 is usually sterling. Not sure what the 10 is for as I don't have the benefit of seeing the ... | |
| 18kt white gold w/blue topaz stone | 6/8/2008 |
| Q: I bought a wedding ring made of 18kt gold with a 2.45 kt blue topaz stone. The ring was too big so ... A: White gold is plated with Rhodium to make it white. Gold is by nature yellow, even when alloyed ... | |
| Engagement ring stamped "US"? | 6/5/2008 |
| Q: I am the very blessed recipient of a new engagement ring! On the inside it appears to be stamped ... A: Congrats! The fastest way to your answer is to call the seller. Since you are not dealing with an ... | |
| Yellow diamond engagement ring | 5/22/2008 |
| Q: My husband and I recently purchase an estate white gold yellow diamond engagement ring with two rows ... A: The 750 mark is typical for 18kt. Not sure about the 980, as it is a silver mark used in Mexico. ... | |
| Alexender Stone | 5/22/2008 |
| Q: I want know more about the Alexender Stone which turns to different colour as per the hours of the ... A: I am assuming you are referring to the gemstone Alexandrite. A google search will produce much ... | |
| Gold ring markings | 5/20/2008 |
| Q: I have been given a gold ring that is marked 14KTGE inside. The marking is very clear, that is what ... A: Is it possible that the mark could have been 14K.T.G.E and that the spacing might have been ... | |
| rough gems | 5/19/2008 |
| Q: I live in Burlington-South Jersey and I need to have some rough gems appraised,I have visited ... A: I am not currently aware of any appraisers that appraise rough gemstone material. I am also not ... | |
| What do I have? | 5/17/2008 |
| Q: I purchased several small bags at a rental storage bld. 2 bags have cards "Sapphire Gallery" in ... A: I can't tell you anything concrete about the stones you have without being able to test them myself. ... | |
| Diamond | 5/7/2008 |
| Q: I was wondering if you could comment on the pricing of the stone below. I've already purchased a ... A: I also found this question in the pool and thought I might be in time to answer some questions. The ... | |
| Calla Cut | 5/2/2008 |
| Q: Hey Les, I stumbled upon a Q&A you had back in '06 regarding the Calla Cut diamond. The Q&A was ... A: I saw your question was diverted to the question pool and thought I would answer a couple of ... | |
| Lab Tests for Turquoise, Lapis, Quartz | 4/9/2008 |
| Q: I am a student at a university and currently have access to a lab. I would like to test some of my ... A: Is this a gemological lab that gives you access to a polariscope, refractometer, Chelsea filter, ... | |
| Aquamarine ring | 4/8/2008 |
| Q: could you give me some information that would help me sell off this ring. I am absolutely desperate ... A: That second image is much better. The first image looked odd. The perfect example as to why a good ... | |
| Aquamarine ring | 4/6/2008 |
| Q: could you give me some information that would help me sell off this ring. I am absolutely desperate ... A: I am terribly sorry to hear about your hardship. There won't be much I can tell you, but I will ... | |
| Ruby ring | 4/3/2008 |
| Q: I have noticed a chip on my ruby ring. Do you think it is possible to have this fixed? A: If you have insured this ring, I would first contact the insurance company and place a damage claim ... | |
| insurance for my ring | 3/31/2008 |
| Q: I just became engaged. My fiance purchased my ring from a private seller. It was a little under ... A: I would definitely get it insured. If you have a homeowners policy you could specifically add the ... | |
| Tanzanite flash | 3/30/2008 |
| Q: Lisa! I'm thinking of purchasing some tanzanite before the price really shoots throught the roof, ... A: When choosing a Tanzanite ring with a center stone of almost two carats, I would suggest making sure ... | |
| 10kt gold ring | 3/28/2008 |
| Q: I found a ring and I'd really like to know what kind it is. It has a gold band with "10kt" stamped ... A: I am not familiar with what you have described and am not an expert regarding makers or hallmarks. ... | |
| gold stone | 3/27/2008 |
| Q: Could I get a jeweler or goldsmith to melt down all my old gold jewelry that I no longer wear, and ... A: You could certainly do this. You will need to find a goldsmith in your area to handle that for you. ... | |
| Other half of paperwork | 3/23/2008 |
| Q: My dad gave me something in 1993 well i got it under a police car when my dad threw it at a police ... A: I agree, that is a colorful story. However, just based on the cost to recreate a ring similar to ... | |
| is there platinum in my ring? | 3/20/2008 |
| Q: I recently bought a beatiful ring with a trillion diamond on each side and princess cut diamonds ... A: I am afraid I don't have any solid answers for you as I don't specialize in makers marks or ... | |
| UNHEATED GREEN TANZANITE | 3/14/2008 |
| Q: Ms. Brooks-Pike, I have a BEAUTIFUL 1.2 ct. Emerald cut unheated Green Tanzanite (bought from ... A: Lets start with the material. To get a value, you would need to know if it was indeed green zoisite ... | |
| Eternity ring | 3/14/2008 |
| Q: I have an eternity ring that has yellow gold on the outside and white gold in the shape of hearts ... A: There are a number of possibilities with the HS. Here is a link to more information: ... | |
| Maybe a blue topaz ring but SYN/ST on ring | 3/7/2008 |
| Q: i have a single stone set gold ring, which was my grandmothers (stone approx.10mm diameter). ... A: Sorry for the delay in my response, we have been dealing with the flu here. I would have to test ... | |
| Maybe a blue topaz ring but SYN/ST on ring | 3/6/2008 |
| Q: i have a single stone set gold ring, which was my grandmothers (stone approx.10mm diameter). ... A: I must say I am a bit puzzled by your ring. Let me tell you what I do know and then we can work on ... | |
| European/old mine diamonds | 3/5/2008 |
| Q: Which cut is likely to produce a more brilliant diamond, old mine, or european? Are todays cuts ... A: Old Mine cut is the oldest cut and contains the least amount of facets. European is quite a bit ... | |
| JEWELRY COMPANIES | 3/4/2008 |
| Q: There are two companies for which I would like to have info. I have searched for info on Google, but ... A: I do respond to all questions that are asked of me, even when they are completely outside my area of ... | |
| DFB Co. watch fob | 3/3/2008 |
| Q: I have an old watch fob I'd like to know the value and history. I know it's old by the chain and the ... A: I don't know the date of your piece, but I did find good information that they were manufacturing ... | |
| DFB Co. watch fob | 3/2/2008 |
| Q: I have an old watch fob I'd like to know the value and history. I know it's old by the chain and the ... A: The DFBCo. mark is the mark of the D.F. Briggs Co., which was in business from 1892 through the ... | |
| antique ring | 3/1/2008 |
| Q: my grandmothers mother was born in 1875. about 1890 she was engaged to a man that drown and she wore ... A: The way you are describing the mark, it really seems to me like the circles should have had letters ... | |
| antique ring | 2/28/2008 |
| Q: my grandmothers mother was born in 1875. about 1890 she was engaged to a man that drown and she wore ... A: You have me stumped. I am not terribly familiar with vintage or antique jewelry, and that doesn't ... | |
| what does writing on ring mean | 2/28/2008 |
| Q: I just recieved a ring from my great grandmother, The inside reading says BRASS g. It has 18 small ... A: The most logical reason to have a ring stamped "Brass" is that it is made of brass. This is not ... | |
| earings | 2/26/2008 |
| Q: found pair onyx? earings on cardboard with the name Lisa Brooks on the bottom and the #44 on the ... A: I am afraid it is not me. With such a common name I didn't think I would have much luck finding out ... | |
| garnet | 2/22/2008 |
| Q: I recently purchased a 1.90 carat Russian demantoid garnet. The stone is very clean, but I'm ... A: Congrats on a great purchase. I firmly believe you should take every precaution to protect your ... | |
| 15ct ring | 2/20/2008 |
| Q: I have found today a flat band gold ring with 15ct stamped twice on the inside, the 15 and "c" is of ... A: All I can add to your search for information is: "The next mark we see is a Crown or Gold Standard ... | |
| gold ring appraisal after resizing | 2/18/2008 |
| Q: My spouse had a ring made for me, without knowing my ring size, and had it made a size 7. The ... A: A goldsmith who was worth his weight in.. well - gold, would have done a better job. Additionally, ... | |
| antique or vintage aquamarines | 2/16/2008 |
| Q: I have purchased a pair of aquamarine earrings which are from the early 1900's. They were made in ... A: I am afraid I can't possibly give you a good answer to your question; without seeing and testing the ... | |
| silver into gold | 2/13/2008 |
| Q: I am getting ready to travel alot and have been looking for the perfect ring set to replace my real ... A: You have a couple of options. You can't have the setting plated in white gold as gold by nature is ... | |
| antique or not? | 2/10/2008 |
| Q: Today I purchased a diamond ring in a pawn shop. What caught my eye was how brillant the stone was. ... A: The only information I could find on a makers mark of AK, was a Russian company. As you have the ... | |
| Diamonds | 2/8/2008 |
| Q: Can heat damage a diamond? Can it depreciate the value? A: I don't think there is any amount of normal heat you can apply to a natural untreated diamond that ... | |
| Platinum ring | 2/7/2008 |
| Q: I have got a platinum ring with the markings PLAT LID .49 I know the .49 relates to the carat weight ... A: I would as that question directly to the IGI. They also have some information available online: ... | |
| size | 2/7/2008 |
| Q: how large is a 9mm/7mm gem thank you A: 9mm/7mm is a gemstone that is 9 millimeters in length and 7 millimeters in width. This translates ... | |
| Ring 18K HGE with symbol | 2/3/2008 |
| Q: I have a costume jewelry ring which has engraved 18K H.G.E. and a symbal that looks like a V inside ... A: The 18kt H.G.E is an abbreviation for 18kt Heavy Gold Electroplate. The FTC found the use of the ... | |
| grandmother's ring | 2/3/2008 |
| Q: I have inherited an old mine cut diamond ring from my mother and grandmother... there is 1 - 1/2 ... A: Judging by the information you have given me, you have a very valuable piece of jewelry. This is ... | |
| pocket watch question | 2/2/2008 |
| Q: I inhereted an old pocket watch made by the Continental watch co. It has a few number on the ... A: Those numbers you see will usually give you a manufacture date, serial and/or style number. The ... | |
| Conflict gems | 2/1/2008 |
| Q: I've heard a lot about conflict diamonds, and their regulation via the Kimberly Process; I was ... A: Unfortunately even the Kimberly Process doesn't prevent all conflict diamonds from entering and ... | |
| Lost diamond earring | 1/31/2008 |
| Q: I was given a pair of diamond earrings for Christmas and I have lost one of them. I just realized ... A: I am terribly sorry that you lost a diamond earring, especially as it was a gift from your husband. ... | |
| Gemstone Ring Value | 1/22/2008 |
| Q: I have an Amethyst ring. Total carat weight is 13 carats. The center stone is 10 carats and it has ... A: With a major retailer offering something similar at $299.00 in 10kt, even if you have 14kt, the ... | |
| Gemstone Ring Value | 1/22/2008 |
| Q: I have an Amethyst ring. Total carat weight is 13 carats. The center stone is 10 carats and it has ... A: There are a few considerations and some challenges that you will face. I am guessing since you ... | |
| WWII gems | 1/11/2008 |
| Q: My father brought back a number and variety of gems from the war. I remember looking at them when I ... A: This is an area in which I am afraid I can't be of any help. The best I can do is give you some ... | |
| mens gold ruby ring | 1/7/2008 |
| Q: I was given a mens gold ruby ring 25 years ago which I believe was my uncles wedding band, it is not ... A: I am certainly not an expert in hallmarks, and I have no way of knowing how much older the ring is ... | |
| How to test my tanzanite gem stone | 1/4/2008 |
| Q: I have a tanzanite gems stone how can I test it at home to see if it is a real tanzanite gem stone ... A: Unfortunately, unless you have some gemological testing equipment at home, and know how to use it, ... | |
| gold chain | 1/1/2008 |
| Q: what does 14/20 van dell mean on a gold chain? A: Van Dell Corporation was founded in Providence, RI in 1943. Van Dell manufactured gold filled, ... | |
| gemstone appraisal | 12/16/2007 |
| Q: i was just wondering if buying a 4 carat smetrine for 50 australian dollars was a good deal? the cut ... A: A 4 carat Ametrine at that price would be a good buy provided the following were true: The Ametrine ... | |
| belly butoon piercing | 12/14/2007 |
| Q: I want my belly button pierced but I am allergic to stainless steel. Would this be a problem and ... A: Your question is really outside of my expertise and really not much to do with gemology, but I did ... | |
Jewelry, Gems, & Minerals
Answers by Expert:
Lisa Brooks-Pike
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I can answer questions pertaining to gemstones, gemology, insurance appraisals and consumer protection issues. I will do my best to answer any question you have, if I don't know the answer, I will do my best to share resources where you might find the correct answer.
Experience
I am a Gemologist Appraiser, owner of Gem'n I Gems.
Organizations
I am a member and founder of the Jewelers Ethics Association (JEA).
Jewelers Ethics Association
Publications
Gemological & Consumer forums, Colored Stone Magazine, JEA Newsletter.
Education/Credentials
Completed courses in watches, pearls, diamonds, colored gemstone identification, colored stone grading, identification of synthetics, damaged jewelry evaluation and appraisal.
Past/Present Clients
Client information is confidential.
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