Archivi servizi - Gioielleria Chiocchetti

The Pearls

THE

PEARLS

The Brilliance of Pearls
The brilliance of a pearl is closely linked to its surface: an imperfect or marked surface negatively affects its brilliance, determining the overall quality of the pearl.

The AAA classification system is used to evaluate freshwater pearls, assigning them a score ranging from A (the lowest score, with over 25% of the surface affected by defects) to AAA (the highest score, with at least 95% of the surface defect-free). Instead, the A-D classification system (also known as the Tahiti system) evaluates pearls on a scale from A (the highest score, with imperfections less than 10% of the surface) to D (the lowest score, with imperfections occupying over 60% of the surface).

The most precious types of pearls are generally determined by their rarity, beauty, and origin. Here are some of the most renowned types:

  1. Saltwater Pearls:
    • Akoya Pearls: Primarily cultivated in Japan and China, Akoya pearls are widely considered among the most classic and refined. They are known for their bright white color and luster.
    • South Sea Pearls: Cultivated in the waters of the South Sea, these pearls are famous for their large diameter and hues ranging from white to golden to pink.
    • Tahitian Pearls: Mainly cultivated in the waters around French Polynesia, Tahitian pearls are famous for their wide range of natural colors, which can include shades of gray, black, green, blue, and purple.
  2.  

  3. Freshwater Pearls:
    • Freshwater Pearls: Primarily cultivated in China, freshwater pearls are appreciated for their variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. They can be white, cream, pink, or even purple.
    • Biwa Pearls: Originating from Lake Biwa in Japan, these pearls are known for their irregular shape and unique luster. Although less common today, Biwa pearls are still considered highly prized.
  4.  

  5. Natural Pearls:
    • Natural pearls are the rarest and most precious, as they form spontaneously without human intervention. Their production is extremely limited, making them highly valuable objects. Natural pearls can come from wild oysters, such as pearl oysters or freshwater mussels. The waters of the South Sea, including places like Australia and the Pacific islands, are renowned for their production of natural pearls.

 

Marine pearl oysters are often more noted for producing high-quality and valuable pearls. Some of the most important marine pearl oyster species include:

  1. Pinctada maxima: Also known as the Australian pearl oyster or South Sea pearl oyster, this species is one of the main sources of natural and cultured pearls. It is widespread in the South Sea, northern Australia, and other regions of the Indo-Pacific.
  2. Pinctada margaritifera: This species is commonly called the black pearl oyster of the Pacific waters and is renowned for producing Tahitian black pearls. It is native to the waters of the Indo-Pacific, including the Pacific islands and French Polynesia.
  3. Pinctada fucata martensii: Known as the Japanese pearl oyster, this species is primarily cultivated in Japan and produces Akoya pearls, appreciated for their luster and brilliance.

 

Freshwater pearl mussels are another important source of pearls, often used in the production of freshwater pearls. Some species of freshwater pearl mussels that produce pearls include:

  1. Hyriopsis schlegelii: This species of freshwater mussel is commonly cultivated in China for the production of freshwater pearls.
  2. Cristaria plicata: Another freshwater mussel widely cultivated in China for the production of freshwater pearls.

 

In addition to their origin, other factors that influence the value of pearls include their shape (round pearls are generally rarer and more valuable), luster, surface, and consistency. High-quality pearls feature a smooth and uniform surface, brilliant luster, and rich, vibrant color.

Pearl Surface
The surface of pearls is another crucial aspect to consider: a clean surface free of defects indicates a higher-value pearl. Quality is determined by carefully observing the surface characteristics of the pearl, identifying any visible defects such as spots, wrinkles, deposits, streaks, and protrusions. Since pearls are natural gems, it is normal for them to have imperfections, albeit minimal; however, if these imperfections are negligible, they will not be visible when the pearl is worn.

Pearl Shape
Shape represents a fundamental factor of value: round pearls are generally the most appreciated, but there are also baroque, semi-round, drop-shaped, oval, and ringed pearls.

Pearl Color
Pearls come in a wide range of colors. It is important to distinguish between the color of the pearls themselves and the reflection. Among the colors of pearls are white, champagne, salmon pink, peach, lavender, aqua green, green, golden, and black, each of which can have multiple reflections and subtle variations in surface iridescence.

Pearl Size
Finally, size represents another factor of great importance. Pearls from the South Seas, which can reach a diameter of 20 mm, are considered among the most precious. However, the most common pearls have an average diameter ranging from 6.5 to 7 mm.

Care of pearls

CARE OF

PEARLS

Pearls should be treated with the same respect reserved for precious gemstones and rare metals. It is essential to take careful care to preserve their brightness and beauty for future generations. Although robust, cultivated pearls require delicacy to maintain their beauty over time; in fact, a quality pearl necklace can last up to two centuries.

Here are some simple tips to protect your pearls:

  • Clean with a soft damp cloth after each use and store them carefully in their separate case. This will prevent contact with harmful substances. It is important to store pearls separately from other jewelry and protect them from hard elements that could scratch them, such as pin tips or rings. Additionally, you can take care of your pearls using a soft suede or chamois cloth, adding a drop of olive oil to keep them hydrated and shiny. Pearls, being produced by living organisms, require special attention to avoid dryness and cracking of the nacre. It is essential to protect them from harmful substances such as perfumes, alcohol, chemicals, and chlorinated water. Periodically, it is advisable to immerse the pearls in slightly salty water for a few minutes, gently dry them, and clean them with olive oil as described above. However, avoid immersing necklaces or bracelets in water, as the silk thread may be damaged.

 

  • In case of stains, gently remove them with a soft cloth or gently scrape them with a fingernail. Avoid storing pearls in cotton or wool bags to prevent dehydration. If you do not wear pearls, you can insert a damp cotton ball into the case to keep them hydrated. Avoid using ultrasonic devices for cleaning and avoid abrasive materials such as toothbrushes. If you regularly wear a pearl necklace, it is advisable to have it examined annually at a jewelry store to prevent breakage and, if necessary, restring it on double silk thread. Knotted silk threads between pearls are recommended to avoid the risk of unraveling. Before wearing pearls on the skin, avoid the use of perfumes and makeup, as they can damage them. Pearls contain water and, if dehydrated, can become dull and lose their luster. Therefore, it is important to wear them regularly to keep them in good condition.

Dodo jewel care

DODO JEWELS

CARE

  • Every Dodo jewel is made to be worn every day and on every occasion. This is why no extraordinary maintenance is needed, especially if it is delicately handled and cleaned. Nonetheless, being a precious object, it deserves to be treated with care. It is normal for both silver and gold jewelry to lose their shine with wear and over time. The natural phenomenon of darkening, due to oxidization, is also very common to all silver or gold alloy jewelry and it can be easily cancelled by a professional cleaning if the oxidation stage is advanced. We do not recommend any kind of do-it-yourself cleaning, especially in case the item is set with precious stones, diamonds or enriched by enamel or with leather. Professional help is also required to restore surfaces such as rhodium plating or burnishing. Stones set on a piece of jewelry are intrinsically delicate, meaning that even accidental or unnoticed bumps, as well as thermal shocks, could damage or break them. If you want to preserve the shine of Dodo jewelry, we recommend you to store it in a clean, dry place away from any heat sources.

Size guide DODO

SIZE GUIDE

DODO

Ring Diameter (mm):Ring circumference (mm) / DoDo size:US size:IT size:
14.014434
14.33453 ¼5
14.65463 ¾6
14.974747
15.29484 ½8
15.61494 ¾9
15.92505 ¼10
16.24515 ¾11
16.5652612
16.88536 ½13
17.20546 ¾14
17.52557 ¼15
17.83567 ½16
18.1557817
18.47588 ¼18
18.79598 ¾19
19.11609 ¼20
19.43619 ½21
19.74621022
20.066310 ½23
20.386410 ¾24
20.706511 ¼25
21.026611 ½26
21.34671227

PRODUCTS

DODO

Size guide Pomellato

SIZE GUIDE

POMELLATO

Ring Diameter (mm):Ring circumference (mm) / Pomellato size:US size:IT size:
14.014434
14.33453 ¼5
14.65463 ¾6
14.974747
15.29484 ½8
15.61494 ¾9
15.92505 ¼10
16.24515 ¾11
16.5652612
16.88536 ¼13
17.2546 ¾14
17.52557 ¼15
17.83567 ½16
18.1557817
18.47588 ¼18
18.79598 ¾19
19.1160920
19.43619 ½21
19.74621022
20.066310 ¼23
20.386410 ¾24
20.7651125
21.026611 ½26
21.346711 ¾27

PRODUCTS

POMELLATO

Kimberley Process

KIMBERLEY

PROCESS

THE GEMMOLOGICAL CERTIFICATION
All of our diamonds equal to or greater than 0.30 ct. they have the international GIA or IGI certifications.

THE DIAMOND CERTIFICATIONS
An authentic diamond must always be accompanied by the certification issued by a professional gemologist. The certificate is a real identity card of the stone and summarizes its weight (carat weight), color, size and evaluates the cut.
If we want our jewel to be of proven quality, it is important that the stone is certified by competent laboratories and accompanied by a certificate issued by a professional gemologist.
The certification of a diamond offers ease in the evaluation and comparison with other stones. Reading the certificates it is in fact quite simple and fast to evaluate and compare two stones.
The Gemmological Identification Certificate is a declaration containing a series of data, characteristics and classification of diamonds, extrapolated from laboratory analysis.
These analyzes are performed by qualified technicians, gemologists enrolled in the register, with the aid of special tools.
Consumer protection is therefore absolute as it confirms the authenticity and sets the specific features of the stones objectively and competently.
Not to be underestimated is the use for insurance purposes; in fact this document is essential for a correct calculation of a possible insurance premium or in the case of a refund request

G.I.A. certification
The American Gemological Institute (G.I.A.) was founded in 1931 in Los Angeles, California. The peculiarity of this institute, which has made it known throughout the world, is that it has created and introduced today’s International Classification System. In fact, the method created is known as the “4C”, that is: Cut (Cut), Clarity (Purity), Color (Color) and Carat (Carat). These are the key elements for valuing diamonds around the world.
The peculiarity of the G.I.A. is its certificate, valid internationally and is among the most prestigious ones. Their laboratory is responsible for analyzing the stone and laser marking the certificate number on the belt. It is the main internationally recognized certification entity for the classification of colored diamonds.
For more information visit the G.I.A. (https://www.gia.edu).

I.G.I. certification
I.G.I. certified diamonds are those evaluated by the International Gemological Institute which is based in Antwerp, and that is why this beautiful city is considered the world capital of diamonds. The institute has other branches around the world. A team of gemologists analyzes purity, color, cut, brilliance, shapes and sizes, releasing the I.G.I. The laboratory seals the diamonds and sets no limits on carat weight.

The Kimberley Process
The Kimberley Process is a certification agreement designed to ensure that profits from the sale of diamonds are not used to finance civil wars, helping to protect the legitimate trade in rough diamonds.
The major countries of the world and the multinationals producing diamonds participate, which guarantee, under the aegis of the UN, that the profits from the diamond trade are not used to finance civil wars.
All the diamonds distributed by us respect these credentials and the certificates of origin attest the entire path of the stones, guaranteeing their origin and all the steps.
37 countries are part of this agreement, organizations such as the World Diamond Council and the multinationals that extract and trade diamonds.
In order to become part of this agreement, some requirements must be met:

  • that the diamonds from the country are not intended to finance rebel groups or other organizations that aim to overthrow the government recognized by the United Nations.
  • that each exported diamond is accompanied by a certificate proving compliance with the Kimberley Process scheme
  • that no diamonds are imported from, or exported to, a non-Kimberley Process member country.


Ethical diamonds: diamonds free to be worn
Buy with confidence our diamonds that are subjected to the Kimberley Process: rough diamonds are sealed in tamper-proof containers and we provide certification that they come from sources without conflict relationships, through a rigid system consisting of non-documented documents, forgeries and serial numbers. Documentation is re-confirmed whenever a rough diamond crosses an international border.
For more information visit the Diamond Facts website (http://www.diamondfacts.org/?lang=it).

Size guide

GUIDELINES

TO SIZES

The ring must not be too tight on the finger but not even slip off.

Be careful. Before measuring your finger, you should consider that with an excess of heat the hand can dilate and with intense cold it can contract. This detail in some cases can cause the size of your ring to vary by different numbers. Another condition to consider is the time of day, because from morning to evening the size of the fingers also change considerably.

For this reason, we recommend that you measure your fingers at different times of the whole day. To measure the diameter of your fingers you can use our band gauge.

If you need to make a gift, we recommend that you get a ring from the person concerned, so that you can measure it with our ring gauge.

We also take care to specify to our dear customers that the Pomellato and Dodo brands differ in size from the other brands. In the individual cards you can view the specific ring sizes for each collection. Our Customer Service is always at your disposal for clarifications and suggestions.

Guidelines to sizes DoDo

SIZE GUIDE

DODO

Ring Diameter (mm):Ring circumference (mm) / DoDo size:US size:IT size:
14.014434
14.33453 ¼5
14.65463 ¾6
14.974747
15.29484 ½8
15.61494 ¾9
15.92505 ¼10
16.24515 ¾11
16.5652612
16.88536 ½13
17.20546 ¾14
17.52557 ¼15
17.83567 ½16
18.1557817
18.47588 ¼18
18.79598 ¾19
19.11609 ¼20
19.43619 ½21
19.74621022
20.066310 ½23
20.386410 ¾24
20.706511 ¼25
21.026611 ½26
21.34671227

PRODUCTS

DODO

Guidelines to sizes Pomellato

SIZE GUIDE

POMELLATO

Ring Diameter (mm):Ring circumference (mm) / Pomellato size:US size:IT size:
14.014434
14.33453 ¼5
14.65463 ¾6
14.974747
15.29484 ½8
15.61494 ¾9
15.92505 ¼10
16.24515 ¾11
16.5652612
16.88536 ¼13
17.2546 ¾14
17.52557 ¼15
17.83567 ½16
18.1557817
18.47588 ¼18
18.79598 ¾19
19.1160920
19.43619 ½21
19.74621022
20.066310 ¼23
20.386410 ¾24
20.7651125
21.026611 ½26
21.346711 ¾27

PRODUCTS

POMELLATO

The 4C

THE

4C

Each diamond has certain distinctive characteristics: the so-called 4Cs: cut, clarity, color, carat which are the globally accepted standards for evaluating the quality of a diamond.

CUT
The cut is determined by the way in which the facets of a diamond interact with the light.
If the cut reflects very precise measurements and proportions, the optical characteristics of the diamond are enhanced to the maximum, ensuring an almost total reflection of light from the inside of the stone towards the outside.
In addition to the proportions, the success of a brilliant cut is also determined by the asymmetry of the cut, which can be very good (VG), good (G) or medium (Medium).
A further element considered in evaluating the accuracy of the cut is polishing. During the cutting operations the veneers are polished so that all traces of the machining are eliminated.
However, it is possible that some surface lines remain on the veneers, called polishing traces.
The finishing and polishing do not affect the purity of the stone.
The set of proportions, symmetry and polishing define the so-called “finish”.
The cut can also refer to the shape that the diamond can take. The type of cut can vary the price of the diamond, the most expensive is the round cut while the cheapest is the radiant cut. 

 

 

Why is diamond cut so important?
If a diamond is badly cut, it will appear dull even if it has a high color and degree of clarity. If a diamond is cut well, it will reflect and refract light for maximum brightness and brilliance. 

What affects the quality of the diamond cut?
The “cut” is the only one of the 4Cs that depends on human hands. Two diamonds can have the same purity, color and carat weight: but the cut is what determines whether or not one is superior to the other. In other words, the cut is responsible for the quality and degree of brilliance of a diamond. There are three factors that determine the cut of a diamond:
Cutting precision: how dimensions and angles refer to the different parts of the stone 

Symmetry
How precisely the various facets of a diamond line up and intersect 

Polishing
The details and positioning of the facets and the external finish of the diamond
The industry’s highest cut grade, triple excellent, is awarded to a diamond with an “excellent” score in terms of cut accuracy, symmetry and polish. ù

PURITY
Purity is a measure of the rarity of the stone.
In diamond, the more the stone is free of inclusions, the higher its value.
An inclusion can be a crystal “housed” within the gem, a crack or other.
The factors that influence the expert’s final decision are: 

  • the number of inclusions, 
  • their grandeur, 
  • the position that they have inside the stone (one inclusion affects more on the table than one on the crown or belt), 
  • contrast (some inclusions, such as feathers, are very visible in some positions, while in others they can be practically invisible; crystals on the other hand usually have the same contrast in all positions); 
  • the color (we find black, white and/or rarely red inclusions).


DIAMOND GRADING SCALE:
 

  • IF: “internally flawless”, which means there is no inclusion. 
  • VVS1 – VVS2: “very very slightly included, which means that the inclusions are only visible with the use of a microscope, with a 20x – 30x magnification. 
  • VS1 – VS2: “very slightly included”, which means that the inclusions are only visible with the microscope or the “jeweller’s lens”, with a 10x magnification. 
  • SI1 – SI2: “slightly included”, which means that the inclusions begin to be visible even to the naked eye. 
  • I1 – I2 – I3: “included”, which means that the inclusions are clearly visible to the naked eye. 

 

Is diamond clarity really important?
A diamond with a poor degree of purity has more inclusions, which directly affect the brilliance. Since inclusions hinder the refraction and return of light, the lower the degree of purity, the more milky and opaque the diamond will appear. 

COLOR
Color refers to the natural tint inherent in white diamonds.
During the growth of the diamond, within its atomic structure, atoms of other elements can be inserted which affect the color of the stone.
If the stone is composed of only carbon atoms, its color is “white”.
The presence of nitrogen atoms gives the stone a more or less intense shade of yellow.
The scale set by the Gemological Institute of America is used to determine to which degree of color a stone belongs. 

What is the color of the diamond?
The more “colorless” a diamond is, the rarer it is. The industry standard for color grading is to rate each stone against a master set and assign a letter grade from “D” (colorless) to “Z” (light yellow). 

Is the color of the diamond important? 
Color is the second most important of the 4Cs because the degree of color directly affects the appearance of the stone. Diamonds with a poor color grade may appear slightly yellow instead of the desired brilliant white.  

CARATS 
The carat denotes the weight of a diamond. The carat is the unit of measurement of diamonds and precious stones in general (sapphires, rubies, emeralds, etc.) and is written ct. A carat is divided into 100 cents called points and corresponds to 0.20gr; for a stone weighing 0.45ct, it is said to be “45 points”. The adoption of the carat as a unit of measurement of the weight of diamonds dates back to the mists of time: it seems that the first precious merchants weighed diamonds using carob seeds (hence the term carat) as a reference.  

What is a diamond carat? 
The carat indicates the weight of a diamond, not the size. One carat equals 0.20 grams. Diamond carat charts Carat weight can appear differently in different diamond shapes such as round brilliant, princess, pear, oval, cushion, marquise, emerald, radiant or heart. A diamond can have a greater carat weight without appearing larger and two diamonds of the same carat weight can vary in size if one is cut deeper than the other. In other words, it is important to note that carat weight does not necessarily denote size. Is a higher carat weight better? Carat weight alone does not determine the value of a diamond. For example, two one-carat stones can vary greatly in price when clarity, color and cut are taken into consideration. When this is understood, it is clear that large diamonds of unmatched quality are rare. 

After Sales Watches

AFTER SALES

JEWELERY

A watch is a precious and exceptional creation.
We recommend having it serviced regularly by our watchmaking experts. In fact, adequate maintenance will keep the watch’s performance and durability unchanged.
For any questions or to request information about our services, please contact the customer support by mail [email protected], from Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 17:30, or fill out the online form or go to our Boutique .

Basic service
Our qualified watchmaker technician will verify the correct functioning of the watch by checking its water resistance and the functions of the movement.

The service includes *:

  • motion control;
  • possible replacement of all gaskets (sealing elements that guarantee waterproofing);
  • gear control and regulation (mechanical watches);
  • ultrasonic cleaning of case and metal bracelet;
  • any waterproofing test (air and water tests);
  • full 48 hour test.

All repairs are covered by a 24-month warranty. The warranty covers the intervention performed on the watch and the necessary spare parts, while it does not cover damage caused by accidents or improper use (bumps,etc.).
The repair guarantee is absolutely independent of the guarantee provided at the time of purchase.

* Replacement of additional worn components not included in the service will be billed separately.

Polishing service
The service allows you to restore the original brilliance of the watch.
All the external parts of the watch, including the case, the bracelet, the crown, the buttons and the clasp, are separately polished for a perfect restoration. Each polishing operation removes a thin layer of metal. The maximum number of polishes may vary depending on the use of the watch. In any case, it is recommended not to exceed seven polishes during the life of the watch. The service can only be performed in conjunction with basic or complete maintenance services.

Bracelet services
The free service includes:

  • adjustment of the length of the bracelet by adding or removing links;
  • replacement of the leather or rubber strap or the metal bracelet;
  • adding extra holes where possible;
  • closure adjustment.

 

Any repairs or replacements of worn components not included in the service will be billed separately.

After Sales Jewelery

AFTER SALES

JEWELERY

Our commitment is to offer customers the highest level of jewelry care services. Our experts will be happy to advise you on the interventions to be performed on the jewels, to personalize them, repair them, or simply preserve their original beauty and splendor.
For any questions or to request information about our services, please contact customer assistance by email [email protected] or fill out the online form or go to our Boutique.

Cleaning and polishing services
It is recommended to bring the jewels to our Boutique annually, to have them examined and restored to their original splendor. After a careful evaluation of the characteristics and conditions of the jewel, our experts may recommend a simple cleaning service, ultrasonic cleaning or polishing, in order to remove surface scratches and thus preserve the luster over time. For white gold jewelry, the polishing service could also include the addition of a thin layer of rhodium to enhance the brilliance of the metal. As part of each service, a rigorous quality examination is carried out to ensure that the stones are firmly set and that functional elements, such as buckles and safety locks, are functioning correctly.

Engraving service
The service allows you to customize a jewel by engraving a name, a date or a personal message on the precious metal based on the space available and existing technical constraints. Performed by a jeweler, the engraving service is offered free of charge if requested at the same time as the purchase.

Measurement adjustment service
This service, which can be performed on bracelets, necklaces, chains and rings, allows you to increase or reduce the size of a jewel, within certain limits, without altering its aesthetics, comfort and quality. However, some jewels have an exclusive design that does not allow to change the size: this is the case for example of Pomellato and Dodo jewels because they are not made to measure but a new jewel of the correct size is ordered.
In any case, please contact our Boutique to obtain more information about the adjustment and adaptation possibilities of each model.

Earrings service
The clip of the earrings can be adjusted for greater comfort. The adjustment increases or decreases the tension and the pitch of the clip and consequently, the seal on the earlobe. In most models the pin can be added or removed.

Repair service
Each jewel is a precious creation.
As such it requires adequate care when handling and wearing it, in order to preserve its original splendor over time. If the jewel suffers blows or bumps, or if it shows signs of damage, it is recommended not to wear it and to have it examined by an expert at our Boutique. Our experts will take care of the jewel, carefully checking the setting, the correct functioning of the buckle and the aesthetic details.
Furthermore, to restore the original beauty to the jewel, it may be necessary to replace missing parts and repair / rebuild damaged parts. The experts will provide a quote on the type of service that must be carried out on the jewel, and only after acceptance by the customer will they proceed to carry out the necessary intervention in the shortest possible time.