1) More information on the difference between 14K Gold, 18K Gold, and Platinum



Unless specifically noted, all Michellia Jewelry is crafted in solid 14k or 18K gold (not plated) or 950 platinum.



K stands for karat (not to be confused with carat, which is the weight measure for gemstones) and refers to the percentage of gold in an alloy. To illustrate: 24K gold is 100% pure, 18K is 75% gold and 25% alloyed metals, and 14K is 58% gold and 42% alloyed metals. The visual difference between 14K and 18K gold is rather negligible to the untrained naked eye, and should not be the main deciding factor when choosing between the two types of gold.



Because of its higher percentage of gold, a 18-karat piece will fetch a higher price than one of 14-karat gold. It is the most classy and traditional metal used in engagement jewelry, and will hold up to everyday wear while retaining value better over time. 18K gold is the most common metal choice for fine jewelry in Europe and Asia.



Because of its higher percentage of alloyed metal mix, a 14-karat piece offers more resistance to wear and tear, so those with active lifestyles may want to consider getting 14K gold jewelry as it holds up better in sports, manual labor, and other rigorous activities. Combined with its more budget-friendly nature, 14K gold is the most popular choice for fine jewelry in the U.S. jewelry market.



While platinum looks almost identical to white gold in terms of appearance, platinum is more dense and so more of it is required to make fine jewelry. Additionally, platinum jewelry is 95% pure platinum (vs. 58.5% gold for 14K or 75% gold for 18K), hence the reason for platinum jewelry to have the highest cost out of all fine metal options. If budget is not a concern, we typically recommend platinum over white gold as platinum will always stay true white, while white gold requires occasional re-polishing and re-plating to maintain its white color.



2) Finding out about ring size



Our standard ring size chart and conversion guide below can be used as an initial point of reference for sizing: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0220/1944/0740/files/Michellia_Ring_Size_and_Conversion_Guide.pdf?331858



For most accurate fitting, we recommend going to a trusted local jewelry store to get professionally sized in person. If you live outside of the US, please refer to our ring size guide above for measurement conversion.



Please note that your finger may become more swollen in hot weather and less so in cold weather, so if you got your finger measured in winter, you may choose to size up by ¼ US size to accommodate for potential swelling in the summer time. If you got fitted with a band wider than 2mm, you may also want to size down by ¼ - ½ US size for a thinner band.



If you are trying to buy someone else a ring as a surprise but don't know her ring size, first try measuring one of her existing rings using our ring size guide above, or bring it to a local jeweler to get an in-person measurement. If it's a ring that she usually wears on her middle finger, her ring finger should be about 1/2 US size smaller. If you are unable to obtain an existing ring she wears, try asking her best friend(s) or close relatives for an educated guess. If all else fails, you may choose to purchase the ring in US size 6 1/2 or 7, which is the most common ring size for an average female, and can be easily resized upon a more accurate fitting in the future.



3) Care guide on your gemstone jewelry



View our complete care guide online: http://care.michellia.com



ALWAYS:

- Apply all lotions, cosmetics, and perfumes BEFORE putting on your jewelry.

- After each wear, wipe jewelry piece with a clean soft cloth to remove dirt and oil buildups.

- Clean jewelry with lukewarm water if needed; mild soap is okay for most gemstones except opals (please see separate care information for opal jewelry).

- Store each jewelry piece separately in fabric-lined box or pouch to prevent scratches.



NEVER:

- Never wear jewelry to sleep or shower.

- Never wear jewelry when doing physical work such as housekeeping, gardening, or exercise.

- Never expose jewelry to chlorine swimming pools, hot tubs, or ocean water.

- Never expose jewelry to sudden temperature changes and excessive sunlight.



4) Custom work



We are happy to accomodate design customizations if they fits within our oeuvre of work. Please contact us with your preferred design, your customization requests, and your budget to get started on the process. Additional charges may apply.





If you have any additional questions, please feel free to send us an Etsy message. We can also be contacted via email at support [!at] michellia.com.