The FTC's words
We explain the FTC Jewelry Guides, 16 CFR Part 23, and link to them.
Plain guides to diamonds, gemstones, pearls, and metal marks
We explain how the FTC says jewelry should be described. Sourced lines link to their source.
Featured guides
Laboratory-grown diamonds: how they should be named
A diamond, named as laboratory-grown.
Diamond carat weight, points, and fractions
Carats, points, and fractions.
Karat gold: what 10K, 14K, 18K, and 24K marks tell you
The karat comes first.
Sterling silver 925 and coin silver: what the marks mean
What 925 and coin mean.
Pearls, cultured pearls, and imitation pearls
Three kinds, three names.
Jewelry care: what the FTC and GIA say
Ask for care instructions first.
Why read these guides
Named plainly
A laboratory-grown diamond is a diamond, and we always name it as one.
No grades or prices
We do not grade, test, or price any stone or metal.
No picks
We name no brands or sellers. If we ever link to a retailer, we say so.
Reading a listing?
See what a listing should tell you about origin, treatments, weight, and metal.
