How to Choose Fine Jewellery

What the words on a product page actually mean, and how to decide between two pieces.

Buying fine jewellery is not complicated, but the vocabulary makes it look that way. Karats, carats, settings, alloys: most of it describes two simple things, what the piece is made of and how it was made. Here is the plain version.

Gold

What does 18k mean?

Gold in its pure state is 24 karat, and it is too soft to hold a stone or survive daily wear. 18k gold is 75% pure gold mixed with other metals that give it strength and colour. It is the standard for fine jewellery, and it is what every Misk piece is made of.

Rose, yellow or white: does it change the quality?

No. All three are 18k, so all three contain the same proportion of gold. What changes is the metal mixed in: copper gives rose its warmth, silver and other white metals give white gold its tone. The choice is entirely about what suits you.

Why does white gold need rhodium?

White gold is finished with a thin rhodium plating that gives it its bright white surface. That plating wears over the years with daily use, which is normal, and it can be restored. If you want a metal that never needs that, yellow or rose gold is the simpler choice.

Diamonds

What does a carat weight tell me?

Carat is a weight, not a size, and on a piece set with many small stones it is the total weight of all of them. A bracelet described as 0.18ct carries 0.18 carats spread across every stone in the design, not one stone of that size. It is a useful way to compare two similar pieces from the same house.

What is a brilliant cut?

The brilliant is the round cut with triangular facets, designed to return as much light as possible through the top of the stone. It is the cut used across Misk collections, which is why the pieces read as light rather than as mass.

Should I worry that the stated weights are approximate?

Every Misk product page notes that the weight of gold and stones is an average value given for reference. That is standard for handmade jewellery: pieces are finished individually, and no two come out identical to the gram. It is a sign that the piece was made by hand, not stamped out.

Natural stones

Which stones do you use, and why those?

Agate, malachite, pearl, mother-of-pearl, turquoise, rose quartz and amethyst. They are the stones the Gulf has worn for centuries, and they are chosen for colour rather than rarity. Our Heritage and Al Qasr collections are built around them.

Why do two pieces of the same design look different?

Because natural stone has a pattern of its own. Each stone is cut so that its banding follows the curve of its setting, and no two cuts fall the same way. If you want two pieces that match exactly, tell us when you order and we will cut them from the same material where we can.

Do natural stones need more care?

Yes, and it is worth knowing before you buy rather than after. They are softer and more porous than diamond, so they do not tolerate chlorine, perfume or ultrasonic cleaning. Our care guide covers it in detail.

Finding the right size

Rings

Measure the finger you intend to wear it on, at the end of the day when your hands are at their largest, and not when you are cold. Our size chart converts a finger circumference in millimetres into UK, European, US and Japanese sizes, with a short video showing how to measure at home.

Bracelets and bangles

A bangle has to pass the widest part of your hand, so measure around your closed hand with the thumb tucked in, not around the wrist. A chain bracelet is measured at the wrist, with room for one finger underneath.

Necklaces

Length decides where a pendant sits. A shorter chain holds the piece high on the collarbone and reads as everyday, a longer one lets it fall onto the chest and reads as evening. Some of our necklaces adjust between the two, which is worth checking on the product page if you are undecided.

Buying a piece that is made for you

What happens if a piece is not in stock?

It is made by hand for you, which takes up to two to three weeks. Pieces held in stock carry a Ready to ship badge next to the colour or size you select, so you can see before you order which it will be.

Which should I choose if I am buying a gift?

If the date matters, choose a piece with the Ready to ship badge. If you have time, a made-to-order piece lets you pick the gold colour and the stone, which is usually the difference between a gift that is nice and a gift that is clearly chosen for the person.

Three questions worth asking before you buy

• Will she wear it this week, or on an occasion? It decides everything else: a daily piece should be light, secure and easy to put on alone.
• What does she already wear? A new piece that matches the gold colour she wears every day gets worn. One that does not, often does not.
• Is the clasp easy to manage one-handed? It sounds trivial. It is the single most common reason a beautiful bracelet stays in its box.

Common questions

Is 18k gold better than 14k?

18k contains more pure gold, 75% against about 58%, so it has a richer colour and a higher intrinsic value. 14k is harder and more scratch-resistant. For fine jewellery meant to be kept, 18k is the standard.

Will gold jewellery lose its colour?

Solid 18k gold does not tarnish or fade. It can dull from skin oils and perfume, which a soft cloth corrects, and white gold's rhodium finish wears over years and can be renewed.

Can I order a piece in a different gold colour or stone?

In most cases yes. The available options are listed on each product page, and if what you want is not there, write to info@miskjewellery.com and we will tell you what is possible for that design.

How long does delivery take?

In stock pieces ship once payment is confirmed, and our team confirms the date. Made to order pieces take up to two to three weeks. Delivery within the UAE is complimentary, and international shipping is free on orders above 5,000 AED.