Product information
PRECIOUS METALS
Gold (Au)
In addition to silver, gold is a softer precious metal commonly used in the manufacture of jewelry. Available in yellow gold (yellow), white gold (bright light gray) and rose gold (reddish).
The most common concentrations of gold in jewelery are 585 (14K) and 750 (18K). The figure indicates the amount of pure gold relative to the alloys in thousandths, i.e., 14 carat gold has 585/1000 of pure gold, and the remaining alloys that improve the properties of the alloy.
Yellow and red gold products are easy to maintain and repair work is successful in the industry. The safest way to clean is with gold care products. Always remember to check with a professional if the jewelry contains gemstones.
White gold jewelry is usually surface treated with rhodium, a platinum group metal. The surface treatment, called rhodinization, enhances the color of the white gold jewelry to bright light. However, it is good to know that the coating will wear over time depending on the wear on the ring over the years. Rhodinization is possible with a new goldsmith, which means that the surface treatment of the jewelry is almost like new!
Silver (Ag)
Silver is the most common bright light gray metal, which is an inexpensive precious metal relative to gold. In addition to the jewelry industry, silver is also used in table silver, clocks and decorative items. The most common silver content in jewelry is 925, or Sterling silver.
Silver jewelry can be cleaned with warm mild soapy water, rinsed thoroughly and dried well. There are also a number of different liquid and paste cleaners for silver cleaning, the use of which should be carefully studied. Most often, these cleansers contain substances that brighten and remove darkening. Always check the suitability of the cleaning agent for the jewelry if it contains gemstones. The darkening of silver jewelry is caused by a chemical reaction on the skin and is affected by the pH of the skin. The darkening of silver in use is thus completely personal and difficult to assess without experimentation.
Platinum (Pt)
Due to its price, platinum is mainly used in wedding and engagement rings. Platinum is similar in color to white gold, but more difficult to process. Platinum concentrations are 850, 900, 950 and 999.
Palladium (Pd)
Palladium used as a white alloy in white gold is the most recent precious metal. Palladium itself is light gray in color. Approved concentrations of palladium are 500, 850, 950 and 999.
BEADS
The pearls are both synthetic and genuine. Genuine pearls are very sensitive to the effects of the environment, ie they are not resistant to chemicals, for example. Therefore, genuine pearls should be worn last after hairspray and perfume, and taken off first. In pearl jewelry, it is also worth remembering their sensitivity to moisture, ie pearl jewelry should not be used in the shower, for example.
Beads should not be cleaned with silver cleaners or other substances that do not specifically mention suitability for the beads. In most cases, cleaning is done by wiping with a soft cotton cloth!
PRECIOUS AND JEWELERY STONES
Diamonds
Due to its price and characteristics, it is mainly used in gold and platinum jewelry. Nowadays also in silver jewelry. The most common and popular colors are white (bright). Naturally occurring diamonds come in a variety of shades such as bright, yellowish and champagne shades. However, it is possible to chemically color a diamond into black, red, pink and green, for example. Therefore, even a diamond has the desired shade for everyone!
The esteemed properties of a diamond are its hardness, which makes it a durable stone for jewelry use, and in high-quality diamonds, it looks like a shimmering gem.
Diamond is the most famous gemstone that has been used in jewelry for a long time. A diamond is a precious gem found naturally, the value of which is determined by purity, grinding and color. Table according to the GIA classification system:
Source: Sandberg diamond jewelry
Cubic zirconia (CZ)
The most common diamond used in jewelry is a synthetic stone that resembles a diamond in appearance. In zirconia, however, there are traces of long-term use that can cause the stone to cloud over time.
PEAL
Watch case materials and coatings
The case is the part of the watch in which the other parts of the watch are placed and the glass of the watch on the front. The material range of watch cases is wide; mm. stainless steel, titanium, plastic, brass, ceramics, wood and gold. Platinum is also used in precious watches and silver is mainly used in pocket watches. However, the most common are:
Stainless steel
Stainless steel with the advantages of durability and user-friendliness, as the steel is re-polishable. To use the watch when the time tooth is forced to leave small hair scratches and it is possible for the watchmaker to partially or even completely remove them. Although steel is highly water resistant, of course the material alone does not guarantee water resistance. That is, before the watch's swimming trip, this must be confirmed separately.
Are you allergic? It is good to realize that steel is an alloy that can also contain nickel. However, EU Directive 94/27 / EC sets limit values for the nickel content of precious metal products. This aims to reduce new exposures. Some of the watches are also coated so that a protective layer is left between the steel and the leather. However, the coating wears over time. All in all, the steel shell is a good value for money choice and does not usually cause any skin symptoms for the user.
Titanium
If steel feels too heavy, titanium could be the material for your watch case. Titanium is tough and therefore durable, but plush 45% lighter than steel. It is slightly darker in color than steel. Against the skin, titanium feels nice and warm and is also a very allergy-friendly material.
In operating watches, titanium and its non-magnetization also speak in favor of titanium. However, it scratches the steel a little more easily. Titanium is a more demanding material than steel to work with, which makes it more expensive. Today, however, titanium watches can also be found in watches in the lower price range.
Plastic
Plastic can be scalded in many ears cheaply, but in reality there are big differences in quality. The cheapest plastics humble themselves quickly in the face of wear, heat or even solvents. The best ones, in turn, are very durable and usable in all conditions.
The most well-known plastic watches are the Casion G-Shock collection. In addition to excellent durability, many buyers appeal to their rugged appearance.
Gold
Gold is always valuable as gold, but at the same time it retains its value. A gold watch may not be the best option for everyday use, but it clearly deserves its place in the world of precious watches. Although gold is soft compared to many materials, it is also an infinitely tough and also the most chemically resistant metal. Gold is often used only as a coating on steel, which does not raise the price of the watch much.
For example, the Swiss Tissot has an elegant Goldrun Sapphire 18 carat gold watch.
Coatings
The look and feel of the watch can also be customized with coatings. In the past, galvanic coatings were used in the shells. As a rule of thumb, a one-micron coating equals one year of wear. Today, more durable PVD and DLC coatings have cleared the route. On the downside, scratches that have penetrated their surface are relatively expensive to repair.
The PVD hard coating can reduce scratches and also change the color of the watch. The paint is forced into the shell metal under intense heat by ion bombardment technology.
DLC is a diamond-hard carbon fiber and can be used to coat steel and titanium watches to reduce scratches.
Types of machinery
What pointers then to the movement, that is, what would be the most appropriate ticking watch movement for you. From the user's point of view, the most important factor in machinery is its power source.
Quartz - lasts for a long time when there is enough battery power
And it stays well. Quartz watches are very accurate, durable and compact - very suitable watches. The mechanism can be made smaller and lighter than mechanical without compromising the functions. They are also generally less expensive than mechanical watches. The power source of the quartz watch is a long-lasting battery, which means that it is very maintenance-free. The battery change interval varies from one year to several, depending on the number of functions of the watch. In the future, the battery life and maintenance needs will also affect the battery life.
Mechanical - A work of art without electronics
Mechanical watches are valued for their traditional fine mechanics and the craftsmanship used in their manufacture. The advantage is ecology, as the watch is powered by movement and does not contain electronics or batteries that are considered hazardous waste. Well cared for, mechanical watches are almost eternal for family members. They stay in good condition when the watch is used often enough.
The watch should not be subjected to magnets or strong shocks. In the care of a watchmaker, it is worth visiting every 7-11 years, when the machine is cleaned, oiled and any worn parts are replaced.
The operating accuracy of mechanical clocks does not reach the level of quartz clocks. If the buddies are compared, the accuracy of a quartz watch can throw a maximum of + - 30 seconds per month, the mechanical throw a maximum of + -20 seconds per day. So these are the extremes and today, especially the more expensive mechanical watches are very accurate. But if you need to be constantly up to date, a quartz watch may be a better option.
There are automatic watches and knob-driven watches. When we talk about an automatic machine, we mean a mechanical machine that gets its power from the movement of the hand. The watch knocks for a couple of days without movement. If the clock stays in the closet for a couple of weeks, no worries. The watch just goes back to the wrist and it restarts from the movement. The only hassle is setting the clock back to the right time.
The knob-driven watch is powered by a pull spring. It therefore requires a routine pull from the user or after 1-2 days the clock will fade. Maintaining a watch is usually cheaper than a vending machine.
Solar and Kinetic - By the power of light or motion
Environmental friendliness is also emphasized in Solar and Kinetic watches, which are powered by light or kinetic energy. In this way, the battery replacement interval can be up to 8-10 years.
In Solar, the power supply for the machine can be charged with a solar cell in the watch. Now it is not worth worrying about Finland's dark seasons, the hands also move in autumn and winter. Solar draws power from all light sources, albeit much more efficiently from the sun. )
Wristband
The wristband should primarily fit well in your hand and feel comfortable on the skin. A good wristband also emphasizes the look of the watch. On the other hand, by changing the bracelet, you can re-convert the old watch to suit your own taste. Wristband materials include steel, leather, fabric, silicone, titanium and plastic.
Steel bracelets are very durable and therefore very suitable for a variety of uses. The metal feels nicely cool on a hot summer day, but in cold weather it can be a little too cold for others. If the steel is comfortable, but you want a warmer touch against your skin, a slightly lower titanium color could be your bracelet material.
Metal bracelets come in a variety of looks and colors. The bracelet is made of pieces of metal joined together by a shock. The mesh bracelet, on the other hand, consists of tiny metal rings with a mesh-like, jewel-like structure. The metal elastic strap, on the other hand, is elastic as its name suggests and is a great choice for someone who doesn’t want to play with a buckle or buckle.
A leather bracelet is always a timelessly stylish choice, both in costume and casual watches. Of course, the leather ages, causing it to flake off and break, but the wristband is easy to replace. For sweating or rolling in the dirt, leather may not be the best guy, so leave your watch at home then the bracelet’s lifespan will increase.
If your number one requirements are ease of cleaning, lightness and ease of use, a textile strap is the choice of ten. They are made of durable man-made fiber fabric and are available in several colors and different metal parts. For example, the “nato” textile strap is threaded into the watch without removing the spring pins, so it is easy to change yourself.
If you are a passionate athlete, a silicone wristband would be a great choice because of its easy cleanability. It is a common wristband material in smartwatches that measure various body functions. The silicone wristband is soft and comfortable in the hand, but still durable.
The rubber strap is very resistant to getting wet and knocked out. Stiffer compared to a silicone wristband.
The glass of the watch
The sapphire crystal of the watch glass wedges to the highest podium. Hard sapphire crystal is synthetic corundum. Due to its scratch-resistant properties, the material is well suited for everyday use, but of course it is also shattered by a hard blow. However, watch glass is always replaceable and in precious watches it is even mandatory during the life cycle to maintain cleanliness.
Mineral glass cast from molten glass is reasonably impact resistant and fairly scratch-resistant, but as a harder material it is more susceptible to cracking. Of course, even mineral glass is scratched in heavy use.
Acrylic, or more familiar plexiglass, in turn has the advantage of flexibility, which makes it more resistant to shocks, but scratches the two previous materials more easily.
Hardlex is like an intermediate form of acrylic glass material. It is more resistant to shocks than glass and in turn is more resistant to scratching than acrylic.
The glass of the watch may have an anti-reflection surface that makes it easier to look at the weather in bright sunny weather. On the downside, the surface is often easily scratched, which can make it look dirty.
Should the glass of your watch then be scratched, it is not worth lamenting, as all types of glass can be replaced with a watchmaker.
Watertight markings
If you are a hard water beast or work in wet conditions, you should pay attention to the water resistance of the watch before taking a big dip. Water resistance is usually indicated by either WR 30m or 3atm markings. Although WR stands for water resistance, it is important to note that it does not mean that the watch is watertight up to 30 meters but that the watch has been tested at its deep water pressure. For example, a watch marked WR 30m must not be wetted.
As a constant swimming buddy, we recommend a watch with a water resistance of WR 200m - 20atm. Even splash water, a shower trip and quick polishing usually lasts WR 100m - 10atm. Diving-resistant watches are often marked Diver. WR 200-300m watches are suitable for scuba diving.
There are differences between the labels and the labels on the manufacturers, so if you are unsure, you can always ask our customer service. If you already have an old waterproof watch in your cache, you should be careful, as the seals may also deteriorate over time. The watchmaker can help with this problem as well. The watch also doesn’t like sitting in the steam room, so be sure to undress it before taking a sauna.
Clock equipment and functions
Today, watches can include anything from a simple date to a dizzying James Bond-inspired boat. Listed below are a few examples. Is any of them an important feature in your watch?
The date and / or day of the week display thus shows the name of the day and what day of the week is going on. A good help if you don't want to keep up with the cart.
With a chronograph, it is possible to measure performance time on separate second and minute displays, for example in a sports competition. No need to remember a separate secar.
The chronometer says that the clock does stay in time. Every watch that receives the title is tested in Switzerland by COSC. The watch that earned the certificate has passed several diverse tests.
The bell ring surrounds the watch glass as an integral part. The dive ring, on the other hand, is a reversible version surrounded by a minute-numbered time scale. The perimeter is often dyed and a different material than the shell. The worn perimeter can also be replaced with a watchmaker if necessary.
The power supply tells you on the handwriting display how long the mechanical watch has enough power to operate.
Tritium is the equipment of a night owl or even a diver, as it is used for the dark separation of hands. It is a low-level, non-hazardous substance that produces light for dial numbering and indicators.
GMT is a great help for the avid traveler. The watch has two hour hands, allowing the traveler to set the times in two different time zones at the same time.