Jewellery care tips and buying guides
Jewelry care tips and plain buying guides from a family jeweller in Markham. Read what to check before you buy a ring, and how to look after it after.
14K vs 18K gold, and where 10K fits14K vs 18K gold explained with a gold karat chart: purity, colour, durability, and which gold is best for an engagement ring.
Bracelet size chart: measure once, fit properlyA bracelet size chart plus how to measure wrist size, tennis bracelet size, gold bangle size and what to do when a bracelet fits too loose or tight.
The diamond 4Cs, explained in plain termsThe diamond 4Cs explained: diamond clarity chart, carat weight, cut grade and color grade, with tables and tips on which ones the eye can really see.
Diamond shapes, compared side by sideDiamond shapes explained with a shapes chart, a round diamond carat size chart and tips on choosing the best shape for an engagement ring.
Earring back types, and which one holds bestEarring back types compared: butterfly vs push back, screw back earrings and locking earring backs, with a table to match the back to your earrings.
Engagement ring styles, explained by a jewellerCompare engagement ring styles: solitaire, halo, three stone, bezel and vintage. A plain-spoken guide from a Markham family jeweller.
Gold chain types, from rope to CubanGold chain types compared: rope vs Cuban, Cuban link chain styles, a gold chain length guide and a thickness guide to help you pick the right chain.
How much to spend on an engagement ring: a way to decideHow much to spend on an engagement ring is a personal call. Use this framework of factors, comparison tips and a budget range to bring to a jeweller.
How to clean jewellery at home, safelyHow to clean jewelry at home: diamond rings, gold, silver and pearls, with what to avoid and when to bring a piece to a jeweller.
Ring size chart and how to find your ring sizeUse our ring size chart for Canada and learn how to find your ring size at home with paper, string or a ring you own, plus tips for surprise proposals.
How to tell if gold is real, and when to stop guessingHow to tell if gold is real: how to test gold at home safely, read hallmark stamps, and know when a jeweller's test is the only reliable answer.
How to tell real pearls from fake, step by stepHow to tell real pearls from fake: tooth, surface, weight and drill hole tests, plus pearl types, nacre and when to ask a jeweller to confirm.
Lab grown diamonds vs natural, without the sales pitchLab grown diamonds vs natural: how each is made, how to tell them apart, resale value, disclosure rules, and how moissanite vs diamond compares.
White gold vs platinum: choosing your ring metalWhite gold vs platinum compared on colour, wear, rhodium plating, skin and cost, with a clear way to decide for your ring or band.
Jewelry care tips and a jewelry guide you can use
This journal is our jewelry guide for the GTA: jewelry care tips, buying advice and plain explanations of metals, diamonds and ring fit. Each article answers a real question from the counter, cites its sources and keeps claims modest. We encourage you to compare, ask questions and shop around, and these pages are where we put the answers in writing.
Lucio's Gold is a family-owned jewellery store at 7800 Woodbine Ave in Markham, serving the Greater Toronto Area for more than 30 years. We spend time with customers explaining quality versus cost, and these articles carry that conversation onto the page, so you can read at your own pace and arrive with better questions.
For care, start with how to clean jewelry at home, which covers diamonds, gold, silver and pearls. Then read how to tell if gold is real and 10k vs 14k vs 18k gold to understand what you own and keep it looking its best for years.
If an article leaves you with a question, ask us: call (905) 475-1702 or come and try a ring on at the store. You can also design a ring on screen with our engagement ring creator and bring the result with you.
Buying guides: diamonds, bands and engagement rings
Our buying guides follow the order most people shop in: the ring, the stone, then the band. The engagement ring buying guide covers styles and size. The diamond buying guide explains the 4Cs and lab-grown stones. The wedding band guide compares metals. Each one links to the next step, so you can move through them in sequence.
Engagement ring buying guide: begin with our engagement ring styles guide, then read our ring size chart guide: how to find your ring size so the fit is right from the start and the ring never spins or pinches.
Diamond buying guide: read the 4Cs of diamond quality and our comparison of natural vs lab-grown diamonds.
Wedding band guide: read white gold vs platinum, then browse our wedding bands page to see how metal and width work together.
More guides cover shapes, spending and sizing: diamond shapes compares every common cut, how much to spend on an engagement ring helps you plan, and the bracelet size chart covers fit.
For everyday pieces, read how to tell real pearls from fake, the gold chain types guide and our earring back types explainer.
- Engagement ring styles: solitaire, oval, emerald cut and vintage
- Ring size: a Canadian size chart and how to measure at home
- Diamonds: the 4Cs, and natural versus lab-grown stones
- Metals: white gold vs platinum, and 10k, 14k and 18k gold
- Care: cleaning diamonds, gold, silver and pearls at home
- Authenticity: how to tell if gold is real
- Diamond shapes: round, oval, emerald and the rest compared
- Budget: how much to spend on an engagement ring
- Pearls: how to tell real from fake
- Gold chains: link styles and what suits each
- Bracelet sizes and earring backs: fit and comfort
Book a private consultation
Planning jewellery care tips and buying guides? A short note is enough to begin. Use the form, call (905) 475-1702, or visit us on Woodbine Avenue in Markham.
7800 Woodbine Ave, Markham, ON L3R 2N7
(905) 475-1702