METAL

GREEN GOLD
Most of the yellow-toned gold jewelry in my collection is actually green gold. I love green gold because it's got a cool undertone and an old-world richness to it. That's because it's alloyed with a larger proportion of fine silver and a smaller amount of copper (specifically, 80% fine silver and 20% copper) than yellow gold, which has a higher ratio of copper in the alloy (specifically 40% fine silver and 60% copper). And rose or pink gold has even more copper in the alloy that lends a rich, warm tone to the metal. 
 
Unless I point it out, most people don't see much color difference between yellow and green gold in person but when they do see the difference, it's always exciting. And my clients who historically don't wear gold because they don't think it compliments their skin tone are happily surprised by how flattering green gold is on nearly every skin tone. Green gold also provides a much richer contrast when mixing metals and it makes a gorgeous trio with grey metals (platinum, white gold, sterling silver) and rose gold.
 
All of the pieces in my collection feature my trademarked Cashmere Finish®. I love the softness and richness of cashmere and I want to imbue that feeling in my jewelry. You'll notice a subtle, fiber-like glow in my pieces that beautifully compliments my organic shapes.
 
FAIRMINED
I am an authorized Fairmined precious metals licensee. Fairmined is an assurance label that certifies gold from empowered responsible artisanal and small-scale mining organizations who meet world-leading standards for responsible practices.
 
HALLMARKS
There are various hallmarks for metals but regardless of the alloy (other metals including silver, copper, zinc, nickel [which is not used in my jewelry]) and color of the gold, the ratio of pure metal to alloy must, by law, remain consistent. Here are the hallmarks to help you identify your precious metals.
GOLD
24K: Hallmarks used are: 24K, 999, 990 (99.9 or 99% pure gold)
22K: Hallmarks used are: 22K, 916 (91.6% pure gold plus 8.4% alloy
18K: Hallmarks used are: 18K, 750 (75% pure gold plus 25% alloy)
14K: Hallmarks used are: 14k, 585 (58.5% pure gold plus 41.5% alloy)
PLATINUM
Hallmarks used are: PLAT, PT, 950 (95% pure platinum plus 5% alloy)
SILVER
Fine silver: Hallmarks used are: 999 or 999FS
Sterling silver: Hallmarks used are: 925 (92.5% fine silver plus 7.5% alloy) or STERLING SILVER. (This applies to U.S. hallmarking standards.)
NOTE: Sterling silver hallmarks can vary in other parts of the world, so look closely at your jewelry and always ask the jewelry maker what metal you're purchasing. And be sure to ask for it to be clearly labeled on your sales receipt.
 

GEMSTONES

DIAMONDS
All of the diamonds used in my jewelry are certified conflict free and most are either Canadian, Argyle Australia, or post consumer (recycled) diamonds. A recycled diamond is a natural diamond, cut and polished from mined rough, previously set in jewelry then removed, and re-introduced into the supply chain. Recycled diamonds are conflict free, free of human rights abuses, and 100% recycled. I am an Authorized Dealer of Certified Canadian and Harmony Recycled Diamonds and Gems.
 
COLORED GEMSTONES
I strive to source my colored gemstones from suppliers who adhere to The Quality Assurance and Fair Trade Gems Protocols and use that material whenever possible. I also work directly with gemstone mine owners and artisanal miners to acquire stones as close to the source as possible, including stones that are cut at the source. 

PACKAGING
Judi Powers Jewelry is individually packaged in vegan suede pouches and custom boxes.