How to Identify High-Quality Jewellery: A Complete Guide by Layaz
Understanding the true quality of fine jewellery, and how to recognise authenticity, craftsmanship, and lasting value.
Why Jewellery Quality Matters
When it comes to fine jewellery, quality isn’t just about sparkle, it’s about integrity. A piece of jewellery is an investment in artistry, materials, and meaning. Whether you’re buying a bespoke engagement ring, a sapphire pendant, or a family heirloom, understanding how to identify high-quality jewellery ensures your purchase stands the test of time.
At Layaz, our philosophy is simple: true luxury comes from authenticity, precision, and purpose. Every gemstone is hand-selected, every setting meticulously crafted, and every design born from three generations of fine jewellery mastery in New Zealand.
The Foundation of Quality: Precious Metals
Gold Purity: Understanding Karats
High quality jewellery begins with pure, solid precious metals not plating or fillers.
9K gold contains 37.5% gold — durable but less rich in colour.
14K gold offers a balance of strength and warmth (58.5%).
18K gold contains 75% pure gold — a hallmark of fine jewellery.
22K and 24K gold are softer, typically reserved for intricate pieces.
Layaz crafts its bespoke creations primarily in 18K gold and platinum (950) metals prized for purity, longevity, and timeless brilliance.
Platinum: The Rarest of Metals
Platinum is denser, heavier, and naturally white so it doesn’t require rhodium plating. Its resistance to tarnish makes it the preferred choice for high end engagement rings and heirloom settings.
Pro Tip: Avoid “gold-filled” or “vermeil” jewellery if longevity is important, these are plated, not solid, and can fade or chip over time.
The Soul of Jewellery: Gemstone Authenticity
Gemstones are the emotional heart of every jewellery piece. To ensure quality, always evaluate the four essential factors:
Colour, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight.
Natural vs. Lab-Grown Stones
While lab grown gemstones mimic natural ones, they lack the rarity and emotional depth of Earth-formed stones. At Layaz, we exclusively use natural gemstones ethically sourced sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and diamonds each accompanied by professional certification and provenance.
Colour and Saturation
True gemstone beauty lies in colour saturation. For example:
A sapphire should show vivid royal blue or teal tones without appearing too dark.
Rubies should exhibit deep red hues without brown undertones.
Emeralds should glow with evenly distributed colour and minimal inclusions.
Gemstone Certification
Always ask for documentation from recognised institutions such as the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or IGI (International Gemological Institute). Each Layaz gemstone includes certification and in-house quality inspection before it reaches your hands.
The Signature of Excellence: Craftsmanship
A high-quality piece of jewellery should reveal artistry at every glance, precision in symmetry, smooth polish, and invisible joins.
Signs of expert craftsmanship include:
Secure gemstone settings
Smooth, even prongs
Perfectly aligned symmetry
Balanced weight and polish
Intricate details such as hand engraving, filigree work, or pavé setting
At Layaz, every piece passes through multiple quality checkpoints before completion. Our master jewellers handcraft each item in our Auckland studio, blending traditional methods with advanced technology such as CAD design for precision.
The Hidden Marks: Hallmarks and Stamps
Every fine jewellery piece should have a purity hallmark, often discreetly placed on the inner band or clasp.
Common stamps include:
“750” for 18K gold
“585” for 14K gold
“950” for platinum
Layaz jewellery carries both purity and origin hallmarks, a promise of authenticity and traceable craftsmanship.
Design Integrity: Where Timelessness Meets Innovation
High quality jewellery stands apart not only for its materials but also its design philosophy. Timeless doesn’t mean old-fashioned, it means enduring. At Layaz, we craft each design to balance aesthetic harmony with personal expression. Our collections combine:
Classic European silhouettes
Modern minimalism
Custom gemstone arrangements
Bespoke personalisation (initials, dates, heirloom incorporation)
Design innovation also extends to our sustainable production methods, where we merge artistry with environmental consciousness.
Ethical Sourcing and Sustainability
Today’s clients demand transparency, and rightly so.
Layaz maintains strict ethical sourcing standards, working only with trusted suppliers who uphold:
Conflict-free gemstone certification
Fair labour practices
Recycled gold and platinum usage
Our Heirloom Revitalisation Service further champions sustainability by repolishing, re-cutting, and redesigning existing jewellery turning legacy pieces into future treasures. When you invest in Layaz, you invest in craftsmanship that honours both beauty and responsibility.
Customer Experience: The True Reflection of Quality
Exceptional jewellery deserves equally exceptional service.
High-quality jewellers should provide:
Transparent education about metals and gemstones
Care instructions and cleaning guides
Maintenance or warranty
Custom resizing and repair services
Layaz offers a complimentary seven year manufacturing warranty through the Layaz Hallmark Standard, ensuring every client receives ongoing care and confidence with their purchase.
Common Signs of Low-Quality Jewellery
Understanding what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to look for.
Warning signs include:
Flaking gold plating or base metals
Poorly aligned prongs or loose gemstones
Lack of certification or hallmark
Excessively low pricing that seems “too good to be true”
Gemstones with cloudiness, poor symmetry, or uneven polish
Inexpensive jewellery can have sentimental value but it should never be mistaken for fine jewellery quality.
Why Layaz Stands Out in Fine Jewellery Quality
What sets Layaz apart is not just what we make, but how we make it.
Three generations of fine jewellery expertise
In-house design and gemstone sourcing to maintain control and consistency
Bespoke creation process from consultation to delivery
Sustainable luxury through ethical practices and heirloom redesign
Global delivery in partnership with trusted couriers like FedEx and DHL
Every Layaz piece is more than jewellery, it’s an heirloom in the making.
How to Care for High-Quality Jewellery
Maintaining your fine jewellery ensures it retains its brilliance for generations.
Layaz recommends:
Gently clean with warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth.
Avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners unless advised.
Store pieces separately in soft pouches to prevent scratches.
Schedule annual inspections to check prongs and settings.
Investing in Jewellery That Lasts Generations
True jewellery quality goes beyond aesthetics, it’s about legacy.
When crafted with integrity, fine jewellery becomes part of your story, passed down across generations as a living memory of love, achievement, and artistry.
Layaz Fine Jewellery New Zealand stands as a testament to that legacy - blending heritage, innovation, and sustainability into every creation.
Conclusion
Recognising high-quality jewellery is about education, not guesswork.
Look for solid precious metals, natural gemstones, certification, and exceptional craftsmanship. Choose a jeweller that values transparency, sustainability, and artistry above all.
At Layaz, quality is our promise and your guarantee of beauty that endures.
