State auctions abandoned jewelry

Associated Press

MADISON, Wis. -

If you’re in the market for Colombian emerald earrings or an Amethyst pendant, the state treasurer has a deal for you.

The state is selling abandoned jewelry it’s collected on eBay.

Each year, the state treasurer receives the contents of bank safe deposit boxes that have been abandoned for at least five years.

The names of the contents’ owners are published in local newspapers and available online at Wisconsin’s Unclaimed Property Web site. The state keeps the contents for at least three more years.

Beginning Monday, Treasurer Dawn Marie Sass says more than $10,000 worth of jewelry and watches are up for sale on eBay. The proceeds are held by the state indefinitely for the jewelry owners. The auction ends Feb. 2.

What is A Princess Cut Diamond?

The Princess cut diamond is a very popular cut shape. The top is a square shape while the bottom looks like pyramid.

Typically, diamonds with a square top cut are less expensive than the round-cut diamonds. While the round-cut diamond is a bit more expensive than the square-cut, or princess cut diamond, both can show the brilliance of a beautiful wedding or engagement ring. As they say, "Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend."


Using the 4C's To Determine A Great Diamond

Cut: Of all the 4 Cs, cut has the greatest effect on a diamond's beauty. In grading, cut evaluates the cutters skill in the fashioning of the diamond.

Color: A truly colorless diamond is extremely rare. Most diamonds possess varying degrees of yellow or brown and small, subtle differences in color can make a substantial difference in value.

Clarity: Clarity is the evaluation of a diamond's internal and external characteristics. The fewer inclusions or blemishes, the more desirable the diamond.

Carat: The standard used to measure diamond weight is the carat. A carat equals 1/5 of a gram (or 1/142 of an ounce). Each carat is further divided into points, each point representing 1/100th of a carat.

How To Measure Your Ring Size

The most important factor when purchasing any ring, is making sure it fits. To measure your finger:

1. Wrap a piece of string or paper string around the base of your finger. (Do not wrap it to tight or loosely).

2. Mark the string or paper where it overlaps to form a complete circle.

3. Measure the length of the section of string or paper where it overlaps around the finger.

4. Compare your measurement with this chart to determine your ring size.

Jewelry Auctions - Gold and Diamond