About the Jewelry

Kerry Holton Designs creates unique jewelry using semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls, shell, enamel, sterling silver and gold.  Many of the pieces shown on the website are one of a kind, since many of the stones and pendants are available only as a single piece or in limited quantity.  Every piece is handmade by Kerry.

Pearls
The price of pearls runs from inexpensive to very expensive.  The luminous coating, or nacre, on pearls is a major determinant of the price.  Never wear pearls while bathing or swimming because this can erode the nacre.  Never spray pearls with perfume and wait several minutes after applying perfume and lotion before putting on pearls or any jewelry.  Freshwater pearls lose their luster when in constant contact with sweat.  To preserve the luster, rinse pearls in cool water and dry off with a soft cloth.

Gold -filled
Gold-filled, or gold overlay, is made by heat and pressure bonding a thin layer of gold to a brass core.  Karat gold covers the brass surface, making it tarnish resistant.  The value of gold-filled is greater than gold-plated because gold-filled has an actual layer, not just a microscopic film, of karat gold.

Gold Vermeil
Gold Vermeil, (pronounced "ver-may") is 14 karat gold layered over sterling silver.  Gleaming gold vermeil captures the look and feel of gold at a fraction of the price.