
About Us!
Forty-three years ago, the Balaban family made a significant decision to sell their successful trucking company to pursue a new venture in the gold business in Dubai. This strategic move marked the beginning of their journey into the world of jewelry, a tradition that would thrive in their family for generations. Azad's family established a jewelry factory that quickly flourished, gaining recognition for its exquisite craftsmanship and unique designs.
Growing up surrounded by beautiful jewelry, Azadig, also known as AZAD, developed a deep appreciation for the art of jewelry-making from a young age. She fondly remembers running through the factory as a child, captivated by the twinkling gems and intricate pieces, often playing with the sparkling jewelry all around her. As she matured, her passion for gold and design became evident, and she naturally gravitated toward taking on more responsibilities within the family business.
Over the years, Azad became an indispensable member of the team, ultimately rising to become the top salesperson. Her ability to connect with customers and convey the beauty of their pieces played a pivotal role in the business's success. Azad found joy in seeing how gold adorned people's necks, transforming not just their appearance but also their confidence.
To further hone her skills and diversify her talents, she dedicated herself to mastering various jewelry design software programs, including Rhinoceros, Matrix, and ZBrush. These tools allowed her to push the boundaries of traditional jewelry design and create innovative, one-of-a-kind pieces that captivated clients. In 2023, inspired by her rich heritage and driven by a desire to share the beauty of her culture, Azad took a bold step and founded her own jewelry business. Her goal is to introduce the unique artistry of her homeland to the diverse market in the United States, creating a bridge between cultures through her designs.
Throughout this journey, Azad has enjoyed the unwavering love and support of her husband, Fredy Tashian. Their 23 years of marriage have been filled with collaboration and shared dreams. Fredy has been a steadfast partner in both her personal and professional life, encouraging her ambitions and celebrating her successes. Together, they continue to work towards making her vision a reality, combining their strengths to create something truly special in the world of jewelry.
AZAD's Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I verify if the gold jewelry I purchased online is authentic?
A: Trust issues with your new bling? Perfectly understandable! Authentic gold jewelry should be stamped with a hallmark indicating its karat purity (10K, 14K, 18K, etc.). No magnifying glass at home? A jeweler can perform tests like acid testing, electronic gold testing, or the old-school density test. Remember, genuine gold won't be magnetic, so that fridge magnet might just be your new best friend in spotting fakes. When in doubt, get a professional opinion—it's worth the peace of mind for your precious purchase.
2. What do the different gold karats (10K, 14K, 18K, 24K) mean?
A: Karats are like gold's resume—they tell you exactly what you're getting! The number refers to the parts of pure gold out of 24 possible parts in the alloy. 24K is pure gold (100%)—gorgeous but soft as a butter cookie. 18K contains 18 parts gold (75%) and 6 parts other metals—stunning with improved durability. 14K (58.3% gold) offers the sweet spot of durability and value that makes it the darling of the jewelry world. 10K (41.7% gold) is the tough kid on the block—more affordable and durable, but with less of that golden glow. Higher karat means richer color and value, but lower durability—it's the classic trade-off between beauty and brawn!
3. Why does my gold jewelry look different in person than it did in the photos online?
A: Ah, the classic online dating dilemma—but for jewelry! Professional product photography uses optimal lighting, color enhancement, and sometimes digital touch-ups that can make gold appear more vibrant or even slightly different in tone. Your device's screen settings might also be playing color matchmaker, adjusting tones based on brightness and color calibration. Additionally, gold with different alloy compositions (rose, white, yellow) can photograph differently than they appear in natural light. For best results, check photos in various lighting conditions and read customer reviews with real-life photos. Remember, it's not catfishing if there's a reasonable return policy!
4. What's the difference between solid gold, gold-filled, gold-plated, and gold vermeil?
A: Think of this as the "commitment spectrum" of gold jewelry:
Solid gold: The full-commitment option—gold all the way through, with no base metal. It's like that friend who's genuine to the core.
Gold-filled: A substantial layer of gold (at least 5% of the total weight) bonded to a base metal using heat and pressure. This long-term relationship can last many years without fading.
Gold vermeil: A silver base coated with a thicker gold layer (at least 2.5 microns) than regular plating. Consider it the "serious dating phase" of gold jewelry.
Gold-plated: A whisper-thin layer of gold (usually less than 0.5 microns) electrically bonded to a base metal. It's the "casual dating" option—attractive but potentially short-lived.
Price descends in this order too, so your budget and longevity expectations should guide your choice!
5. How should I clean and maintain my gold jewelry?
A: Keeping your gold gleaming is surprisingly simple! For routine maintenance, a soft cloth is your gold's best friend—gently wipe away the day's oils and residues. For a deeper clean, warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap works wonders—just soak, gently brush with a soft toothbrush, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry. Avoid harsh chemicals, chlorine, and abrasive cleaners that might scratch your precious pieces or damage gemstones. Store your gold treasures separately to prevent scratching—preferably in a fabric-lined jewelry box or soft pouches. Think of it as a spa treatment for your jewelry—simple care now means lasting beauty later!
6. Does gold jewelry cause skin irritation or allergic reactions?
A: Pure gold (24K) is like that non-dramatic friend who gets along with everyone—it rarely causes allergic reactions. However, most gold jewelry contains other metals in the alloy (copper, nickel, silver) that might not play nicely with sensitive skin. Nickel is the usual troublemaker, potentially causing the dreaded green finger or irritated skin. If you're prone to metal sensitivities, opt for higher karat gold (18K+), which contains less of the potentially reactive metals, or look specifically for nickel-free gold pieces. Some retailers now offer hypoallergenic options. Remember, even the most beautiful relationship isn't worth an itchy rash!
7. What's the return policy for gold jewelry purchased online?
A: The fine print finally matters! Most reputable online jewelers offer return periods ranging from 14-30 days, but conditions vary widely. Some require unworn condition, original packaging, and tags attached. Custom pieces often have limited or no return options—they're the "no takebacks" of the jewelry world. Watch for restocking fees that could take the shine off your refund. International returns might involve additional customs fees or complications. Always read the return policy before clicking "purchase"—it's like a prenup for your jewelry relationship. The best retailers make returns painless, offering free return shipping and full refunds, not just store credit.
8. Will my gold jewelry tarnish or change color over time?
A: Pure gold is the diva that never ages—it won't tarnish, rust, or discolor. However, most gold jewelry contains other metals that can react to moisture, chemicals, and even your skin's natural oils and pH level. Lower karat gold (10K, 14K) may gradually show subtle color changes due to their higher percentage of reactive metals. Gold-plated pieces will eventually reveal their true colors as the thin gold layer wears away. To maintain your gold's star quality, avoid exposure to harsh chemicals, remove before swimming or showering, and wipe down after wearing. With proper care, your gold pieces should maintain their spotlight-worthy appearance for generations!
9. Are there certification or authenticity papers that should come with my gold jewelry?
A: Unlike diamonds with their fancy grading reports, plain gold jewelry typically doesn't come with formal certification papers. However, quality pieces should include documentation stating the gold purity (karat), weight, and sometimes the country of origin. Custom pieces might include appraisal documents or design certificates. Fine jewelry with significant gemstones often includes gemological certificates. The most important "paperwork" is actually a tiny stamp—the hallmark indicating karat purity (14K, 18K, etc.), sometimes accompanied by the manufacturer's mark. For investment-grade gold or high-value pieces, an independent appraisal provides both verification and information for insurance purposes. When it comes to documentation, the gold standard is whatever gives you confidence in your purchase!
10. What should I do if my gold jewelry arrives damaged or doesn't match the description?
A: When jewelry disappointment strikes, documentation is your best friend! Immediately photograph any damage or discrepancies compared to the product description. Contact the seller right away—most reputable companies have dedicated customer service for these situations. Clearly explain the issue and provide your visual evidence. Legitimate online jewelers typically offer solutions including replacement, repair, or refund. If you've received an item dramatically different from what was advertised, consumer protection laws are on your side. For credit card purchases, you may have additional protection through your card issuer if the seller is unresponsive. The reputable players in the online jewelry world value their reputation and reviews—they'll usually work to make things right faster than you can say "this doesn't look like 14K gold!"