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Understanding your Silver
Silver is a popular jewelry choice and is ideal for every day wear. Silver is slightly harder than other precious metals meaning that it is better able to take the knocks and bumps of day to day living. It is less costly than other precious metals which means that many jewelry designers are able to offer a wide range of styles in silver. Advantages of Sterling Silver In addition to sterling's beauty, there are many reasons to purchase jewelry made from this precious metal. Sterling silver is hypoallergenic. It's a great choice if your skin reacts to other materials like nickel. Sterling is one of the most durable precious metals, which means that it's an excellent option for delicate filigree, as well as pieces that receive regular wear. Jewelry made from sterling silver will hold its value, since the metal itself is precious. This may not be true for costume jewelry made from brass and other materials. Sterling is considerably less expensive than gold, platinum, and other precious metals. Understanding Sterling Silver Alloy The word "sterling" means that the jewelry is not pure silver. In order to enhance the durability of the material, manufacturers add other metals to silver. These can include copper, zinc, and other materials. Identifying Genuine Sterling Silver Silver jewelry must contain 92.5% pure silver to be so classified, it will be labeled "Sterling Silver" or "925." This makes genuine sterling jewelry easy to identify. Metal Content Understanding the metal content of your piece can help you make sure you get the quality for which you're paying. Metal content stamps are found near the clasp on necklaces and bracelets, on the inside surface of rings, and on the backs of earrings, pins, and brooches. Jewelry marks represent the metal content of the piece. This is important because silver-plated and sterling silver items look virtually identical to the untrained eye. Legal Requirements for Metal Stamps on Jewelry Jewelry manufacturers, specifically those based in the United States must inform the consumer about precious metal content, but the content doesn't actually have to be stamped on the piece. It can be on the appraisal accompanying the item, on a hang tag or packaging component, or on the invoice or receipt for the purchase. If the manufacturer does stamp the piece with metal content, they are required to place their trademark or the retailer's trademark right next to the metal content stamp. Legally, this assures the consumer that the company making or selling the jewelry will stand behind the metal content they are identifying. There is no legal stamping requirement for non-precious metals, such as tungsten, stainless steel, and titanium Types of Metal Markings They work as follows and includes those found on gold Marking and what It Means A number, followed by "k" or "karat": The item is gold. The purity of the gold varies by the karat number, with "24k" being nearly solid gold and "10k" being 10/24 gold. Gold-filled" or "GF: The piece is mostly made of base metal, but it has a sheet of gold on the surface. Gold-plated" or "gold electroplate: The piece is made of base metal, and a very thin coating of gold has been applied to it. Vermeil: The item is sterling silver with a gold plating."Sterling," ".925," or "925: The piece of jewelry is made of sterling silver, which means it must have 92.5 percent silver metal in it. Silver-plated or silver electroplate: The item is base metal with a thin coating of silver on the surface. Nickel silver or German silver: This item is silver in color, but it does not contain any silver metal. Plat or platinum: This piece is at least 95 percent platinum. Pall or palladium: This item is made of at least 95 percent palladium. Maker's Marks It's also common to see other marks on jewelry. Most pieces will have maker's marks or trademarks on them, identifying the company that either manufactured or sold the piece of jewelry. Often, this mark is near the metal content stamp. Care Considerations Although sterling is an excellent option for many different types of jewelry, there are a couple of things to keep in mind when selecting this material. While it's very durable, sterling silver is prone to scratches and scuffs. Over time, this can dull the finish. Silver can also tarnish, or develop a dark coating. Tarnishing happens when the metals in the sterling react to the sulfur in the air. Wearing jewelry regularly protects it from tarnishing. Silver Plated Jewelry Many necklaces sold as silver aren't solid sterling silver, but they are instead another metal like brass or copper plated with a thin layer of silver. Care should always taken when cleaning plated jewelry, as vigorous scrubbing can peel off plating. To clean silver-plated jewelry, use a mild detergent like dish soap diluted with water to first remove any dirt. Then clean with a mild jewelry cleaning formula or rub gently with a silver polishing cloth. The best way to remove tarnish from silver jewelry is by gentle polishing with a soft cloth. Harsh abrasive polishes can dull the look of silver jewelry over time. If silver jewelry has precious stones, extra care has to be taken when cleaning to not damage them. Experts recommend using silver polishing cloths or cleaning formulas purchased from jewelry retailers. To quickly polish up jewelry before wearing,there are a few tricks you can try at home. Dip Cleaners: These solutions are meant for soaking silver jewelry and then rinsing. These are generally not recommended for jewelry with stones. Polishes: These come as either liquid or a paste based product. Which are for specific use on sterling silver jewelry. Usually available form jewelers. Some silver polishes also contain a compound that protects against tarnish. Jewelry Wipes: These disposable cloths are like other cleaning wipes but are specially formulated for jewelry. Some wipes will clean gold, sterling silver and silver-plated jewelry. Wipes are great for a quick polish before wearing jewelry out. Sonic Cleaners These are essentially jewelry cleaning machines that gently clean fine jewelry using water, mild cleaners and sonic waves. They are used byt jewelry retailers use to clean their products. Sonic jewelry cleaning machines have a well that is filled with clean water or cleaning solution and a central tray in which the jewely is placed. The tray is moved within the cleaning solution, creating bubbles that remove dirt and tarnish. Cleaning with Toothpaste Rub toothpaste on the necklace, about one teaspoon for a long necklace. Make sure to get the paste into the links of the chain. Add warm water and work the paste into a lather. Brush with a soft toothbrush, working the toothpaste into the links of the chain or all the surfaces of the pendant. Rinse with warm water. Make sure to remove all the paste. You can brush with the soft toothbrush to get all of the paste off. Completely dry the necklace by laying it on a paper towel or other absorbent surface. Rub with a soft cloth to bring back shine. Prevent Tarnish No matter what method you use for cleaning your sterling silver necklaces, you should also try to prevent tarnish by storing jewelry properly. Jewelry experts recommend storing jewelry in a tarnish-reducing bag or soft felt to reduce tarnish on silver necklaces, rings, bracelets and pendants. Keeping jewelry away from other jewelry items in its own container will also reduce scratches and wear. We hope this article has been of interest. If so, please feel free to share it. All the best.
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Learn about Onyx
Onyx is a type of quartz that can range greatly in color, and is a beautiful addition to jewelry. It's affordability makes it an even more accessible option for the average consumer. It often alternates in bands of color, including white, brown, red, black, and grey. With a rich history, elegance, and beauty, onyx is also a lovely jewelry choice. Onyx is a very hard stone and registers at seven on the Moh's Hardness scale, but may be chipped if in contact with other onyx. Mined in India and South American, in ancient times, onyx was believed to be a talisman of bravery. Types of Onyx Necklaces Although available in a range of styles, onyx necklaces are usually designed as pendants worn on a necklace of a material other than onyx, such as a gold chain. Depending on the color of the onyx, the pendant is placed with various metals or other materials to complete the necklaces. Black Onyx As an example, black onyx crosses offer a dramatic and interesting look, and are one of the most popular and plentiful looks in onyx pendants. The boldness makes a great unisex choice. Men often prefer a black onyx cross because they feel that it appears stronger and more masculine than lighter or white onyx. Black onyx crosses are often paired with sterling silver for a striking contrast. The onyx may be encased or detailed using sterling silver as well. Other popular choices for black onyx crosses include yellow gold and black rubber cord. Pendants are also available that are not made entirely of onyx, but have onyx as the focal point or accent of the pendant. Onyx Beads Another type of onyx necklace is made with onyx chips or beads. In this case the cross or pendant itself may be made of onyx, or of wood, gemstones, gold, silver, or some other material. The onyx beads may be merely used as an accent at the front of the necklace to draw more attention to the pendant, or the chain itself may be composed alternating with metal or other links and onyx beads. Onyx Resin While onyx pendants are on the affordable side in terms of fine jewelry, they may still be priced a bit high for some consumers. An alternative is the less-expensive onyx resin which offers a brilliant shine and the look of onyx at a lower cost. Where a sterling silver necklace with a small onyx cross might average around fifty dollars, a full onyx resin bead and cross necklaces might be sold for fewer than twenty dollars. Are you're trying to find out if your bracelet is gold or gold-plated, The following article explains how. Most gold that is used for jewelry purposes is, basically an alloy. This means that pure gold is mixed with other metals such as copper, silver or palladium. Gold jewelry is measured in Carats, simply defined, the higher the carat rating the greater amount of gold in the alloy mix. The following guide shows the standard carat ratings 24 carats is 100% pure gold (24 parts gold) 22Carats (22 parts gold plus 2 parts of other metals) 18 Carats (18 parts gold plus 6 parts other metals) 14 Carats (14 parts gold plus 10 parts other metals) 10 Carats (10 parts gold plus 14 parts other metals) 9 Carats (9 parts gold plus 15 parts other metals) Due to the fact that pure gold is an extremely soft metal it can be easily damaged. Therefore, by mixing the pure gold with a harder metal, the gold becomes much stronger and more hard wearing. Gold alloy is less likely to wear down as quickly as pure gold. This makes it a much more practical choice for all types of jewelry. Value By mixing pure gold with other, less costly metals the price of the raw materials and manufacturing comes down. This will be reflected in the price of the finished item of jewelry. A 14 Carat chain will cost significantly less than the 22 Carat version. How to find the Carat rating Whether you're trying to find out if your ring is gold or gold-plated. Understanding the markings on your jewelry can come in handy. With the help of a magnifying glass and a little research, you can get a pretty good understanding All items of jewelry including gold and silver should be stamped. In the case of gold two stamps are required. Indicating the carat content of the gold, and the makers stamp. Both of which must be clearly visible. This gold stamp indicates the carat content in one of two ways Firstly by number, for example 18 carats abbreviated to either 18c or 18k. In some parts of the world carat is spelled with a k Secondly:By a three digit figure 750. This represents the parts of gold per thousand or as a percentage. Confused, the table below illustrates how this works. 22 carat (916) 91.6% 20 carat (833) 83.3% 18 carat (750) 75% 14 carat (585) 58.5% 10 carat (417) 41.7% 9 carat (375) 37.5% It can be very useful when buying jewelry to make a note of these three carat measurements as different jewelers will stamp their jewelry in different ways. This is of particular important when buying jewelry from abroad. Colour The introduction of other metals into gold produces the different colours to the standard yellow gold colour. The following list shows these colours and what the metals are that create them. White Gold: Palladium, silver, nickel Red Gold: Copper Green Gold: Silver Which to buy When buying jewelry, the choice is a very personal thing. This will largely be dictated by budget, however there are also other considerations. Lower carat golds are harder wearing. This means that they are an excellent choice for jewelry that will get a lot of wear and tear. Buying jewelry, although a pleasure, can sometimes be a daunting task. We hope this article will provide a deeper insight into the wonderful world of jewelry and give you some additional information to help you with your next purchase. We hope this article has been of interest, If so, please feel free to share it Al the best In the jewelry world, the term diamante refers to glittering stones that mimic diamonds. These gems are usually made from glass or crystal. The word diamante is also used to describe sequin or rhinestone embellishments added to clothing and accessories. Diamante vs. Costume Despite this jewelry not being manufactured with genuine gemstones, diamante does not indicate cheap or poorly made like the term costume jewelry might. Stones are fabricated with high-quality lead glass and are often prong set just like their natural counterparts. Inexpensive costume jewelry is often set with stones made of acrylic or plastic that are glued into place.  Diamante Jewelry History Diamante jewelry has been around for hundreds of years. In fact, early stones were brought to the market in the 1730's. Today, we refer to these stones as rhinestones, but back then in the Georgian era, diamante was also referred to as paste. Paste jewelry from the Georgian Era can command prices greater than other natural gemstones and even rival some diamond jewelry. Later during the Victorian Era, paste stones continued to command a presence in the jewelry market. Though paste jewelry from the Georgian Era is scarce, similar jewelry from the Victorian era is abundant and often set in precious gold and silver. But there is a slight distinction between paste stones and rhinestones. Rhinestones were developed in the 1920's during the Art Deco era. These stones were crafted out of higher quality materials, often in Czechoslovakia and Austria, both known for their impeccable glass.  How to Care for Diamante Most diamante stones are foil back, meaning that a thin layer of metal adheres to the bottom facets to enhance the stone's brilliance. Because of this, it's critical not to submerge this jewelry in water. Take special care not to wash your hands, shower, swim or do the dishes. Any water that gets underneath the stone will compromise the stone's backing. If you need to clean the piece, spritz a small amount of delicate cleaning solution onto a soft brush or lint-free cloth and gently buff the tops of the stone. Use a dry brush to remove any dust and debris from underneath the stones. Is Diamante Valuable? Though diamante jewelry isn't made with natural gemstones, it can still command high prices. Antique diamante pieces are sought for their rarity. Later, authentic diamante jewelry from the 1920's and onward can command a high price tag if the jewelry is signed. Many collectors seek out designer diamante pieces, particularly from names like Chanel, Trifari, Boucher and Weiss.  There are a few key things to look for in unsigned pieces: condition, presence of prongs, brilliance, amount of stones, and color. Each of these characteristics will set the jewelry apart from being inexpensive to being highly prized. We hope this article has been of interest. If so, please feel free to share it All the best Take stock of what's in your jewelry box. Why the Basics Are So Important Jewelry is one of the best accessories to express yourself and your personal style, but there are some foundational pieces that every woman should have. These pieces are tried and true, classic standbys that will be there for you for multiple occasions and looks. Invest in these must-have pieces for a lifetime of great and reliable style. The Essential List Diamond studs in a setting and shape you prefer A signature bracelet - a single line or tennis bracelet or a set you stack A cocktail ring in a statement-making diamond or gemstone design A set of pearls – including at least one strand and a pair of pearl stud earrings An everyday watch that's elegant enough for professional and casual settings Hers and His: Jewelry for Kids Do your kids love jewelry? Here's how to do it right. Decide Between What They Want and What They Should Have Kids are just like anyone else. Some are hyper-aware of fashion trends, some care a lot, and some just...don't. And it's certainly not just girls. Boys often take style cues from their dads, or sports or music heroes. But as parents, you'll draw the line between what kids want, what's right for them, and what they'll actually take care of. Safety Always Comes First In some cultures, babies get their ears pierced. In others, ear piercing is a rite of passage for pre-teen girls. In any case, use care: Babies' earrings should secure with screw-backs so they won't come off, lost and possibly swallowed For any age, nickel allergies are common. Choose sterling silver, surgical steel, gold or gold plate over sterling. Always remember, necklaces should be worn with caution, and never to bed. After Safety – Fashion! Is your kid active? Opt for small studs or hoop earrings; leather or rubber necklaces and bracelets that can take a beating. Just make sure you know the rules for wearing jewelry on game and practice days. Is your child responsible? Limit precious jewelry to occasions when you can supervise. You don't want a special occasion to be spoiled by an accident or forgetfulness. Give them designs they'll love: Think hearts and natural motifs like bees, butterflies, bugs and flowers Light up little faces with studs and small hoops, but save dramatic drops and dangles for their teens or 20s Charm her with charms! Bracelets and necklaces can be added to for years Give him an ID bracelet; they're perennially cool and always classic Start collecting birthstone jewelry for her. Opt for enamel instead of valuable gemstones for color. Understand your Rings Learn about the different parts of a ring What Makes a Ring The head and the claw Starting at the top, you have the head of the ring. This can also be called the setting. As you may know, there are different types of settings that hold a gemstone or pearl in place. Learn more about specific settings here. "Head" often refers to the entire top of the ring - the particular setting and the gem as one unit. The claw is the set of prongs that secure the gemstone in the setting. While the setting itself provides ample support, the claw ensures your precious gemstone remains firmly fixed. The band and the shoulder The band, or shank, is the "ring" portion of the ring. The band should be appropriately sized to fit your finger. Bands come in a variety of styles from plain to pavé. The shoulder is a component of the ring you may not even realize is there. Similar to your shoulder, this is the area between the head and the band. For the most part, this area is unadorned, but there are a few designs that showcase the shoulder, such as a cathedral setting. Find Your Ring Size METHOD 1 Measure A Ring You Currently Own Place your ring over the closest matching sized circle, make sure the inside of the ring fits around the outside of the circle. If you are between sizes, order up. METHOD 2 Measure Your Finger With A Ruler 1 - Get a non-stretchy string or paper about 6" long and 1/4" wide. 2 - Wrap around the base of your finger. It has to fit snug, but not too tight. 3 - Mark the point on the string/paper where it overlaps forming a circle. 4 - Compare the length of the string/paper to the chart. That is your ring size. Ring finger measuring tips: Make sure your finger is at a normal body temperature -- fingers can shrink or expand when cold or hot. If your knuckle is much larger than your finger’s base, take two separate measurements and choose a size in between. You want a ring to fit over your knuckle, but not be too loose or it will shift around. The diagram below is a guide which shows actual sizes. Just place an existing ring over the circles. Use the inner part of the ring to match against the circles below. There is also a paper measuring method. Use it as a template. However most jewelers having more specific measuring tools to determine the correct fit  Ring Issues Slipping off your hand? Itching? Completely stuck on your finger? Here's how to fix some of the most common ring issues. Won't stay on/won't come off Won't stay on If your ring is constantly slipping off or sliding down your finger, you've probably got a size that is too large. This is not only an annoyance, it's a security issue. Wearing a ring that is too big, especially an engagement or wedding ring, presents the risk for loss. Even a forceful gesture can send your ring flying off your finger if it's too loose. The fix: Resizing is your best option. Depending on the style, platinum, gold and silver can generally be sized larger or smaller by two sizes. Alternative metals cannot usually be resized. If your ring can't be resized and you have a minimal amount of roominess (enough to cause your ring to turn and spin), talk to a jeweler about mechanisms that can be inserted to help it fit better. Some options might include fold over devices and ring beads. Stuck on your finger It's a situation that can cause panic – a stubborn ring tightly latched on your finger. If this is a ring you wear every day without issue, your hand is likely swollen. If the ring doesn't belong to you or you've tried it on at the jewelry store, remain clam. The fix: For swollen hands and fingers, elevate and ice the hand to calm the swelling. If swelling isn't the issue, reach for any slippery substance to help loosen the grip. Olive oil, Vaseline, body lotion, and even dish soap all contain lubricants that can help slide the ring off. Apply to your finger and gently twist and pull the ring. It could take a few tries, so be patient. Allergies First, Rule Out Simple Irritation This condition actually has a name, wedding ring or contact dermatitis. It sounds a bit more dramatic than it is. The cause is constant wear of your wedding and or engagement ring that has resulted in the irritation of your skin. Uninterrupted wear means your ring could be trapping dirt, soap, moisture and other debris that eventually causes some discomfort in the form of redness and itching. The fix: Let your skin breathe by removing your ring for a day or two and have it cleaned. If you no longer experience itching once the clean ring is returned to your finger, you can safely assume no allergy is present. When it Could be a Metal Allergy If you take the steps described above and you still have irritation, you may have a sensitivity to an alloy in your ring. Nickle is the most prevalent metal allergy and is found in many types of gold. Gold that is 18K and above contains the least amount of nickel while 14K and 10K will have more. The fix: If changing your band for a metal that won't cause your allergy to flare up isn't an option, talk to your jeweler about coating the inside of your ring with a protective film or plastic to help negate any allergic reaction. We hope this article has been on interest. If so, please feel free to share it all the best Understanding your Bracelet Learn the basic styles of bracelets. Bracelets At their most basic, most bracelets will feature a chain. While sometimes worn on their own, chains included in these popular styles are generally made to support the embellishments included. Of course, not all bracelets begin with a chain, as you'll discover.  Tennis Named for the beloved bracelet of a famous tennis star, this style is quite the athlete itself. Nimble and light, tennis bracelets are designed for easy wear without sacrificing any style. Meant to be worn comfortably around the wrist to allow for some movement, they generally attach with a clasp that locks. Gemstones are primarily featured in tennis bracelets, and diamond tennis bracelets are the most popular.  Bangle Bangles can range in size and weight. Some are quite wide while others can be more slender. Most often, bangles do not feature clasps or closures, but are wide enough for the hand to pass through, yet narrow enough for the bracelet to stay on the wrist. If a closure is part of the design, the bracelet may open and then click shut with a locking mechanism. For the most part, bangles are solid bracelets that do not contain any links, as in a chain. Bangles can be worn individually or as a group.  Cuff A cuff is one of the most unique styles of bracelets. Generally wide, cuffs tend to cover the wrist and slightly higher, though some can be narrower. Solid metal is the primary material for cuffs with leather being the second most common. Cuffs often feature openings rather than clasps.  Charm With a simple chain base, this bracelet is intended to be customized and personalized with individual charms. Charms can be selected all at once or curated over many years.  Bolo
Similar to the tie that shares its name, bolo bracelets feature an adjustable closure that tightens and loosens. Bolos feature many types of designs and materials but are generally lighter and more delicate compared to other styles. We hope this article has been of interest. If so, please feel free to share it All the best Understanding your Earrings Learn about earring styles and closures. Types of Earrings Styles There are four main types of earrings:  Hoops Size: Can vary from really wide to small tight circles Trademark: Round sweeping circles Occasion: Day or night. A larger hoop may be more appropriate for a more casual event or with jeans. Smaller hoops are more appropriate for business or social occasions.  Studs Size: Small to medium in size Trademark: Delicate, simple, and classic Occasion: Studs work for any and all occasions. They are considered an essential in any jewelry wardrobe.  Dangles, Drops and Chandeliers Size: Ranges from short to shoulder-kissing. Can also be wide, narrow, or gradually flare toward the bottom Trademark: Elegant sway, sparkle and movement Occasion: Usually a formal or semi-formal event. However, dangles or chandeliers can be paired with more casual styles to elevate your look.  Crawlers Size: Medium Trademark: Extends up along the ear Occasion: This style is versatile, but it tends to get noticed. While it works with a dressed down look, it's ideal for turning up the edge and glamour.  Front/Backs Size: Medium/Large Trademark: Designs on both the front and back of the styles Occasion: These styles are guaranteed to get noticed. With designs on both the front and back of the earring, these styles are perfect for most any occasion from casual to business to more formal occasions. Types of Closures  Post push backs – are used with post earrings like studs. They secure the earring to the back of the ear.  Screw backs – these are also used with studs and are commonly found on higher-end post earrings, like diamond studs, and on children's earrings for security reasons. They screw on to the back of a threaded post, securing the earring to the ear.  Hinge/Omega back – post hoops and other styles will often feature a hinge finished with an open "O"‐shaped lock that securely secures the style.  Latch – often found on hoop earrings, these earrings feature a hinged post that snaps into a "U"‐shaped lock at the back of the style.  French wire – these closures resemble fish hooks. They pass through the pierced earlobe and the earring itself holds in place. Occasionally, small rubber stoppers are slid up the back of the earring to provide additional security.  Snap–lock – this type of back has a hinged piece of metal that goes through the ear and snaps into a latch on the opposite side of the earring. We hope this article has been of interest. If so, please feel free to share it All the best Understanding Your Necklace Learn about different types of necklaces and chains. Popular Necklace Styles  Strand – Generally, a strand consists of uniform gemstones or beads strung together. Stones or beads can also vary in size and color to create different patterns.  Pendant – A single charm, gemstone, or other design that is the focal point of a pendant necklace. Pendants can be quite simple, perhaps a single solitaire gemstone, or elaborate, such as a silver or gold design featuring gems or pearls.  Choker – A distinct high and tight necklace that lays across the throat. They can vary in width and specific style. Some may be wide with a cascade of gemstones. Others may be a delicate chain with a charm or two. Chain Types - A chain is at the foundation of most types of necklaces. There are a wide variety of chains, these are the most popular and the most likely to be worn as is, unadorned.  Anchor – Also called Mariner, this chain alternates a single round link with a larger oval link, giving it a distinct appearance.  Bead – Boasts small round beaded fixed along a slender chain with slight distance between them.  Box – Square-shaped links give this chain its boxy appearance.  Byzantine – This chain features complex patterns that twist together.  Cable chains – The most commonly used chain style, cable chains feature simple conjoined oval links.  Curb/Cuban chains – Flat interlocking links. May be diamond-cut to add texture. Can range from skinny to wide.  Figaro chains – Features two or three short links alternating with one longer one, forming a pattern. Considered a masculine design.  Popcorn – Intricately woven, this link chain the illusion of beads clustered together.  Rolo – Features interlocking oval-shaped links that are turned 180 degrees from each other.  Rope chains – Links that are twisted together resembling a rope.  Singapore chains – Curved links that have a flat appearance. May also be called the Twisting Curb chain.  Snake chains – Created with closely fit rings that give the appearance and texture of a snakeskin. Very flexible.  Wheat chains – Feature four strands of twisting oval links woven together. We hope this article has been of interest. If so, please feel free to share it All the best |
