7 ESSENTIAL JEWELRY CARE TIPS

Keep your jewelry collection in good hands! Follow these basic jewelry maintenance tips to keep your baby jewelry in use for the rest of your life.

Did you know that jewelry, particularly silver jewelry, tends to tarnish over time? This is true even if it’s stored away. Your body chemistry, the environment and some kinds of chemicals can alter the color of your favorite pieces, which can be pretty devastating. Proper jewelry care can ensure that each of your items always looks its best so you can be proud to wear it.

Caring for your jewelry goes beyond a simple buff or rinse every so often. Regularly inspecting your jewelry is also important to identify when there might be damage or wear to your pieces. The key to jewelry maintenance is knowing how to store, wear, and clean your items.

Keep reading for an easy jewelry guide for getting it right.

JEWELRY CARE INVOLVES PUTTING IT ON LAST

This is perhaps the easiest way to prevent your prized pieces from coming into contact with substances that can lead to tarnishing. This includes hair spray, body lotion, deodorant, and perfume. Use whichever of these items you usually do but give them some time to soak in or dissipate in the air before you put your jewelry on.

This means you don’t have to give any of them up but can still protect your earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. If you plan to reapply any of these substances during the day, be sure to remove all your jewelry and place it out of contact reach before doing so.

TRY TO AVOID LIGHT AND HEAT

You know that the sun can damage your skin and change its color with enough exposure. The same is true for many metals and gemstones used to make jewelry. Prolonged sun or light exposure can damage these materials and cause them to wear out as well as look old and uncared for.

This is especially true of amethyst, topaz, and cameo pieces. Pearls and ivory tend to bleach out when they get a lot of sun or light and amber can take on a darker hue in the same situation. Excessive heat can cause gems to crack and remove the natural moisture they need to stay in good shape.

Tarnished jewelry doesn’t only not look nice, but it can also stain your skin. When you aren’t wearing your jewelry, be sure to keep it in a cool, dry, dark place.

DON’T WEAR YOUR JEWELRY WHEN DOING CHORES

You love your jewelry and probably really enjoy wearing it, but there are times when it’s better to take it off so it stays looking pretty. Cleaning and gardening are two of those times. The chemicals in many cleaning products, especially bleach, can damage or ruin metals and gems.

Gold, sterling silver, and platinum can all become discolored with exposure to certain chemicals and some gemstones can also. If you don’t want to take jewelry off, wear rubber gloves.

Wearing your jewelry to do gardening can lead to bumps and dings that can scratch or chip metal and gems. Anytime you plan to do chores around the house, it’s best to remove your jewelry first.

TAKE YOUR JEWELRY OFF IN THE WATER

Some people tend to wear their jewelry all the time, never removing it for anything. While this is convenient because you know you’ll never forget it, it can cause damage to the metals and gems used to make it.

In the swimming pool or hot tub, chlorine can tarnish metals and weaken gems. The addition of prolonged soaking in water can further weaken both materials. Showering or bathing with jewelry on can cause similar damage due to water exposure as well as contact with the soap, shampoo, and conditioner you use.

Keeping a tray or dish in the bathroom (away from drains and toilets so you don’t lose them) gives you an easy reminder to take it off before getting into the water. That way after you’ve applied your lotion, you can put it all back on if you want to. (Unless you’re going to bed – more on that below).

LEARN HOW TO CLEAN JEWELRY THE RIGHT WAY

Knowing how to clean jewelry is one of the best things you can do for your favorite pieces. Learning to clean gold and clean silver means you’ll always be equipped to care for your jewelry so it always looks its best.

It’s best to use cleaning cloths and solutions specifically designed for your pieces. The wrong one can damage etchings and engravings as well as leave your metals and gems discolored.

Ultrasonic cleaning tools aren’t always a good option as they cannot be used on certain items, including pearls. The vibration of the machine can also loosen gemstones or cause them to fall out altogether. Buffing should be done with an appropriate polishing cloth or piece of flannel.

NEVER SLEEP WITH YOUR JEWELRY ON

This includes rings and small earrings. Of course, larger pieces can be uncomfortable to sleep in and should be taken off, even the pieces you don’t notice while you’re sleeping should be removed prior to bedtime.

Wearing jewelry to bed can lead to damage, including bent prongs, broken chains, and loose stones. You could also lose an earring back in your sheets. In addition, the jewelry can cause skin irritation so it’s much safer for your body and your favorite pieces to take them off before you go to bed at night.

STORE IT PROPERLY EVERY TIME

You’re tired and ready for bed so you just toss your jewelry onto your nightstand and go to sleep. That might not seem like a big deal, but it can be. Not only is jewelry best cared for when it’s in a cool, dark place when you aren’t wearing it, but improper storage can lead to damaged or broken pieces.

Experts recommend always storing your items separately in a case designed for jewelry. This limits the risk of items getting tangled up together or scratching one another. When you keep everything separate, you always know that it will be ready to wear and looking its best each time you take it out.

SUMMING UP

The key to jewelry maintenance is to clean regularly, avoid contact with substances that may damage metals or gemstones, remove them when doing chores, and store them carefully.

Related articles:

8 Tips for Cleaning Jewelry

At Home, How To Clean A Diamond Ring

3 Different Sterling Silver Cleaning Methods

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What’s Wrong or Right? Jewellery or Jewelry

Jewellery or Jewelry, which way is correct? In a strange and interesting way they both are. This is due to geography and local differences. Ever wonder where words come from? Are you curious about what is wrong or right when you see Jewellery or Jewelry? The origin of both these words come from the word Jewel. Let’s take a look at the geography of Jewelry and Jewellery.
    
Is Jewellery Right?

Jewellery comes from the word Jewel. Jewellery, spelled in this way, is mainly used in Australia and the United Kingdom. The word Jewellery is also often seen in Canada although both versions are used there as well. But why is this so, and how did it become? Jewel is the root word and anglicized from the French word Jouel.

Similar to many other words, when converted from other languages, the spelling differed across different countries. You can see similar words like “favourite” or “finalise” or “practicing” from our interview with Amber Sceats from Australia. All of these words actually have different spellings in the US compared to Australia and the UK. So in summary, Jewellery is the correct spelling in the United Kingdom, Australia, and parts of Canada.

Is Jewelry Right?

Jewelry is the American spelling of the same word. There is no difference in definition or meaning. This refers to items worn including rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Jewelry is something that can make us feel good, receiving or buying it. Remember the first earrings you purchased or the first ring you received—that feeling of joy?

So if you are living in the US, yes, the word Jewelry is right. The definition of the word Jewellery is “objects that are worn for personal adornment…” Another definition of Jewellery is “the art or business of a jeweler”.

Whether spelled as Jewelry or Jewellery they are interchangeable with one another.

You say Potato, I say Potato, lets call the whole thing off.

Right or wrong, they all mean the same thing now, but in different places and regions.

The most wanted jeweler

There is an undeniable connection between women and jewelry. But who would have thought a woman could rob a jewelry store tomorrow? We’re talking about six jewelry stores?

The Story

According to the FBI, the culprit responsible for six robberies in jewelry stores in the southeast had been taken into custody. The culprit, Abigail Lee Kemp, 24, and another suspect had been taken to Smyrna, Georgia.

Federal authorities also announced that Kemp had been arrested and is being detained due to the charges being filed against her. As she is suspected for the number of robberies, the punishment for her crime is heavy.

The federal agency also stated that within hours of issuing a press release regarding the assistance in finding the culprit for the six robberies, the FBI had received a number of credible leads coming from the public.

The FBI has not released the details of the arrest and the name of the other suspect, as they had cited that they are still continuing their investigation. Kemp, on the other hand, is to appear in Atlanta federal court this Monday.

Abigail Kemp’s mother, Connie Kemp, had reportedly hung up on a phone call from INSIDE EDITION. Sources had said that her statement before hanging up was, “No comment and do not call this number again.”

Abigail Kemp is currently suspected of robbing jewelers in five different states since April 29 and her heists have been estimated to be $4 million. Surveillance cameras which had captured her in the act, had shown that she usually walked right into jewelry stores without a mask and care free. She was reported to have pulled out a gun and sometimes even tying employees when robbing the stores.

She usually wears gloves during her heists and is suspected of having an accomplice who was looking out for her.  

Before she was apprehended, her last heist had been in Mebane, North Carolina, where she had robbed a Jared Jewelers store.

We all know that diamonds are a woman’s best friend, but this woman must be too much. Fortunately, we don’t need to rob jewelry stores to satisfy our desire for all the good things. Jump to the clothes you want most and find your favorite new accessories!

How does the mood ring work?

Let your emotions show the color of your mood ring

We have many ways to express how we feel. Most people express themseeities through facial expressions. If a person can face a face, people will think that he/she is having a bad day, or that they just have “double face syndrome”.

Some display their emotions through their actions. You can sing “Walking On Sunshine” while at the office and people know that you’re happy and/or possibly insane.

But others choose to display their mood through clothes and jewelry.   That’s where mood rings are very useful. Mood rings were created back in the 1970’s and started the rise of mood jewelry. (Take a look at our Awesome 80s Jewelry Post.) Mood rings change their color based on the wearer’s mood. If you wear it feeling happy, it will appear as pink. But if you suddenly became anxious, it will turn to brown. Many people were very fascinated with this ring. That’s why it became really popular. But, ever wondered how it works?

How the Actual Mood Ring Works
         
Our body reacts differently to every mood we have. When one feels happy, certain chemicals are released in the blood and activates many of our organs. It causes an increase in the heart rate, therefore increasing the amount of blood circulating in the body. This is why we feel alert and energetic whenever we are happy. This is also why our body temperature increases.

On the other hand, during times when we are anxious or scared, chemicals in our body divert blood flow to our vital organs and muscles. This is to prepare our body for the “fight or flight” response. Since the blood is diverted to the internal organs, temperature tends to drop at our extremities.

Changes in our mood cause many reactions in our body. Certain chemicals in our body are released into our blood, causing several responses. That’s why our heart rate changes when we’re happy. We tend to have less energy when we are sad. These changes are utilized by the mood ring.

One major indicator during mood changes is the temperature. Normal body temperature is 98.6 F. Any mood shifts causes a rise or fall in our body temperature. Mood rings contain thermophilic liquid crystals layered with a protective coating. They are placed inside the ring or at the band. Once the person’s mood changes, the liquid will react to the temperature change and will therefore cause the change in the ring’s color.

Mood rings probably don’t reflect one’s mood perfectly, but they are certainly fun to wear.   They are both useful and fashionable. We all have very few pieces that can do that. It can be a good conversation starter.

Look for fashion jewelry, we’ll give you.

3 Common Jewelry Myths Revealed

    

Most women, if not all, own at least some jewelry. It could be a pair of earrings or a bracelet. When you’re a baby, you start collecting jewelry. It’s fun, but it’s also an investment.

Despite the fact that many of us are around and own jewelry our whole lives, we don’t really know that much about it.   In fact, a lot of what we know about jewelry is just plain wrong.   So we thought we would write about some jewelry myths and why they just aren’t true. So without further ado, we’ll debunk some of these jewelry myths for you.

    
There are Naturally Different Colors of Gold

You have seen gold in many colors before.   Maybe you never realized or seen gold that came with different colors. The most popular ones are white gold and rose gold.   Others are pink and faint blue as well as yellow.

I’m sorry to say but, those are not pure gold. Pure gold, in its natural form, is slightly reddish yellow in color. However, civilizations have managed to combine gold with other elements to create beautiful variations of gold. For example, white gold is an alloy made from gold and any white colored mineral like manganese and nickel. Most of these colored golds are used for jewelry but you can see them in tons of different uses.

Diamonds are Immune to Damage

Diamonds are known to be the toughest mineral on the planet. On the Moh’s Scale of Hardness, it has the score of 10, which is the highest category on the scale. But, hard as it may be, that doesn’t mean that it’s indestructible.

Diamonds can be scratched by other diamonds. Also, when you smash two diamonds together, they can break. There are also incidences where diamonds have been broken or cracked after hitting an object such as a wall or a car door.

Diamonds are tough but not indestructible.   So the next time you have intensive activities like grocery shopping, you may want to leave them at home.  

    
Bite into Gold to Check if it’s Legit or Not

    You have seen it in old movies.   The old fable of biting into gold to check for its authenticity. Naturally, gold is a soft metal and when bitten into it, you should be able to see your bite marks.

While this may be true, this jewelry myth is a little flawed.   There are also many other types of metal that are soft and malleable if bitten. Lead is a soft mineral as well and if you bite into it, you can also see your bite marks. Lead though is a known toxin.   There are people who have sold gold painted lead before.   So, it’s probably best not to bite your gold.

Be Safe When Buying Jewelry

Jewelry is an important part of your overall image. But it’s never wise to believe every word that others say about jewelry. There are countless myths and stories about jewelry fraud. So, before you buy any jewelry, make sure you’re buying it on a reputable jewelry site and do your own research.

How to match jewelry

Every day, we take the time to pick out a chic outfit. We do hair and makeup. We take good care of our skin. We glorify ourselves to look the best we can. But even so, we may still need a bit of style improvement to complete our look. A simple trick to complete your look is accessories with jewelry – a lot of it. Mixing jewelry is a popular jewelry trend and a simple way to get out and make you look the most beautiful.

So, how does one mix and match their jewelry? Here’s our quick tips:

PICK A FOCAL PIECE

One important lesson about mixing and matching jewelry is to find a centerpiece and accessorize from it. A centerpiece is usually the one piece of jewelry that stands out the most. The “eye-catcher.” It can be a chunky necklace, a large ring, or a shiny watch. Whatever it is, your other jewelry pieces should complement that focal jewelry piece. Say you are wearing a large, chunky opal necklace for an anniversary dinner, one can match it with a pair of diamond-studded earrings. A large gold watch can be worn with thin bracelets and rings that have a similar or complimentary tone.

BE COLORFUL

Mixing and matching jewelry can sometimes become dull and boring, especially if you wear pieces of the same color. Break the monotony by wearing pieces that have a colorful accent. Never be afraid to blend in a colorful piece in the sea of gold or silver necklaces. It’ll enhance and make your pieces look exciting and fashionable.

BE DIVERSE

Habitually, one would think to wear jewelry of the same kind. So if you chose a gold bracelet as your focal piece, the rest should also be in gold. But, present times calls for change. Now, it is actually encouraged to mix jewelry of different metals and stones. This makes the look more unique and trendy.

LAYER IT

Layer your jewelry based on size and thickness. Necklaces can be layered by wearing long jewelry pieces with shorter ones. On the other hand, bracelets can be layered by wearing thin, simple looking bracelets together with thicker, chunkier bracelets. Make sure it doesn’t look too overwhelming. Never pile too much jewelry.

STACK ‘EM UP

One of the latest styles when it comes to wearing rings is stacking. The best thing about this stacking trend is that there are no rules. It doesn’t matter how many rings you wear. Pick out from any of those cute, affordable pieces from your favorite shops and stack em’ up. Sounds pretty simple and awesome, right?

Mixing and matching jewelry may be scary at first, but try it. The easiest way to remember is not to make a head. Beyond that, the combinations can be endless. A fairly simple recipe arrives at your next party looking beautiful and stylish.

HISTORY OF HOOP EARRINGS

Do you like hoop earrings? Learn about the history of hoop earrings and get a new perspective on this beloved and powerful style.

Although hoop earrings are one of the lightest pieces of jewelry you can wear, they carry the weight of the whole world. As one of the oldest ornaments in human history, earrings are of great significance in different cultures.

The hoop earrings, once used by kings and queens to symbolize power and social status, are now considered symbols of unity and strength. Ring earrings stand out, just like the strong women who wear them.

Read on to explore the history of earrings and learn how they have evolved over the years.

HISTORY OF HOOP EARRINGS

Hoops have been around almost as long as humans have. From ancient Egyptians to American style icons, both men and women have sported the famous look.

ORIGIN OF HOOP EARRINGS

Hoop earrings were worn by ancient Greeks, Romans, Asians, and Egyptians. What began as a way to identify tribal members turned into symbols of religion and power within societies.

The first hoop earrings originated around 2500 B.C.E. in Nubia, an African civilization located in what we now call Sudan. The ear jewelry was created in gold, silver, and bronze. In 1000 B.C.E., tapered hoop earrings spread to other cultures around the world.

In 1500 B.C.E., Egyptian men and women both flaunted gorgeous hoops on their ears. They believed earrings enhanced a person’s beauty and were made using twisted gold wire and beads. Royal Egyptians wore heavy and thick gold hoops to symbolize their wealth and power.

Ancient Roman and Greek art show that these cultures embraced hoop earrings as well. The jewelry was predominately worn by women, but men with high social status sometimes sported hoop earrings as well. In ancient Persia, carvings depict soldiers wearing a single hoop earring in each ear.

FAST FORWARD TO THE 1600S

Europe saw a decline in ear jewelry through the 1600s. This was largely due to elaborate hairstyles, headpieces, high collared clothing that covered the ears.

During the 1700s Century, small, pear-shaped pearl earrings were more popular throughout European cultures than hoops. This is also when men began cutting back on their earring usage and would instead only sport the jewelry in one ear.

During the 1820s, light hoop earrings were more popular than heavy-weight pendant jewelry. Fashion trends during this time replicated historical styles with heavy inspiration from Roman cultures that led to greater popularity in large, gold hoops.

HOOP EARRINGS IN THE 20TH CENTURY

In the United States in the 1900s, there was a mix of negativity around hoop earrings. Many people saw them as symbolizing Native American and Latino culture. Many American women stopped wearing earrings altogether so they would not be categorized as an immigrant.

The stigma surrounding ear piercings in the United States was short-lived. By 1910, simpler hairstyles, lower cut outfits, and updos that flaunted the ears instead of hiding them. This led to a rebirth of earring popularity among American women.

The early 1920s introduced exotic styles that brought the hoop earring back into the spotlight in America thanks to Spanish and Egyptian influences. The discovery of King Tutankhamen’s tomb in 1922 rebirthed the notion of gold hoop earrings symbolizing power and high social status.

The updos and short hairstyles of the 1920s and 30s made earrings an essential finishing touch to outfits. Shoulders were being exposed with low-cut blouses, and a pair of gorgeous hoops matched perfectly. American entertainer Josephine Baker loved wearing gold hoops on stage.

Hoop earrings were the signature look of the 1960s as they matched with the clean, straight-hair trend of the decade. During the 1970s, hoops in silver, chrome, kinetic, and tribal designs were very popular. Cher and Diana Ross were notorious for flaunting large hoops with intricate designs.

The 1980s brought new jewelry designs with jagged shapes and drops. This pushed hoop earrings to the back burner temporarily, although the design never went out of style.

Hoops continued to be popular among women throughout the 1990s and early 2000s thanks to hip hop culture and Latino influence.

THE MEANING BEHIND THE HOOPS

Hoop earrings are worn by many people throughout the world today and continue to be one of the oldest fashion trends alive.

Hoops are empowering. They symbolize strength and international fashion. Being a circle, hoop earrings show unity, infinity, and wholeness.

Hoop earrings have been a staple of Latino culture. As minorities and immigrants in America and Europe, hoop earrings became a symbol of strength, identity, and resistance to discrimination. For young Latino girls, it is common to receive a pair of small hoop earrings at a young age from their mothers or grandmothers.

Hoop earrings are for the bold. With so many different designs and sizes, hoop jewelry stands out more than any other type of earring. Stud piercings blend in and can be easily overlooked while dangling hoops demand attention.

Cardi B, Michelle Obama, Jennifer Lopez, and Beyonce are just some of the influential women in today’s culture who love sporting hoops. They are seen as more than just fashion pieces, but respectful nods to the Dominican and African cultures where they originated from.

STAY IN THE LOOP

Hoop earrings are a major component of many different cultures and continue to evolve as a symbol of fashion accessories and power. Understanding the long history of hoop earrings should make you proud to show off bold and beautiful costumes.

Why cheap jewelry makes you spend more money

Cheap jewelry and artificial jewelry may seem affordable, but in reality it will cost you more. There are a few things you should know about buying cheap jewelry.

7% of the total American population consider their spending on jewelry as a major expense. Jewelry is a key fashion statement especially among women of all ages. You will certainly look more glamorous if you can accessorize that beautiful dress with a stunning piece of jewelry to boot.

Most people assume that good quality jewelry must cost you an arm and a leg. This assumption is overrated. You can always go for affordable but quality jewelry.

But, you also need to know that cheap can be costly in the end. If you are considering buying cheap jewelry in place of more expensive but affordable pieces you need to consider a few important pointers.

Cheap jewelry and costume jewelry can seem like an affordable fix, but it can actually cost you more. Here’s what you should know about buying cheap jewelry.

CHEAP (USUALLY) MEANS LOW QUALITY

Do you ever wonder how stores with such low-cost jewelry break even? Well, it is because the pieces of jewelry they sell are low quality and cost less. Most of the gemstones you will find in cheap jewelry stores are amazing on the surface but will eventually disappoint you.

If you plan on buying a cheap gemstone, you are better advised that they tend to have an inferior color. They also tend to break easily when bumped. You may need to consider these important observations before settling for that cheap jewelry option.

THE RISK OF IMITATIONS IS HIGH

Your naked eye will not realize this, but most of the diamond jewelry you find in cheap jewelry stores is an imitation. This is not meant to burst the bubble but is impossible to get a genuine diamond at the price that most of these cheap jewelry stores quote. What you will most likely buy is some fake stone.

Some shrewd jewelry makers will include small pieces of a real diamond in between normal metal droplets. Because of the excitement you derive from buying such jewelry cheaply, you rarely undertake due diligence. You only learn later that cheap is expensive when your cheap piece of jewelry begins to discolor.

Do not fall for fake jewelry when you can buy affordable yet genuine jewelry.

CHEAP JEWELRY EQUALS SHAKY PRONGS

If you have ever gone out window shopping for rings, you know that prongs are the backbone of a strong ring. Unfortunately, when you go out seeking to buy a piece of cheap jewelry, you tend to sacrifice such nitty-gritty at the altar of cheaper prices. Such cheap pieces of jewelry have weak prongs that are easily damaged sooner rather than later.

In a ring, such prongs hold the stone in place. You know what happens in the event that these prongs get weaker with time.

Stop buying cheap jewelry if you want a lasting solution to shaky prongs. There is a range of fairly priced options you can consider if in need of quality rings.

WATCH OUT FOR LOWER KARAT GOLD

Have you ever sort for a gold necklace, a ring or bracelet and marveled at how cheap they are in specific jewelry stores? Well, it is because they were of a lower karat gold standard than the seller purported. You may wonder what is cheap jewelry made off, it is actually made of lower standards of the purported expensive stone.

In the United States, most of the cheap jewelry sold as gold does not even attain the standard regulation of 10 karats. If you are keen about your health and the various allergies, you must always stick to wearing jewelry that is between 14 and 18 karats. Also, cheap gold-coated jewelry may not be the best solution for your fashion needs.

BE KEEN ON THE HAZARDOUS COMPONENTS IN CHEAP JEWELRY

Imagine achieving a temporal stunning look at the expense of long-term chronic disease. Terrible right? This is what buying cheap jewelry will most likely lead to. Lead jewelry is an observable example of the negative consequences of buying cheap jewelry.

BE AWARE OF THE DANGERS OF LEAD JEWELRY

If you are considering buying fancy earrings to accessorize your look, you need to focus on quality and not cost. Most of the low-priced earrings and other cheap jewelry are not lead compliant. Your guess is as good as mine on the consequences that this jewelry has on your health in the long term.

Before you decide to settle for that cheap jewelry, you must reflect on the risk of organ damage that leads causes. Your decision to settle for costume jewelry will get you into health-related trouble sooner than you can imagine.

BE KEEN ON THE HAZARDOUS COMPONENTS BEFORE BUYING CHEAP JEWELRY

Buying cheap jewelry increases your risk of developing skin complications such as contact dermatitis. Stop buying cheap jewelry if you are keen on avoiding instances of dry blisters on your skin and excessive itching.

You will not appreciate the low-cost budget you used to buy such jewelry if you end up spending extra in medical expenses.

THE RISK OF CADMIUM IN COSTUME JEWELRY

Take a moment and think about the role that your kidneys play in your body. Now imagine experiencing fatal kidney failure due to an avoidable action. Most cheap jewelry has a high level of cadmium, which has the potential to lead to kidney failure in the medium-term.

The cadmium component in most of the jewelry is also cacogenic. The dangers of cheap jewelry include cancer and other chronic illnesses, which should be a concern for you. Stop buying cheap jewelry without considering the long-term implications that these accessories have on your health.

BUYING CHEAP JEWELRY CAN BE TOXIC

When refereeing to jewelry, it is agreeable that cheap is noxious based on the many negative implications that buying cheap jewelry has on your health. Why would you want to end up with all these negative consequences when there is genuine jewelry that will not be too costly?

If you do not want to buy a bracelet or a necklace often due to damage or discoloration, you need to stop buying cheap jewelry. Also, do not forget the negative effects cheap pieces of jewelry may have on your health.7% of the total American population consider their spending on jewelry as a major expense. Jewelry is a key fashion statement especially among women of all ages. You will certainly look more glamorous if you can accessorize that beautiful dress with a stunning piece of jewelry to boot.

Most people assume that good quality jewelry must cost you an arm and a leg. This assumption is overrated. You can always go for affordable but quality jewelry.

But, you also need to know that cheap can be costly in the end. If you are considering buying cheap jewelry in place of more expensive but affordable pieces you need to consider a few important pointers.

Cheap jewelry and costume jewelry can seem like an affordable fix, but it can actually cost you more. Here’s what you should know about buying cheap jewelry.

CHEAP (USUALLY) MEANS LOW QUALITY

Do you ever wonder how stores with such low-cost jewelry break even? Well, it is because the pieces of jewelry they sell are low quality and cost less. Most of the gemstones you will find in cheap jewelry stores are amazing on the surface but will eventually disappoint you.

If you plan on buying a cheap gemstone, you are better advised that they tend to have an inferior color. They also tend to break easily when bumped. You may need to consider these important observations before settling for that cheap jewelry option.

THE RISK OF IMITATIONS IS HIGH

Your naked eye will not realize this, but most of the diamond jewelry you find in cheap jewelry stores is an imitation. This is not meant to burst the bubble but is impossible to get a genuine diamond at the price that most of these cheap jewelry stores quote. What you will most likely buy is some fake stone.

Some shrewd jewelry makers will include small pieces of a real diamond in between normal metal droplets. Because of the excitement you derive from buying such jewelry cheaply, you rarely undertake due diligence. You only learn later that cheap is expensive when your cheap piece of jewelry begins to discolor.

Do not fall for fake jewelry when you can buy affordable yet genuine jewelry.

CHEAP JEWELRY EQUALS SHAKY PRONGS

If you have ever gone out window shopping for rings, you know that prongs are the backbone of a strong ring. Unfortunately, when you go out seeking to buy a piece of cheap jewelry, you tend to sacrifice such nitty-gritty at the altar of cheaper prices. Such cheap pieces of jewelry have weak prongs that are easily damaged sooner rather than later.

In a ring, such prongs hold the stone in place. You know what happens in the event that these prongs get weaker with time.

Stop buying cheap jewelry if you want a lasting solution to shaky prongs. There is a range of fairly priced options you can consider if in need of quality rings.

BE KEEN ON THE HAZARDOUS COMPONENTS IN CHEAP JEWELRY

Imagine achieving a temporal stunning look at the expense of long-term chronic disease. Terrible right? This is what buying cheap jewelry will most likely lead to. Lead jewelry is an observable example of the negative consequences of buying cheap jewelry.

BE AWARE OF THE DANGERS OF LEAD JEWELRY

If you are considering buying fancy earrings to accessorize your look, you need to focus on quality and not cost. Most of the low-priced earrings and other cheap jewelry are not lead compliant. Your guess is as good as mine on the consequences that this jewelry has on your health in the long term.

Before you decide to settle for that cheap jewelry, you must reflect on the risk of organ damage that leads causes. Your decision to settle for costume jewelry will get you into health-related trouble sooner than you can imagine.

BE KEEN ON THE HAZARDOUS COMPONENTS BEFORE BUYING CHEAP JEWELRY

Buying cheap jewelry increases your risk of developing skin complications such as contact dermatitis. Stop buying cheap jewelry if you are keen on avoiding instances of dry blisters on your skin and excessive itching.

You will not appreciate the low-cost budget you used to buy such jewelry if you end up spending extra in medical expenses.

WATCH OUT FOR LOWER KARAT GOLD

Have you ever sort for a gold necklace, a ring or bracelet and marveled at how cheap they are in specific jewelry stores? Well, it is because they were of a lower karat gold standard than the seller purported. You may wonder what is cheap jewelry made off, it is actually made of lower standards of the purported expensive stone.

In the United States, most of the cheap jewelry sold as gold does not even attain the standard regulation of 10 karats. If you are keen about your health and the various allergies, you must always stick to wearing jewelry that is between 14 and 18 karats. Also, cheap gold-coated jewelry may not be the best solution for your fashion needs.

THE RISK OF CADMIUM IN COSTUME JEWELRY

Take a moment and think about the role that your kidneys play in your body. Now imagine experiencing fatal kidney failure due to an avoidable action. Most cheap jewelry has a high level of cadmium, which has the potential to lead to kidney failure in the medium-term.

The cadmium component in most of the jewelry is also cacogenic. The dangers of cheap jewelry include cancer and other chronic illnesses, which should be a concern for you. Stop buying cheap jewelry without considering the long-term implications that these accessories have on your health.

BUYING CHEAP JEWELRY CAN BE TOXIC

When refereeing to jewelry, it is agreeable that cheap is noxious based on the many negative implications that buying cheap jewelry has on your health. Why would you want to end up with all these negative consequences when there is genuine jewelry that will not be too costly?

If you don’t want to buy bracelets or necklaces, often due to damage or discoloration, you need to stop buying cheap jewelry. Also, don’t forget the negative effects cheap jewelry can have on your health.

Then again, the quality of jewelry at such a low price is guaranteed in our store. Welcome to visit our store!

Care and preservation of diamond rings

Diamonds are timeless. However, sparkling diamonds inadvertently turn into dull diamonds. Proper maintenance and maintenance will ensure that your diamonds sparkle in the years to come. We have some guidelines that can help you show off your ring every day for the rest of your life.

Be Careful

Don’t be a daredevil on a daily basis when wearing your ring. Don’t be careless and leave it on during times it might get damaged. Whether throwing the football to your kids or wrestling with your dog, be careful not to chip the band or loosen the stones. Try not to punch the wall in anger or use your hand as a hammer hanging artwork. Swinging a tennis racket, spiking a volleyball, or lifting weights can easily knock stones our of their place.

Remove Your Ring When Preparing Food

Cooking can be messy. From kneading dough for bread, rolling meatballs between your hands, and rubbing spices on meat, food particles can get stuck deep within your diamonds. You don’t want raw meat stuck in your ring for days. Simply remove your ring and place it in a safe location when cooking. Make sure to put it back on after you get done so it doesn’t get swept away in the garbage disposal with the leftover remnants of food.

Store Diamonds Properly

It’s important that diamonds are stored properly when they aren’t on your finger. You may never take your ring off, but if you do, put it in the proper location. You should store diamonds in a jewelry box lined with cloth. This helps avoid scratches and any damage to the setting.

Insure Your Ring

One of the best things you can do to care for your ring is insure it. Of course, nothing can ever replace the emotional and sentimental value of your engagement/wedding ring. Insuring your ring just means if it’s ever lost or damaged, the cost is covered. Your significant other can go get you the same kind or invest in an upgrade.

Routine Inspections

Your wedding ring is probably one of the most important things you’ll wear. Regular inspections at your local jeweler will keep its health top notch. Yes, rings need annual check-ups just like you do! To the naked eye your ring might look just fine, but have problems under the surface. A jeweler can ensure there aren’t any chips or cracks in the diamonds and ensure your gemstones are firmly held in place. You can easily get these things fixed before they cause further deterioration of your diamonds or lead to a missing jewel in your setting.

Let The Ring Rest

You won’t spontaneously combust and your marriage won’t fail just because you take off your diamonds at times. You should take the ring off during any times that might present stress to your gems. Little things like carrying heavy luggage on a trip or washing dishes can mess with the setting or the diamonds. Let your ring rest at times so it isn’t always bullied by the outside world. You may feel naked, but you’re extending the life of your ring.

Don’t Swim With Your Ring

Swimming in cold water can shrink your fingers. This means the ring can become loose and fall off if you’re not careful. Harsh chemicals in pools and spas may also easily discolor your metal. Platinum is tough to taint, but sterling silver and white gold doesn’t stand a chance next to these chemicals. This doesn’t mean you have to remove your ring when taking a bath, but be careful of the sudsy bubbles that might dull your diamonds.

Remove Your Ring When Cleaning

Harsh chemicals can harm the diamonds as well as the metal in your ring. If you clean your home with solvents that contain bleach they can react negatively. They won’t destroy the ring, but they can leave diamonds cloudy and dull. Always remove your ring or wear gloves when cleaning to prevent this from happening.

Clean Your Diamonds Regularly

You’ll be amazed at the shine a jeweler can bring out in your ring and most jewelers will steam clean your ring free of charge. Make sure you get it cleaned regularly to keep it sparkly. If you want to try to copy this cleaning technique at home, you can rinse it with warm water and dish detergent. Don’t scrub it with anything but a soft toothbrush. Some people swear by soaking your ring in gin or vodka to get the same effect.

Don’t Apply Body Creams When Wearing Your Ring

Diamonds become dull when slathered with heavy creams. As you rub lotion on your body or cream on your face, the residue can leave your diamonds looking sad. This residue may even discolor ring if you aren’t careful. Take your ring off and sit it in a safe location as you apply lotion to ensure it won’t get damaged.

To do these things well, it is perfect, of course, you can also buy some cheap jewelry for your daily wear, so damage is not distressed, lost is not a pity.

Why You May Want a Vintage Wedding Ring

You want to make your wedding ring different (who doesn’t?) The ring is beautiful, a separate princess cut diamond is timeless, but what you’re looking for is a little unconventional. A vintage wedding ring brings extra charm, as well as an extra sense of history and mystery. It’s fun to think about the former owner of your ring and explore the origin of the ring or how it was made.

There are many different styles and eras of vintage wedding rings—and shopping for one can often feel like looking for a needle in a haystack–but if you love the thrill of the hunt and are willing to be patient, a vintage wedding ring might just be the right fit for you. Not quite ready to go treasure hunting yet? Here are a few reasons to consider why you may want a vintage wedding ring—and some tips on how to find the perfect one for you.

Your Ring Will Be Truly Unique

If having a truly unique wedding ring is of top importance to you, you really can’t go wrong with vintage. While the local jewelry store may only carry the currently popular styles, there are limitless options if you choose to buy a vintage ring. It’s not guaranteed that you won’t eventually run into a bride with a similar ring as yours, but it’s much more unlikely if you choose to buy your jewelry at an estate sale or an antique store. A vintage ring is the perfect statement for those brides who think of themselves as anything but ordinary or conventional.

Buying a Vintage Ring Is More Eco-Friendly

Although mining diamonds is generally less environmentally destructive than other types of mining, it still has led to soil erosion, deforestation, and forced local populations to relocate in areas where diamonds are mined. Buying a vintage ring means that you will be recycling an old ring and that no new mining will be required. So, a beautiful ring and contributing to less mining? That’s a win-win.

Vintage Rings are Typically Less Expensive

If the sticker shock of a new wedding ring is causing your anxiety to heighten, there’s a chance that going vintage might be a little easier on your bank account. You can typically expect to spend at least 30% less on a vintage engagement or wedding ring than if you were to go the traditional route. Retail jewelry is marked up, on average, between 253% to 336% so avoiding these retailers will likely save you a little money. There are exceptions, of course, and if you are after a really rare stone or a specific ring that is considered rare, this will increase the price.

Shopping for a Vintage Ring Is a Unique Experience

Shopping for a wedding ring is always an exciting excursion, but hunting for the perfect vintage one puts the experience over the top. Sure, you can just head to the mall and pick out the first one that catches your eye (and the one that fits into your budget), but a vintage ring will give you a better experience and a great story. If you don’t plan your shopping trip (or trips) out correctly, it can often feel like a wild goose chase, but if done right you’ll have a memorable adventure and a gorgeous ring.

Some Vintage Ring Shopping Tips

If you’ve decided that a vintage ring is for you, you’ll need a few strategy tips before you head out to the antique store or an estate sale.

Be Patient

Embarking on your vintage wedding ring hunt is going to require a lot of patience, and it’s not going to be an easy setup like at a traditional jewelry store. Depending on the antique store or estate sale, things will be scattered throughout several jewelry displays and it may be difficult to pinpoint exactly what you’re looking for. The important thing to remember is to be patient and ask for help from any associates who may be working.

Go to More than One Place

Just like any other important purchasing decision that you make, it’s crucial to go to more than one place when you are shopping for your vintage wedding ring. Go to a few different antique stores or hit up a few estate sales to determine a range of pricing as well as get a better idea of selection.

Don’t Have a Specific Idea in Mind

You may have a Pinterest page dedicated to your dream ring, but it’s best to start the day with an open mind rather than having a specific idea of what you want. You never know what will catch your eye or attract you – having a super-specific idea can limit you in a way you don’t realize. Go with it and see what you’re attracted to.

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