No matter what you use to clean your sterling silver, be sure to remove all the polish from your jewelry. To finish, rinse in warm water (do not soak) and pat dry. General Care and Storage for sterling silver bracelets and necklaces. When you are not wearing your silver bracelet, you should always store it in a place that is airtight to avoid oxidization. Do not store jewelry in cardboard boxes or tissue paper. The chemicals from these materials will cause more harm than good. The best way to store your silver bracelet is by placing it in an airtight cabinet or drawer along with anti-tarnishing strips. There are also special silver cloths that can be purchased to wrap your jewelry in for storage. It is best to keep them jewelry pieces separate in order to avoid possible scratching.
The Cut of a Diamond. The term "cut" for a diamond has two different connotations. The more basic of the two, is the shape of the diamond. Diamonds come in various shapes such as the round, oval, emerald, pear, heart, and marquis. While these cuts are easy to distinguish and to choose from, the more difficult "cut" to decipher is the different angles, proportions, symmetry, finish and polish of the diamond earring. This plays a large part in the beauty of the diamond and how well it will reflect light. If it is a "shallow cut" light will be lost from the bottom while if it is a "heavy cut" light will be lost from the sides. The goal is to get a "fine cut" where no light is lost. The quality of the cut depends on the jeweler. A diamond is usually cut with 58 different facets. If the cuts are mathematically correct and precise, then the diamond earring will be able to reflect light with brilliance.
THE FRACTION DIAMOND SCAM: The tag says 3/4 carat, and the FTC allows jewelers to round off diamond weights. So a diamond labeled as 3/4 carat in weight might actually weigh anywhere between .69 and .81 carat. This could mean a significant amount of money, since diamond prices leap at certain popular sizes. In this example, you might be buying a .69 carat round G/VS2 worth about $2,100... but paying for what you thought was a 0.75 carat worth $3,000. You lose $900.
The pearl has always been a rather prim and proper piece of jewelry classic and seeped in tradition that never goes out of style. Well things they are a changing! This year not only has the pearl is had a very glamorous make over it's a front and center fashion statement! Yes,the classic strand still exists as it always will. But we warned we are seeing some vary daring looks from the pearl this season. Extra long lengths, tasseled multi strands, pearls with semi precious stone accents, pearls on gold or silver chains. The pearl has been transformed into a fun and fashionable accessory.The glow or radiance of a pearl is the most important quality. Avoid pearls that are chalky or dull as they will be weak and may crack or peal.