Take Good Care of Your Artisan Made Jewellery

Beautiful jewelry deserves the best care. After all, you’ll get a lot of pleasure from wearing your pieces of artisan made jewellery, and taking good care of it ensures that you’ll get many years of enjoyment in wearing your gemstone rings, gemstone pendants, earrings, necklaces, bracelets and even barrettes. These tips can help you preserve the beauty of artisan made jewellery so that it always looks its best.

Invest in Good Storage Solutions

The most important thing you can do for jewelry crafted by artisans is to store it properly between wearing it. A typical jewelry box is not necessarily the best place to store artisan made jewellery. Instead, use these storage solutions.

Gemstone Rings

Keep precious rings in soft cloth bags or wrap each ring separately in acid-free paper or cloth. Many semiprecious stones are soft and can be scratched or damaged if they come into contact with metal or with harder gemstones. Harder precious gems, such as diamonds, sapphires and emeralds, can scratch other jewelry if they’re not wrapped or cushioned.

Gemstone Pendants

Wrap gemstone pendants in soft cloth or acid free tissue paper to protect them from scratching and to protect their settings from tarnish. In many cases, it’s best to remove the pendant from its chain to avoid tangling. If you choose to leave the pendant on its chain or cord, carefully wrap the chain around a folded piece of acid free paper to keep it from tangling and knotting. Never hang items on chains. The weight of the pendant can put stress on the clasp or chain and weaken them.

Earrings

Store earrings in small, separate bags, preferably pushed through a cloth-lined piece of cardboard. This will help keep the earrings together without allowing them to rub against each other and scratch the stones or metal.

Barrettes

Clean barrettes carefully before storing them to remove any residue from oils or hair care products. Clip pairs over a piece of acid free paper to keep them from rubbing against other and scratching each other. Store each pair in a separate small cloth bag or wrap them in soft cloth to protect them from damage.

Bracelets

Store bangle bracelets in soft cloth to protect them from scratches and damage. Carefully wrap chains around folded, acid-free paper to keep them from tangling and knotting.

When you care for your artisan made jewellery pieces properly, you’ll get a lifetime of wear from them. It only takes a few minutes to put each piece away properly, and the time is well-spent in preserving your beautiful gems.

Give Artisan Made Jewellery A Place in Your Jewelry Box

Most people have no trouble defining the difference between fine jewelry and costume jewelry, but when it comes to defining jewelry items that fall between the two, it’s harder to find a consensus. In the jewelry industry, there are two terms used that fit the mid-priced niche between costume and fine jewelry: bridge jewelry and artisan made jewellery. What’s the difference between them and how do you tell one from the other?

Some Definitions

Fine Jewelry: gemstone rings, bracelets, pendants, barrettes and other adornments made with high quality gemstones and fine metals by skilled craftsman. These one-of-a-kind pieces transcend fashion trends and are designed to become heirlooms, handed down from one generation to the next.

Costume Jewelry: Rings, pendants, necklaces, bracelets and other jewelry pieces that are mass-produced of base metals and synthetic gemstones or plastic. They are trendy and “disposable” but not necessarily “cheap.” They run the gamut from inexpensive plastic barrettes stamped in sheets to designer necklaces, pendants and earrings created by such names as Chanel, Monet and Dior.

Bridge Jewelry: Meant to be a bridge between inexpensive costume jewelry and high-priced fine jewelry, bridge jewelry is generally made of a precious metal, including sterling silver and gold-fill, and is set with semi-precious gemstones, crystals and pearls. Gemstone rings and gemstone pendants made with turquoise, opals, alexandrite, tiger-eye and other semi-precious stones often fit this category. Bridge jewelry is most often mass-produced and sold at fashion boutiques and better department stores.

Artisan Made Jewellery: Sometimes considered a segment of the bridge jewelry market, artisan made jewellery has one major difference that sets it apart from the typical items that are mass-produced in factories. Each piece is carefully crafted by hand using precious metals and semi-precious gemstones or pearls, and is either one-of-a-kind or one of a very limited edition. Since these pieces are not necessarily designed to appeal to a mass market, they often feature a distinctive style that really allows the wearer to express his or her individual style. The unique style can raise their value far above the intrinsic value of the materials.

Artisan made jewellery like gemstone rings, bangle bracelets, dangle earrings and stamped barrettes are affordable, high quality jewelry items that deserve a place in your fashion wardrobe. You’ll find a wide selection of finely made jewelry crafted by artisans and skilled craftsmen from around the world when you shop online for beautiful jewelry.

Tis the Season for Artisan Made Jewellery

Don’t look now but it’s that time of year again. While it may seem that the retailers are rolling out the Christmas decorations earlier and earlier each year, chances are there’s at least one person on your shopping gift list for whom you need every extra second of buying time. There’s also a good chance that you’ll find exactly the right gift of artisan made jewellery for every hard-to-buy gift recipient on your Christmas wish list. Not sure what to buy? Here are some suggestions that just might please even the pickiest person on your gift list.

Gemstone Rings

Cocktail rings are the height of fashion this season, and you’ll find some stunning gemstone rings in cocktail settings that are sure to please. Look for birthstones in a variety of cuts and settings, or semiprecious stones in rings designed to fit an index finger or even a thumb. The only rule for cocktail gemstone rings this season is that there are no rules. Big and flashy is in, so go for the gusto.

Gemstone Pendants

Mix and match gemstone rings with gemstone pendants to create a distinctive set. One of the niftiest artisan made jewellery trends is to wear a pendant and ring with matching settings and different stones. It’s a charming, eclectic look that works beautifully with almost any style of dress.

Shoulder Duster Earrings

Got a free spirit on your gift list? Nothing pleases the Bohemian soul quite like a pair of long, dangly earrings. Shoulder duster earrings with tiny gemstones and crystals on silver chains never quite go out of style, and they’re back with a bang for the holiday season. They’re the perfect gift for the woman who has a free-wheeling, flirtatious spirit.

Bangle Bracelets

Ethnic jewelry is sure to please just about any woman on your gift list this holiday season, and nothing says ethnic quite the same way that bangle bracelets do. They’re available in a huge range of styles, colors and motifs, from thick cuffs engraved with tribal patterns to slender bangles meant to be worn in multiples.

Barrettes

Barrettes are not just for little girls. Big girls appreciate them, too. The right barrettes and hair jewelry can be the perfect finishing touch for any outfit. Shop around to find engraved, filigree or gemstone barrettes that will suit just about any woman’s style.

Artisan made jewellery is always a welcome gift. Distinctive, fresh and always up-to-date, it’s the ideal gift for even the hardest to please women on your gift list.

Artisan Made Jewellery Gifts for All Your Favorite Women: A Guide for Guys

It may seem early to be thinking about holiday giving, but those months are creeping up on us. In fact, this is the perfect time to be ordering gifts of artisan made jewellery for all the special women on your holiday gift-giving list. Once upon a time, it was considered rude to give gifts of jewelry to ladies unless you had an intimate relationship with them. Those rules don’t really apply when it comes to artisan made jewellery, which is often an affordable and very welcome alternative to impersonal cheap jewelry from the department store. If you’re not sure what kind of handmade jewelry would be most appropriate for the special women in your life, these suggestions can help you choose gifts that each of these special people will be sure to appreciate.

For Your Big Sister

You’ll win the perceptive brother of the year award when you choose a gift from an assortment of gemstone pendants for your big sister. Make it easy on yourself by checking out her jewelry box to see if she prefers big flashy pendants or smaller, more delicate pieces. Whatever her style, you’re sure to find gemstone pendants in her birthstone that will suit her perfectly.

For Your Preteen Daughter

Want to see daddy’s little girl light up with pure joy? Artisan made jewellery isn’t just beautiful – it’s deliciously grown up. Real gemstone rings are a very special way to say, “I can see you’re growing up” to your little girl. Make the gift extra special by choosing a semi-precious stone with a special meaning – a moonstone for your very creative little artist to court inspiration, for example, or a lovely green peridot which increases strength and vitality for your athletic, competitive daughter.

For Your Bohemian, Creative Cousin

Nothing says, “I get you – and I love you the way you are” like a pair of deliciously crafted earrings made of sparkling gemstones and delicate silver chains. Every few years, the fashion mavens declare that shoulder duster earrings and chandelier earrings are back in style – but creative young women know the truth. They never really go out of style, especially when they’re part of a collection of beautiful, hand-crafted artisan made jewellery. Make it even more special by including a pair of matching bangle bracelets.

For Your Little Sister

Little girls start appreciating hand-crafted, artisan made jewellery at an early age, but rings, bracelets and pendants aren’t always appropriate gifts for the youngest women in your life. Look for delicately crafted barrettes for her to wear in her hair. You’ll find very affordable gemstone barrettes, stamped barrettes and other hair jewelry alongside gemstone rings and other handcrafted artisan made jewellery at your favorite online jewelry sites.

Artisan Made Jewellery for All Your Many Moods

Among the most popular articles about artisan made jewellery online are “trends” articles – the type that tell you this year, it’s all about skinny bracelets or bold, colorful pendants or beads strung on silver chains. And while that might be helpful for the trendy and fashion-conscious, it actually is contrary to the very essence of artisan made jewellery – its individuality and uniqueness. When you buy a piece of hand-crafted jewelry, you are literally purchasing a one-of-a-kind item that is the embodiment of the artisan’s creative vision. If you want to be unique, why would you then obfuscate the beauty by following a trend?

Therein lies the conundrum of buying “trendy artisan made” pieces. Of course, there will be trends and fashions. And following the trends or choosing jewelry that’s in fashion this season doesn’t negate the creative vision of the artists who make the jewelry. They each bring their own unique point of view to a popular material or a style that’s suddenly in demand. The trend may be for bold, quirky necklaces and Flintstones beads, but there are limitless ways to interpret that trend. Necklaces made of oversized faceted beads have a completely different look and feel than necklaces crafted of carefully chosen and polished gemstones even though they both fit the general trend.

That’s the essence of choosing trendy, fashionable artisan made jewellery – finding pieces that stretch the trend without breaking it and show off your own quirky, delightful, delicate and beautiful personality. Not sure how to do that? Consider some of these suggestions for ways to take a trend and make it your own.

Gemstone Rings

From faceted birthstones to polished, enormous cabochons, gemstone rings are a major player in fashion jewelry this year. The trend is giving jewelry designers a wide range of fun interpretations to play with, from swirl settings to stunning semi-precious stones that really show off their beauty in larger cabochon cuts. Lapis lazuli, chalcedony and lace agates are examples of gemstones that seldom make it into the fashion jewelry lines because their unique natural characteristics make it impossible to offer a “standard” look. Choose offbeat gemstones and mix them with settings that suit your personality and make you feel gorgeous.

Pendants and Charms

Pendants are another major artisan made jewellery trend this year, and another trend that is very easy to personalize and make your own. The length for necklaces this year is breastbone, but the pendant can be just about anything that strikes your fancy. One of the most exotic looks is the perfume bottle pendant – a very grown-up and sophisticated version of bubble pendants. Others include stamped metal pendants and with matching charms for bracelets.

Don’t be afraid of trends in artisan made jewellery. Consider them an opportunity to show off your personality and your own personal style.

Trends in Artisan Made Jewellery for the Holidays

Artisan made jewellery has made a comeback in a big way over the past couple of years. Gone are the days when the only jewelry you saw on the runways was major bling from big name jewelry stores. These days, the models are far more likely to be sporting earrings and bracelets and pendants that have been lovingly hand-crafted. If you’re looking for the hottest fashion jewelry trends to top off your outfits this year, these are some of the trends you should be looking for in artisan made jewellery.

Layered Pendants

Last year, pendants were long, clunky and funky, featuring gemstones and beads in fanciful colors and patterns. Those pendants are still in fashion, but they’re only part of the story. They range in size from miniature charms to oversize beads and gemstones, often in multiple. The big news in jewelry styling? Layers of necklaces in different lengths all worn together to create a fashion statement.

Long, Fabulous Earrings

Length is still a big factor in artisan made jewellery, but this year it’s all about the earrings. Shoulder dusters and chandeliers are the next big thing and you’ll see them everywhere from the runways to the office. Look for delicate silver chains with crystal beads in an array of colors to go with every outfit in your wardrobe.

Go for Baroque

The last few years have featured conservative jewelry – button earrings, slim bracelets and understated necklaces. This year, baroque is busting out all over. You’ll see news anchors sporting oversize, chunky pink beads, jewel-encrusted bangle bracelets and gemstone rings that make the crown jewels look sedate.

Shine It On

Forget the antiqued metal finishes. This year, it’s all about the shine and shimmer. It doesn’t matter what the metal is as long as it’s polished to a mirror-bright finish. From the office to the dance floor, you’ll be seeing a lot more flashy, fabulous metals polished to the chrome finishes.

Stamp It Out

Hand-stamped metal jewelry is still big this season, and you’ll see lots of examples. Mother’s pendants, hand-crafted charms and commemorative artisan crafted jewellery pieces are destined to outlast the trends and become hand-me-down heirlooms.

More than anything else, this season’s biggest trend is the hand-crafted look. This year, look for artisan made jewellery that looks like it was crafted by hand. It’s a welcome and refreshing change from the years of cookie-cutter costume jewelry trends.

Five Household Remedies to Clean Your Silver Jewelry

Silver jewelry always looks its best if you wear it daily. It picks up a warm sheen, and the exposure to the open air tends to prevent corrosion and tarnish. There are times, though, that your silver jewelry may need cleaning, whether because it’s been stored away and developed tarnish or from a buildup of dirt and oils from daily wear. Most jewelers advise against using chemical cleaners on silver rings, silver bracelets, silver chains and other silvery jewelry. They can corrode and pit the surface of the metal and destroy any finish the piece may have. There are, however, a number of ways household remedies you can use to make your silver pieces gleam like new.

The Tin Foil Method

It sounds like magical thinking, but it really works. Mix warm water with table salt until the water won’t absorb anymore salt. Line a bowl or pan with aluminum foil and pour the salt water into it. Add your silver chains, silver pendants or other silver jewelry and let it soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Rub gently with a soft, non-abrasive cloth to remove any loosened soil or tarnish that remains. Fair warning: do not use this method with silver jewelry set with opals, pearls and other soft stones that can be damaged by water.

Soap and Water

One of the best cleaning methods for plain silver jewelry is plain old soap and water. Choose a gentle washing up liquid or dishwashing liquid and add it to warm water. Dip a soft cloth into the soapy water and gently clean your silver jewelry. You can use a bit of energy on the rubbing – just be sure you’re using a soft, non-abrasive cloth, like an old, worn T-shirt.

Vinegar

Silver earrings, silver barrettes and other silver jewelry worn in or around the hair sometimes collect a build-up of hairspray which can resist other methods of cleaning. Try this method, often used by beauty pageant contestants to clean their silver tiaras and crowns. Wet a corner of a soft, non-abrasive cloth with plain white vinegar and gently rub until the hairspray dissolves. Rinse with clear water.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth will work just the way that vinegar does. Just wet a corner of a soft cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently rub until the hairspray or cosmetic residue dissolves.

Spray Bottle

Silver chains can be time-consuming and difficult to clean, but this method makes cleaning your chains a breeze. Mix up a cup of vinegar with a cup of water and pour it into a spray bottle. Loop your silver chains over a broomstick between two chairs or a hanger and put newspaper or a towel on the floor. Spray the chains liberally with the vinegar solution and let it drip off, taking dirt and grease with it.

Silver jewelry is always most beautiful when it’s clean. These methods of cleaning cost you practically nothing and will clean the jewelry safely.

Summery Trends in Silver Jewelry

Oh, those hot days of summer! Don’t tuck away your silver jewelry for the summer. Your favorite silver rings, silver chains, silver pendants and silver earrings are spectacular summer accessories for just about any occasion. Whether you’re accessorizing for a day at the beach or a night out on the town, check out some of the hottest silver jewelry trends for summer wear in 2012.

Silver Chains by the Yard

Turn custom silver chains into your own unique fashion statement. You’re not confined to the standard lengths of chain you’ll find in local stores. There are many handmade silver jewelry sites online that sell silver chains in many different styles by the inch. Take full advantage of chains by the inch to design and create your own unique silver jewelry. Purchase a length of bar and link chain or silver filigree chain that’s 2 ½ times your waist measurement, add a lobster claw clasp and wrap it around your waist for a one-of-a-kind belly chain. It’s the perfect accent for a midriff baring summer look!

Three Hot Styles of Silver Bracelets

Bracelets are probably the oldest form of jewelry in existence, but designers are always finding new ways to express themselves with silver bracelets in many styles. Three of the hottest summer silver bracelet styles take their inspiration from traditional and historic cultural design.

Celtic tribal design is one of the hottest fashion accents of the past several years. Silver cuff bracelets engraved with Celtic designs are a great way to show off your tan – and your cultural background.

Handmade silver jewelry from Bali is another culture-conscious fashion trend. Balinese bangle bracelets feature delicate engraving, inset beads and fine silver filigree work that’s unmatched anywhere else in the world. Wear a single bangle bracelet around your wrist, or stack several to make an exotic fashion statement.

Native American tribes have a long tradition of jewelry that incorporates silver with common semiprecious gemstones, including turquoise, marcasite and tiger-eye. The newest trend in silver and gemstone jewelry is lengths of silver chains interspersed with turquoise, marcasite, onyx and other semiprecious stones. Choose your birthstone gem for a meaningful gift of silver jewelry for yourself.

Silver Earrings for Evening and Day Wear

Show off your sun-kissed glow with the gleam of soft silver earrings. Whether you choose handmade silver earrings with delicate crystals and gemstones, or gold leaf silver earrings taken from nature, the gleam of silver against your shoulders and throat are a great way to highlight those sun streaks in your hair and your glowing skin.

Silver jewelry looks great year round, but it never looks quite as spectacular as it does in the summer. Take full advantage of the hottest summer trend in jewelry to look great all summer long!

Can I Wear My Silver Jewelry at the Beach and Other Questions About Silver Jewelry

Silver bracelets, silver rings, silver earrings – silver jewelry is gorgeous with just about anything you want to wear. Its lower price makes handmade silver jewelry more popular than gold jewelry, and its versatility means that you can wear your silver pieces with everything from shorts and a t-shirt to a formal gown. On the other hand, many people are a little afraid of buying silver jewelry because they’ve heard that it’s prone to tarnish and must be cared for in certain ways. To that, lovers of silver jewelry say, “Bah!” The fact is that silver earrings, silver chains and other types of silver finery are no more delicate than any other kind of jewelry. Here are the answers to some of the questions you might have about wearing and caring for your silver.

Can I Wear My Silver Jewelry at the Beach?

Silver chains around your waist, silver rings for your toes and silver anklets may be the perfect accent for your tanned and bikini-clad body, but you do need to make a few concessions here. Silver is soft and scratches easily, so be careful exposing it to harsh sand. Seawater can contain minerals and elements that may darken your silver (so does chlorine, by the way, so don’t wear your silver in the pool, either) so slip off your silver charms and earrings before you dive into the drink.

Will Silver Turn My Skin Green or Black?

Not usually – especially not if it’s .995 sterling silver, which is 99.5 percent pure. Very few people react badly to silver metal, but silver is so soft that it’s nearly always combined with another metal before it’s made into jewelry. If it’s combined with copper or nickel, your skin may darken or take on a green tint where the metal touches it. That’s because your body’s chemicals interact with the metal. It will generally wash off easily. If you know that your skin reacts to silver jewelry with discoloration, you can try painting the insides of silver rings or silver bracelets with clear nail polish to prevent it.

My Silver Pendant Is Dull and Discolored. Is It Ruined?

It’s probably just a little tarnished, and that’s easy to fix. The best way to deal with tarnish on silver jewelry is to buff the piece with a silver jeweler’s cloth, which will polish away the tarnish and discoloration. You can also try soaking it for a short time in a bowl lined with aluminum foil and filled with salt water.

Silver jewelry is far too pretty and versatile to avoid wearing it because you think it’s hard to take care of – especially since it’s not true. In fact, the best thing you can do for your silver jewelry is to wear it frequently – so enjoy!

Tips on Wearing Your Silver Jewelry for Summer Style

It’s summer time and if you haven’t brought your silver jewelry out of hiding yet, it’s a great time to do it now! Silver jewelry looks great any time of year, but silver bracelets, silver earrings and silver chains look especially shimmery and gorgeous against your sun-kissed glow. Make the most of your silver finery this summer with these tips for wearing and caring for your silver jewelry this summer.

Clean Your Silver

If you’ve had your silver bracelets and other silver jewelry tucked away for a while, it may need to be cleaned up and polished before it looks its best. Avoid using harsh jewelry cleaners, especially if the piece you want to clean is set with any gemstones. Your best bet for removing tarnish and discoloration is to gently clean each piece with a silver jewelers’ cloth. They’re inexpensive and easy to find, but if you don’t have one and are just dying to put those silver chains on right away, try this method.

Dissolve several tablespoons of ordinary table salt in hot water. Line a small bowl with aluminum foil. Pour the water into the foil-lined bowl. Place your silver jewelry into the water bath and let it sit for several minutes. Most tarnish will dissolve. If there are stubborn spots, gently rub them with a clean, soft cloth. Rinse the jewelry with clear water. Dispose of the salt water down the drain. Your silver jewelry should be sparkly, shimmery clean.

Remove Your Silver Jewelry Before Swimming

Swimming and silver jewelry don’t mix. Chlorine and salt water can both damage silver so remove your silver bracelets, silver rings and other silver jewelry before you take a dip.

Silver Earrings

Turn heads with long, dangly silver earrings or gold leaf jewelry if you’re fairly tall and have a long neck. Silver looks stunning against tanned shoulders, so break out those shimmery silver chains and dangly earrings for the summer. If you’re shorter than average, pick silver studs or earrings that are no more than an inch or two long.

Silver Bracelets

Tanned arms show off silver in a way that nothing else does, so bare your arms and slip on some silver bangles, silver tennis bracelets or a gorgeous silver cuff bracelet worn high on your arm.

Silver Pendants

Go on, highlight that sun-kissed throat and cleavage with silver chains and silver pendants. They’re the perfect accent to wear with deep V-neck and U-neck tank tops and sleeveless summer dresses.

Summer is the time to get out your silver and shine. Wear it and enjoy it – it’s the best thing you can do to keep your silver jewelry looking great.

Silver Jewelry Care: Why You Should Never Use Jewelry Cleaner

Taking care of silver jewelry is essentially easy. How could you not love knowing that the very best thing you can do for your silver jewelry is to wear it often? There are times, though, when your silver bracelets look a little dull or those beautiful silver earrings have tarnished and you want to clean them. You may be tempted to dip them in one of those cheap jewelry cleaner solutions to get rid of the grime and polish them up. Don’t do it! Here’s why.

Jewelry cleaning solutions are made with harsh chemicals that can erode the surface of your silver jewelry and leave the pieces etched with tiny pits. While they may look shinier and cleaner when they come out of the dip, they’re more prone to tarnish and corrosion than they were before. And if your silver pendants or silver barrettes are set with gemstones, the jewelry cleaner could damage the stones and weaken the settings that hold them in place.

So if jewelry cleaner is bad for your silver jewelry, what should you do to clean your silver pieces?

Prevention Is Always Best

Following a few simple rules will prevent a lot of the grime, tarnish and buildup that can dull your silver jewelry.

-          Put your silver jewelry on after you put on your perfume, hairspray and makeup to avoid getting residues on the metal and stones.

-          Always remove your silver jewelry before swimming in a chlorinated pool or taking a shower. Take off your silver rings before you do the dishes. Chlorine corrodes silver and turns it dark so avoid it whenever possible.

-          Clean your silver jewelry with a soft jewelers’ cloth before storing it for any length of time to remove any body oils or other substances that can interact with the metal.

-          Store your silver in non-tarnish bags or place each piece in a separate bag with a small piece of non-tarnish paper.

Cleaning Your Silver Jewelry

For everyday cleaning, use a soft jewelers’ cloth and gently rub over the entire surface. Silver is a very soft metal that scratches easily so ignore all the advice you get about using toothpaste or baking soda or any other soft abrasive. Professional jewelers use silver polishing cloths, which are very smooth, soft and non-abrasive, and impregnated with mild chemicals that help remove tarnish. They’re very inexpensive and last for years.

Silver jewelry is beautiful, easy to wear and durable. Knowing how to clean it properly will extend the life and beauty of your silver pieces so you can enjoy them for a lifetime.

Special Care Tips for Silver Jewelry

Caring for your silver jewelry isn’t difficult, but it is important. Silver is a soft metal with a soft, luminous luster. Over the years, it can acquire a soft patina that makes it even more lustrous and lovely. Improper care and harsh cleaning can leave your silver bracelets, silver chains, silver rings and silver earrings looking dark, grimy, pitted and dirty. These care tips for silver jewelry can help you preserve the beauty and luster of your favorite adornments.

Wear your silver often. Tarnish develops most frequently when silver is stored in dark places. Wearing your jewelry will prevent tarnish and keep your silver jewelry looking beautiful.

Avoid handling your silver too much. That may seem like a contradiction to the first rule, but it’s not. The oils from your skin can eventually damage the finish and luster of your silver jewelry pieces. Keep your fingers off the surface to avoid leaving oil on the silver.

Don’t wear your jewelry in the pool or the shower. Chlorine and other minerals can react chemically with silver and turn it black. While the discoloration is reversible, it will eventually eat away at the metal and ruin your silver pieces.

Always apply makeup, spray hair spray and put on perfume BEFORE putting on your silver earrings, silver barrettes and other silver jewelry to prevent a buildup of sticky chemicals on the metal surface.

Avoid using chemical jewelry cleaners on your silver rings, bracelets and other silver jewelry. The chemicals in the cleaning solutions can build up on the silver and make it more prone to tarnish and discoloration.

If your silver darkens or becomes tarnished, use a polishing cloth to gently buff the tarnish away. Jewelry polishing cloths are soft cloths impregnated with special jewelry cleaning chemicals. You can purchase silver polishing cloths for as little as $5 at your grocery store or department store. The cloths will last for years and give your silver jewelry a gorgeous shine every time you use it.

When you remove your jewelry, wipe each piece gently with a soft cloth to remove surface oils and dirt before putting it away.

Wrap your silver pieces in individual soft cloths to protect the metal from being scratched in your jewelry box. Store each piece in a sealed plastic bag to prevent tarnish and protect it from damage from other pieces.

Caring for your silver jewelry properly is easy and inexpensive. Take the few minutes to clean your jewelry pieces and put them away properly to enhance their beauty and prolong their lives.

Silver Jewelry and Accessories for the Modern Man

Father’s Day is fast approaching. Have you considered gifts for the important dads in your life? If your mind doesn’t automatically turn to silver jewelry when trying to come up with a Father’s Day gift your dad will appreciate, you’re not alone. But you could be missing out on giving a gift that your father or your kids’ baby daddy will appreciate and treasure for years to come. Why will dads love silver jewelry gifts for Father’s Day?

Sterling Silver Represents Quality

Sterling silver chains and silver bracelets for men represent high quality. When you buy .999 fine or .925 fine sterling silver jewelry for the man in your life, you’re telling him that you think he’s worth the very best. From silver cufflinks to masculine silver earrings, dads truly appreciate the quality of sterling silver jewelry.

Silver Jewelry Is Masculine

Silver can take on decidedly masculine character in ways that other metals don’t. Burnished silver bracelets with engraved accents are a classic masculine statement. Silver chains in thick ropes, serpentine chains and chain mail silver chains were designed for men in diameters and patterns that suit the masculine look. From the construction site to the corporate boardroom, men wear silver jewelry proudly as a mark of masculine class.

Silver Earrings and Studs for Men

Silver earrings are no longer an affectation for men – they’ve become a statement that’s seen on men of all ages and persuasions. Gemstone studs set in silver or silver earrings in the shape of skulls, wings and other masculine insignia are popular gifts for young fathers.

Silver Jewelry for Men

For the man with classic style, consider some of the more popular and enduring types of silver jewelry for men. Cuff links, tie bars and money clips are marks of status and style. Marcasite cuff links or sterling silver monogrammed cuff links add a stylish finish to any suit, and an engraved tie bar is the perfect gift for the dad who has to sometimes – or every day – wear a suit and tie. An engraved silver money clip is a popular alternative to a wallet and lets your man show off his personal style.

Handmade silver jewelry isn’t just for women. If you’re looking for an unexpected and very much appreciated gift for the dads in your life, consider choosing a luxurious gift of silver jewelry that he’ll wear every day and appreciate for a lifetime.

Silver Jewelry Is Always a Favorite Gift

No woman ever has enough silver jewelry. Silver jewelry is a favorite with women of all ages for a few very important reasons.

Silver Looks Good on Everyone

No matter your coloring, silver jewelry is practically guaranteed to look great on you. The soft gleam can be warm or cool, but it never brings out sallow undertones in your complexion the way that yellow gold or red copper can. Silver barrettes – bejeweled, enameled, engraved or stamped – are as striking when they adorn platinum blonde hair as they are when they’re twined into masses of ebony curls or glossy auburn waves. Silver is one of the most versatile metals available and it looks great on women of all ages.

Silver Jewelry Is an Affordable Luxury

Sterling silver jewelry is one of the more affordable luxuries on the market. Silver usually costs a fraction of the price of gold, especially white gold, but the look is just as striking and appealing. That makes silver chains and silver pendants far more affordable than gold jewelry. Go on – indulge someone with a pair of silver earrings and tell her what a great bargain they were. She’ll enjoy the gift all the more with the knowledge that she imparted her frugal ways to you.

Silver Jewelry Just Keeps Looking Better as It Ages

The more you wear your silver jewelry, the better it looks. Silver takes on a glow when you wear it, so the very best thing you can do for your silver bracelets, silver earrings and silver pendants is wear them next to your skin.

Silver Jewelry Never Goes Out of Style

From classic silver earrings and studs to delicate silver barrettes to chunky silver bracelets and bangles, silver jewelry never goes out of fashion. If you want to ensure that the silver pieces you pick up will still be in style in 20 years, choose classic pieces like tennis bracelets, slim silver bangles and simple silver chains that look good with any outfit from jeans to evening gowns, or please the independent-minded woman with unique, one-of-a-kind handmade silver jewelry pieces.

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for this spring or summer, check out the assortment of silver jewelry available through specialty websites.

The Many Moods of Silver Jewelry

Silver, smooth, cool and mysterious, has inspired poetry throughout the ages. Silver jewelry accommodates nearly any mood and looks good against any skin tone, making it the ideal gift for men, women and children on any occasion. Unlike gold, with its yellowish tones that bring out the sallow undertones on many women, silver jewelry has a soft gleam that complements skin tones from ivory to ebony. Silver metal is easy to work and holds a sharp definition when it’s etched, engraved or stamped. If you’re looking for a gift for an upcoming spring event, consider a beautiful piece of handmade silver jewelry to carry your sentiments.

Silver Bracelets

From slim, classic tennis bracelets to chunky bangles, silver bracelets run the entire fashion gamut. When choosing silver bracelets as a gift, consider the tastes of the gift recipient. Engraved ID bracelets are a perfect gift for teens and preteens who are celebrating a milestone – Confirmation, Bar Mitzvah or graduation, for example. There’s something grown-up about a silver ID bracelet that makes them the ideal gift for events that mark a passage into another stage toward adulthood.

Silver Pendants

Whether hung from silver chains or suspended on a ribbon or leather lace, silver pendants are another option for gifts of silver jewelry. Among the most popular silver pendants are those with a heritage or tradition behind them, such as the mizpah, a heart or coin engraved with a biblical verse from Genesis and broken in two. A mizpah pendant is the perfect gift to exchange with a best friend upon your graduation, a promise and a prayer that the Lord will keep you both safe until you are together again.

Silver Chains

Forget the heavy gold chains and the gangsta look. Silver chains have a classic elegance and style that is never vulgar or overstated. Among the prettiest variations of silver chains are those adorned with tiny gemstones or crystals. Wear them alone or in multiples to make a fashion statement that’s unforgettable.

Silver Barrettes

Sterling silver barrettes are the perfect adornment for hair of all shades, but look especially lovely against dark or red hair. Hair combs, hair sticks and other types of silver barrettes come in all shapes and sizes, and are an especially suitable gift for baby girls and young girls. Consider a pair of tiny silver butterflies to capture a few wisps of curls at the temples or silver barrettes engraved with a monogram for a young girl.

Silver jewelry is a classic and enduring gift. Whether you’re looking for a birthday gift or a gift to mark another special occasion, look at the wide assortment of meaningful silver jewelry for any occasion.

Silver Jewelry: The Perfect Gift for Mothers Day

What are you getting Mom for Mothers Day this year? Chances are she has plenty of sweaters and is running out of shelf space for all those potted plants. This year, why not get your mother something special she’ll wear every day and treasure forever -- .925 fine sterling silver jewelry. Silver rings, silver pendants, silver chains and silver earrings all make wonderful gifts for mothers of all ages. Which of these silver jewelry gifts would your mom love?

Silver Jewelry for the Classic Mom

Is your mother’s style classic? Does she love dress for success? Consider a pair of discreet silver hoop earrings or beautifully engraved handmade silver button earrings to accent her business suits and Continental style. Other silver accents the classic mom will love include silver tennis bracelets, delicate silver bracelets inset with one or two channels of gemstones. Birthstone silver bracelets are especially popular with younger moms, and silver bracelets inset with the birthstones of each of her children carry a sentimental meaning that will make the gift even more special.

Romantic Silver Jewelry for the Mom Who Loves Ruffles and Lace

Filigree jewelry is dainty and elegant. If your mom is the romantic type who loves to wear lace and ruffles, consider filigree silver rings or pendants that will accent her favorite style. Romantic silver pendants include silver lockets – with a picture of her grandbabies, of course! You can also choose a delicately engraved silver comb or silver barrette
to catch her hair in a pretty upswept style, or a set of fine silver bangle bracelets designed to be worn together with a pretty sweater.

Sporty Silver Jewelry for the Athletic Mom

Is your mom the first one on the tennis court or up early to swim laps every morning? Choose practical and elegant silver jewelry to set off her comfortable and stylish aesthetic. Silver tennis bracelets are the ideal gift for a sporty mom. Avoid fussy details and go for solid silver chains with sturdy clasps that won’t let go on the court or during her morning run.

Handmade Silver Jewelry for the Indie Mom

Is your mom an independent spirit? Is she the cool mom in the neighborhood – the one that all your friends love to hang out with? Salute her independent style with handmade silver jewelry created by artisans who create one-of-a-kind pieces. And do make sure she knows that your gift of silver jewelry is a handcrafted piece created by an independent artisan – she’ll treasure it all the more and congratulate herself on raising such an aware child.

Give mom a gift she’ll wear often and enjoy for the rest of her life. Silver jewelry is easy to care for and delightful to wear. Pick a piece of silver jewelry that fits her style and watch her face light up.

Handmade Silver Jewelry Becomes a Family Heirloom

If you’re seeking the ideal gift for a special occasion, handmade silver jewelry may be the perfect solution. Silver jewelry is one of those very special gifts that is often treasured for life and handed down from mother to daughter and father to son. Silver pendants, lockets and engraved silver bracelets often carry deep sentimental meanings, especially if they were given as a gift on a special occasion. Consider these traditional silver gifts for these occasions.

Silver Jewelry for Baby

Silver is a traditional gift for new babies and their parents. You’ll find many types of silver gifts for the newborn market, including sterling silver baby spoons and engraved silver baby dishes or picture frames. Take tradition a step further with silver jewelry designed especially for a precious new life. Tiny silver hoops or silver earrings are the ideal choice for baby’s first earrings because they’re unlikely to cause allergic reactions. Beaded silver bracelets that spell out the baby’s name are a precious reminder, especially in these days when the traditional beaded hospital bracelets have been replaced by plastic bands. Whether you choose an engraved silver bracelet or a silver ring, any gift of jewelry given to a newborn can be tucked away to become a family heirloom to be worn on other special occasions throughout life.

Silver Pendants to Mark Landmark Occasions

Silver pendants are among the most versatile of all silver jewelry gifts. A silver cross pendant is the ideal memento for a First Communion or Confirmation, for example, while delicate sterling silver pendants in the shape of the Star of David will be a treasured remembrance as a Bat Mitzvah gift. Silver pendants aren’t confined to the feminine, however. Silver lends itself to stronger, more rugged treatments for young men as well.

Silver Bracelets for Boys and Girls

ID bracelets and tennis bracelets are popular traditional gifts for special birthdays – the thirteenth, the sixteenth or the eighteenth, for example. Silver bracelets set with a row of birthstones will be treasured by any young girl, and boys love thick silver chains and engraved nametag bracelets. Silver bangles and slim silver chains never go out of style with young women.

If you’re stuck for the perfect special occasion gift for a young boy or girl, take a look at the many types of silver jewelry available on a website that specializes in handmade silver jewelry for special occasions. You’re sure to find a gift that’s destined to become a family heirloom.

Creating Handmade Silver Jewelry

Making silver jewelry is an art. It is also hard work! Metalwork is not only strenuous, it can be dangerous as well. This type of work requires knowledge of the medium - in this case, the sterling silver metal - and also the tools used to form the raw material into an attractive, wearable object.
Most people don't think of what had to be done to create their favorite piece of handmade silver jewelry. The tools most commonly used to accomplish this are specialty pliers, hammers, a jeweler's saw, metal shears, files, punches and stamps. Of course there are other tools used also ... many pieces require parts to be joined, and in most instances this requires a torch.

Silver can be manipulated by using the tools mentioned above. Compared to iron, steel and many other metal alloys, silver is relatively soft. A flat silver disk can be transformed into a bowl by using simple tools - hammers and stakes. Stakes are rod like steel tools that are secured in a holder or a vise; they have heads that are shaped in different ways; square, oval and round are common, but there are many more. The disk is placed over the stake and struck repeatedly with hammers, moving the disc around to form it over the stake - in the example of a bowl, into a concave shape. The same process can be used to transform a strip of sterling silver into a cuff bracelet or collar!

Most silver rings are a great example of a jewelry object that is made up of several component parts. The setting for a gemstone ring - sometimes called a "head" - is usually a separate component that is attached to a ring shank, the band that goes around a finger. In the example on the left, the ring setting is made of four parts. Bezel wire is wrapped around the set object (blue sea glass) and soldered closed. A wire shelf is soldered inside as a platform for the glass to sit on. Then this assembly was soldered to a backing plate. And finally the ring shank was soldered to the back of the setting. After the ring was completed, the glass was set by burnishing the edge of the bezel over the glass. A simple ring like this one takes a couple of hours to make. For a more complicated design more time will be needed to design and create the finished ring. Many times the setting itself is made of several parts.

A handmade gemstone ring setting may be made with a bezel, formed from thin strip that is wrapped around a stone then soldered into a loop the stone fits into.

The bezel is soldered down to a backing plate. Sometimes a decorative element surrounds the bezel - it could be a twisted or bead wire ring. After this assembly is finished, the ring shank is soldered to the back to complete the ring. The opal ring on the right features a serrated bezel and a twist wire border, with a fancy decorative ring shank. It was made in a similar manner to the ring with the sea glass cabochon but there are several steps added - the decorative border and the oxidized finish, or darkened patina - which makes the pattern in the shank more prominent.

So the next time you are considering a handmade jewelry purchase, consider the work that went into the piece. You'll appreciate it more, and you'll find yourself wearing handmade jewelry often!

Silver jewelry is not only always a welcome gift; it is also an excellent investment. While silver metal costs less than half the price of gold, the beauty, workmanship and versatility of silver chains, silver pendants and silver bracelets keep handmade silver jewelry and antique silver jewelry high on the list at auctions and other venues. If you’re buying a piece of silver jewelry for yourself or as a gift, these tips will help you select a high quality piece of jewelry that your recipient will enjoy. They’re especially important if you’re buying jewelry online.

Trust the Seller

Look for a reputable seller when buying silver jewelry. There are many little details that affect the quality of the jewelry you buy. A reputable seller often has strict quality control standards to ensure that you always get what you pay for – and the motivation to ensure that all of his or her customers are happy with their purchase. Don’t rule out small crafters and makers of handmade silver jewelry, though. You’ll often find the highest quality and most beautiful silver necklaces, silver earrings and silver chains made by independent crafters selling their jewelry online.

Know Your Silver

Jewelry marked .925 is made of sterling silver jewelry. It means that the silver used in the piece is 92.5% pure silver with 7.5% other metal alloys, which are necessary to help harden the silver and make it less prone to tarnish. Often, the most sought after silver jewelry is marked .999, nearly pure silver. Because few people have skin reactions to silver, the finer silver is less likely to cause an allergic reaction and is less likely to tarnish.

Watch for Weasel Words in Ads

You’ll often see very low prices for silver jewelry on the Internet, usually advertised as “Genuine silver plated” – very often in small letters somewhere. Silver plated jewelry is made of another metal and plated with a very thin layer of silver. That layer rubs away as you wear it, and your “silver” jewelry becomes discolored.

Look for Quality Craftsmanship

If you’re buying silver jewelry online, buy from a site that provides generously sized, detailed photos of each product. Look for sharp details in any engraving or carving work, and check to see the kind of setting used to secure stones in place, as well as the type of clasps used to close silver necklaces and bracelets, and the findings on other pieces such as silver barrettes and brooches.

Choose Classic Pieces

Trendy jewelry may be fun to buy, but the classics last forever. Quality silver pieces are often passed down from mother to daughter and father to son, becoming family heirlooms. Choose silver jewelry that will stand the test of time and be just as beautiful in fifty years as it is on the day it arrives.

Tips to Care for Silver Jewelry

Silver is one of the most popular metals for jewelry and adornments. Depending on the gems and the way it is worked, silver jewelry can be warm and lustrous or cool and glowing. The metal is soft and malleable enough to shape and bend into fanciful forms, making it ideal for creating things like silver barrettes and hair clips which are not often made in other precious metals. Silver jewelry doesn’t require much in the way of special care, but the right care can preserve its beauty so that you enjoy it for many years.

Wear Your Silver Jewelry

The single most important thing you can do to keep your silver rings and other jewelry beautiful and untarnished is to wear it. Tarnish is the result of oxidation, a chemical process that discolors and damages fine silver and sterling silver. Wearing and handling your silver jewelry protects it from tarnish. The natural oils from your skin will only make your silver chains and silver bracelets more lustrous and beautiful as the years go on.

Store Silver Jewelry Properly

Silver is a soft metal that scratches and dents easily. When you’re not wearing your silver jewelry, store each piece in a separate compartment or bag to keep it from being scratched or marred by other pieces in your jewelry box. Some jewelry boxes are lined with tarnish-free materials to prevent oxidation, but it’s usually enough to wrap your jewelry in a soft cloth or store each piece in a small plastic or fabric bag.

Clean with a Silver Cloth

Special silver cleaning cloths will keep your silver jewelry looking pristine and new. Originally developed for household silver, polishing clothes are impregnated with chemicals that clean away oils and dirt without damaging the metal or destroying the finish. Give your silver bracelets and silver barrettes a wipe with a silver polishing cloth before you put them away to remove any oils from them.

Avoid Chlorine and Other Minerals and Chemicals

Chlorine, bleach and harsh chemicals can damage the finish on your silver jewelry. Remove your silver rings when washing dishes, and don’t shower wearing your silver chains and silver necklaces or earrings. Likewise, don’t use advertised “jewelry dips” to clean your silver jewelry, even those that say they are safe for silver. Far too often, the chemicals strip away the protective finish and will discolor and damage your jewelry.

Visit a Jeweler

About once a year, take your jewelry to a professional for a once-over. A professional jeweler can tighten findings and catches and do routine maintenance to keep your silver jewelry in good repair.