| You are here: | About>Style>Jewelry / Accessories |
 | Jewelry / Accessories |
What You Need to Know About Gemstones, Metals and Other JewelryBy Carly Wickell, About.com Guide to Jewelry / Accessories Shopping for jewelry is fun, but it's important to know exactly what you're buying. Is that sapphire ring set with a natural sapphire, a treated sapphire, or a sapphire made in a laboratory? Are your opal earrings made entirely with opal, or are they fashioned from thin slices of opal pasted onto another (cheaper) material to make them look like the real thing? There's a lot to consider before you buy gems and precious metals, but don't worry -- we'll help you sort it out.
Birthstones / Colored Gems Birthstone jewelry is always a winner, but do you know what characteristics to watch out for when you buy birthstones or other colored gems? This jewelry buying advice will help.
Pearls / Organic Gems Pearls are one type of organic gem -- gemstones that are derived from a living organism. Use these topics to learn about pearls, find pearl jewelry, and research and find other types or jewelry made with organic components.
Body Jewelry When it comes to body jewelry, there's no end to the number of body parts that creative people choose to adorn with it. Use these tips to find and choose the best kinds of body jewelry for your body piercings.
Precious Metals Precious metals are the backbone for the bulk of our jewelry. Use this guide to learn about gold, silver, platinum, and other precious metals that you'll encounter when you shop.
How Jewelry Works Which settings are most durable? Which jewelry clasps are most secure and easiest to manipulate? A good understanding of jewelry terms and jewelry components makes it so much easier to buy the "right" jewelry when you shop for jewelry online and off. Jewelry Insurance and CertificatesWhat information should you receive when you order a jewelry appraisal? Are your positive that your jewelry is insured? Do some background reading on appraisals and lab certificates before you buy, and don't let your fine jewelry come home until you're sure it's covered in case of a loss.
Take Care of Your JewelryLearn safe and effective methods you can use to clean your jewelry. Take care and your jewelry will look as gorgeous in ten years as it did the first day you saw it.
Jewelry Trends at Major Fashion ShowsFashion shows are events where you'll see jewelry trends. Sometimes designers send models down the runway without any jewelry at all -- that's when you start watching what types of jewelry members of the audience are wearing. |
The Perfect Mothers' DayMom's Wish ListMothers' Day MealsPamper Mom at the SpaTop Gift IdeasCelebrate as a Single Mom |
All Topics | Email Article | Print this Page |  |  |
| Advertising Info | News & Events | Work at About | SiteMap | Reprints | Help | Our Story | Be a Guide |
| User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | ©2008 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved. |