Jewelry Box

Within the world of jewelry, there are many metals that are highly desired. The most highly sought after are gold, silver, and platinum. If these metals are out of your price range, however, there is an alternative that many people turn to in sterling silver. Sterling silver is an alloy, meaning it usually consists of 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent other metals. Most commonly, this additional metal is copper, but it can be other types of metal.

While sterling silver is typically less expensive than other types of metal, some people actually prefer this alloy. This is because fine silver is often far too soft to be practically used in large products such as cutlery. By alloying the silver with copper, the overall metal is given more strength and durability. If people are concerned with reducing the amount of tarnish on a given metal, copper will sometimes be replaced with zinc or even platinum. One of the most common uses of sterling silver is in jewelry, and this includes everything from sterling silver rings to sterling silver necklaces.

Used in jewelry and as a home décor accent, onyx has a wide variety of uses. A form of quartz, onyx is typically thought of as wholly black, but it actually comes in an entire range of colors. While black is indeed the most common variety, onyx with bands of color is also possible. The name “onyx” actually derives from the Greek word for claw or fingernail. Demonstrating its range of color, it was so named because of its flesh tone color.

Onyx today is most known for its use in jewelry, and as such, it is common to see everything from a black onyx ring to colored onyx pendants. Its use, however, extends back to the Greeks and Romans. There is evidence of onyx being utilized in art forms at Crete, and it was also incorporated into pottery and bowls in Egypt. These instances date back as far as the Second Dynasty. For the biblical adherent, onyx will be recognized as having been referenced in Exodus 25.

One of the most difficult things about giving a necklace as a gift is that you’re never quite sure where the necklace is going to fall on the recipient. Depending on the person’s body size, the necklace may sit too high or too low. If it’s too far one way or the other, it can actually be uncomfortable, and in all likelihood, this means the necklace will go unworn. Jewelry absolutely must be comfortable for it to be worn, so the next time you’re going to give a necklace, consider purchasing a beautiful and charming pendant alone.

This way, the person can pick out a chain that is the absolutely ideal length, thickness, and weight. They can also pick out their desired metal. Some people absolutely adore sterling silver while others have more specific tastes and can only wear 14K white gold necklaces. Whatever the person’s preference, let them make the selection. And, of course, offer to pay the bill. Just hope the recipient of the pendant prefers sterling silver over platinum!