Jewelry Box

One of the staples of any woman’s wardrobe is the classic black dress. The garment is touted for its sleek appearance and versatility. Although the “little black dress” literally goes with anything, there are few jewelry options that fully complement the piece by having black in their design.

Originally used in ancient Greek and Rome, onyx is one of the oldest used forms of quartz. Today you can find quality black onyx earrings and rings to accompany any black ensemble. Add rich black color to your jewelry while maintaining elegance with this ancient gemstone.

What do copper, silver, brass and aluminum have in common, besides the fact that they’re all metals that indispensable for human use? Each one will develop a layer of corrosion known as tarnish over time. This form of oxidization creeps in at a much slower and less conspicuous rate than rust, but it’s just as detrimental to the beautiful shine of your jewelry. You wouldn’t show off your rusty old car to friends, so why flaunt a tarnished necklace?

There are literally dozens of ways to remove tarnish from a sterling silver pendant, and each has its benefits and drawbacks. Your best bet is to add a thin layer of polish to prevent the tarnish from forming in the first place. Abrasive materials like sandpaper or steel wool are sometimes used, but that should be a last resort. Anytime you scrub the tarnish off a piece of metal, you’re also losing bits of the silver itself.

As gold prices continue to rise, so does the price of jewelry. With this is mind, it is important to pick pieces of jewelry that not only look great but are versatile as well. What good is spending hundreds of dollars on earrings or a necklace if you can only wear them a couple of times a year?

For your next jewelry purchase look for simple designs that are appropriate for a variety of occasions. Choosing something causal yet elegant will allow you to enjoy the piece during the workweek, not just on special occasions. 14k yellow gold necklaces and chains are simple and can be paired with virtually any bracelets, watches or rings.

As you begin to amass a sizable collection of fine jewelry, it’s important to keep accessories separated. Better organization will make it easier for you to find your favorite broach, bracelet or set of earrings, of course, but that’s not the only reason. When they’re mixed together, hard minerals will inevitably create scratches in the surface of softer ones.

Let the Mohs scale of mineral hardness be your guide if you’re struggling to group your jewelry. It’s common knowledge that diamonds are the hardest of all stones, so you’ll want to keep them away from anything bearing pearls. A 14k yellow gold necklace would rate a 3 on the Mohs scale with a diamond rating 10. Keep softer metals together and you won’t have to deal with the misfortune of a scratched, unsightly accessory.