Buying jewelry can be fun, exciting and confusing. Whether you're considering a gift of jewelry for someone special or as a treat for yourself, take some time to learn the terms used in the industry. Here's some information to help you get the best quality jewelry for your money, whether you're shopping in a traditional brick and mortar store by catalog or online.

Gold
The word gold, used by itself, means all gold or 24 karat (24K) gold. Because 24K gold is soft, it's usually mixed with other metals to increase its hardness and durability. If a piece of jewelry is not 24 karat gold, the karat quality should accompany any claim that the item is gold.

The karat quality marking tells you what proportion of gold is mixed with the other metals. Fourteen karat (14K) jewelry contains 14 parts of gold, mixed in throughout with 10 parts of base metal. The higher the karat rating, the higher the proportion of gold in the piece of jewelry.

Most jewelry is marked with its karat quality, although marking is not required by law. Near the karat quality mark, you should see the name or the U.S. registered trademark of the company that will stand behind the mark. The trademark may be in the form of a name, symbol or initials. If you don't see a trademark accompanying a quality mark on a piece of jewelry, look for another piece.

Solid gold refers to an item made of any karat gold, if the inside of the item is not hollow. The proportion of gold in the piece of jewelry still is determined by the karat mark.

Jewelry can be plated with gold in a variety of ways. Gold plate refers to items that are either mechanically plated, electroplated, or plated by any other means with gold to a base metal. Eventually, gold plating wears away, but how soon will depend on how often the item is worn and how thick the plating is.

Gold-filled, gold overlay and rolled gold plate are terms used to describe jewelry that has a layer of at least 10 karat gold mechanically bonded to a base metal. If the jewelry is marked with one of these terms, the term or abbreviation should follow the karat quality of the gold used (for example, 14K Gold Overlay or 12K RGP). If the layer of karat gold is less than 1/20th of the total weight of the item, any marking must state the actual percentage of karat gold, such as 1/40 14K Gold Overlay.

Gold electroplate describes jewelry that has a layer (at least .175 microns thick) of a minimum of 10 karat gold deposited on a base metal by an electrolytic process. The terms gold flashed or gold washed describe products that have an extremely thin electroplating of gold (less than .175 microns thick). This will wear away more quickly than gold plate, gold-filled or gold electroplate.

Platinum, Silver and Other Metals
Platinum is a precious metal that costs more than gold. It usually is mixed with other similar metals, known as the platinum group metals: iridium, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium and osmium.

Different markings are used on platinum jewelry as compared with gold jewelry, based on the amount of pure platinum in the piece. The quality markings for platinum are based on parts per thousand. For example, the marking 900 Platinum means that 900 parts out of 1000 are pure platinum, or in other words, the item is 90% platinum and 10% other metals. The abbreviations for platinum - Plat. or Pt. - also can be used in marking jewelry.

Items that contain at least 950 parts per thousand pure platinum can be marked simply platinum. Items that have at least 850 parts per thousand pure platinum can be marked with the amount of pure platinum and the word platinum or an abbreviation (for example, 950 platinum, 900 Plat. or 850 Pt.). Jewelry that contains less than 850 parts per thousand pure platinum, but has a total of 950 parts per thousand of platinum group metals (of which at least 500 parts is pure platinum), may be marked with both the amount of pure platinum and the amount of the other platinum group metals in the piece. For example, the marking 600 Plat. 350 Irid. means that the item has 600 parts per thousand (60%) platinum, and 350 parts per thousand (35%) iridium, totaling 950 parts per thousand of platinum group metals, and 50 parts per thousand (5%) other metals.

The words silver or sterling silver describe a product that contains 92.5% silver. Silver products sometimes may be marked 925 which means that 925 parts per thousand are pure silver. Some jewelry may be described as silverplate: a layer of silver is bonded to a base metal. The mark coin silver is used for compounds that contain 90% silver. According to the law, quality-marked silver also must bear the name or a U.S. registered trademark of the company or person that will stand behind the mark.

Vermeil (ver-may), a special type of gold plated product, consists of a base of sterling silver that is coated or plated with gold.

Pewter items may be described and marked as such if they contain at least 90% tin.

Gemstones
Natural gemstones are found in nature. Laboratory-created stones, as the name implies, are made in a laboratory. These stones, which also are referred to as laboratory-grown, [name of manufacturer]-created, or synthetic, have essentially the same chemical, physical and visual properties as natural gemstones. Laboratory- created stones do not have the rarity of naturally colored stones and they are less expensive than naturally mined stones. By contrast, imitation stones look like natural stones in appearance only, and may be glass, plastic, or less costly stones. Laboratory-created and imitation stones should be clearly identified as such.

Gemstones may be measured by weight, size, or both. The basic unit for weighing gemstones is the carat, which is equal to one-fifth (1/5th) of a gram. Carats are divided into 100 units, called points. For example, a half-carat gemstone would weigh .50 carats or 50 points. When gemstones are measured by dimensions, the size is expressed in millimeters (for example, 7x5 millimeters).

Gemstone treatments or enhancements refer to the way some gems are treated to improve their appearance or durability, or even change their color. Many gemstones are treated in some way. The effects of some treatments may lessen or change over time and some treated stones may require special care. Some enhancements also affect the value of a stone, when measured against a comparable untreated stone.

Jewelers should tell you whether the gemstone you're considering has been treated when: the treatment is not permanent; the treated stone requires special care; or the treatment significantly affects the value of the gemstone.

Some common treatments that you may be told about and their effects include:

* Heating can lighten, darken or change the color of some gems, or improve a gemstone's clarity.
* Irradiation can add more color to colored diamonds, certain other gemstones and pearls.
* Impregnating some gems with colorless oils, wax or resins makes a variety of imperfections less visible and can improve the gemstones' clarity and appearance.
* Fracture filling hides cracks or fractures in gems by injecting colorless plastic or glass into the cracks and improves the gemstones' appearance and durability.
* Diffusion treatment adds color to the surface of colorless gems; the center of the stone remains colorless.
* Dyeing adds color and improves color uniformity in some gemstones and pearls.
* Bleaching lightens and whitens some gems, including jade and pearls.

Celtic jewelry today is one of the niche jewelry styles that is enjoying a renaissance. So who were the Celts and where do the jewelry designs come from?

The Celts were a group of people first originating in Germany and eastern France in the 2nd millennium BC; however they can be traced back as far as India. They spread throughout Europe and for a long time occupied the territory of Gaul which is roughly the modern territory of France and Belgium. They were extinguished by the Romans and currently Celtic culture remains only in Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, Wales, Cornwall in England and North Spain.

The jewelry designs that are produced today largely come from ancient Celtic art. There were several rich periods that have produced many works of art. The Hiberno - Saxon style flourished in the 7th and 8th century producing the Tara Broach, the Ardagh Chalice and the Derrynaflan Chalice. The introduction of the filigree style, interlace patterns and animal ornamentation resulted in the book of Durrow, the Lindisfarne Gospels and also the Book of Kells. Silver was popular in the 9th and 10th century producing many fine Celtic brooches and finally sculpture and cross were popular in the 9th and 10th century.

The following Celtic designs and Celtic symbols make up the backbone of Celtic art. Knotwork, borders and panels.-Interlacing knotwork patterns with their unbroken lines, symbolise mans eternal spirit. Often they were used to interlace limbs and bodies of humans, birds and reptiles. Spirals-It represents eternal life. The circle may be considered as man’s first step in art. Key patterns -Key patterns could be described as spirals in straight lines repeated to form a pattern. Lettering - In ornamented manuscripts the above Celtic design patterns were used to beautifully transform a letter into a piece of art.

The trinity knot is particularly popular in modern Celtic jewelry. It appears as 3 oval shapes interlaced so that there is no beginning and no end. Its ancient representation was body, mind and sole. Its Christian representation is father, son and Holy Spirit and the more popular modern meaning is never ending love. Celtic crosses are a must have for anyone claiming Celtic descent. Manufacturers are reproducing gold and silver replicas of ancient cross and introducing some gems to enhance its look. Apart from pendants and earrings, Celtic wedding bands and indeed Celtic Engagement Rings are currently highly popular.

Planning a gift of jewelry? Whether it's for sweetheart or yourself, build in time to compare prices and quality. A gift of jewelry can be expensive. If you're not familiar with any jewelers in your area, ask family members, friends or co-workers for recommendations. Also, when ordering online and you've never heard of the seller, check on its reputation with the Better Business Bureau or the state attorney general's office. When you're shopping, ask your salesperson to write down any information you might rely on to make your purchase. And before you buy, ask for the store's refund and return policy. When ordering online, keep printouts of the web pages with details about the transaction, including refund and return policies if you're not satisfied.

The Federal Trade Commission has a few additional pointers for jewelry shoppers who are in the market for gold, watches, gemstones, pearls or diamonds:

1. There's a big difference between 14 karat gold and gold-plated jewelry. Fourteen karat (14K) jewelry contains 14 parts of gold, mixed in throughout with 10 parts of base metal. Gold-plated describes jewelry with a layer of at least 10K gold bonded to a base metal. Gold plating eventually wears away, depending on how often the item is worn and how thick the plating is.
2. If you're buying a watch, determine whether you want one that runs on a battery or one that must be wound daily. Ask if a warranty or guarantee is included, how long it lasts, and what parts and repair problems it covers. Also ask how and where you can get the watch serviced and repaired.
3. Know the difference between laboratory-created gemstones and naturally mined stones. Stones created in the lab are visually identical to stones mined from the earth. The big difference is in the cost: laboratory-created stones are less expensive than naturally mined stones. But because they look just like stones mined from the earth, they must be identified as lab-created. If you want a naturally mined stone, ask if it has been treated. Gemstone treatments -- such as heating, dyeing or bleaching -- can improve a stone's appearance or durability. Some treatments are permanent; some may create special care requirements. Treatments also may affect the stone's value.
4. Ask whether pearls are imitation or real. Real pearls are made by oysters or other mollusks; imitation pearls are man-made. Cultured pearls are made by mollusks with human intervention; an irritant introduced into their shells causes a pearl to grow. Real pearls that are not cultured are fairly rare and expensive. The cost depends on the size, usually stated in millimeters, and the coating or "nacre" on a real pearl, which gives it its iridescence.
5. When you're buying a diamond, consider four criteria: cut, color, clarity and weight , usually stated as carats. Each factor affects the price. Color is sometimes "graded" on a scale. However, scales are not uniform: a "D" may be the best color for one scale, but not for another. Make sure you know how a particular scale and grade represents the color of the diamond you're considering. A diamond can be described as "flawless" only if it has no visible surface cracks or other imperfections when viewed under 10-power magnification by a skilled diamond grader.

Like most women, I adore diamonds, precious gems, gold, and fine watches, but I’ve never been attached to any particular brand of jewelry. After all, when people look at a diamond ring, they’re more likely to admire the stone itself than to ask about the ring’s manufacturer.

As long as they look fabulous, I don’t mind the brand that is attached to my necklaces, earrings, and rings. At least that was how I felt until I found out about Cartier jewelry.

Of course, I had heard about Cartier jewelry before, and have even observed a few pieces from their collection. I always thought that they would be too expensive for me. However, one day I was able to examine some Cartier jewelry up close and I was able to take a peek at the price tag.

I was surprised that even though the price was high, it certainly wasn’t extremely expensive. I mean, I wouldn’t have to file for bankruptcy to be able to buy the necklace or anything like that. As a result, I decided to buy that special necklace.

The necklace made me feel special every time I wear it. Like all Cartier jewelry, my necklace was luxurious, stylish, and elegant. I was very impressed by the sheer beauty and excellent craftsmanship of my necklace. Because I prefer to have variety in my jewelry, I own a bunch of necklaces.

But I find myself wearing my new necklace all the time. I wore it when I visit the church, at my workplace, on special occasions, and even when I go on informal occasions with my friends. After a few weeks, I wanted add a few more Cartier jewelry to my collection.

Since I’m not a millionaire, I had to wait until I had saved enough money to purchase the earrings I wanted next. While I was saving, I visited high-end retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue just to look at Cartier jewelry to keep myself motivated.

I also browsed through websites and auction sites to find better prices on Carter jewelry than those I usually saw at jewelry stores. Fortunately, I was able to find a few reputable websites that offer discount Cartier jewelry. This allowed me to buy my earrings much earlier than I expected.

Over the past five years, I’ve changed the way I buy and give gifts. Once upon a time, I bought ‘needed’ gifts. I then progressed to ‘should have’ gifts. Then I gave ‘you get it any way’ gifts. All of this obviously came from my theory about what others needed, wanted, or had to have no matter what.

I’m past all these internal theories related to gift giving. I now look for gifts ‘from the heart’. I’ve found that it is such a beautiful thing to find a special charm to add to the lovely gold charm bracelet I gave my daughter several years ago. I’m adding charms that tell a story of our lives together.

Last year I decided to add these mementos in a special gift basket that I make for each of my children and my niece. I found lovely gold charms created by a craftsman who only sells them at fairs. He takes gold coins, actual coins from other countries, and cuts them into beautiful patterns. Since I appreciated his gold coins, as well as, the jewelry he made with diamonds, he spent some time talking to me describing his craft.

He actually agreed to make me several more pieces. I was truly appreciative since he does not do orders. He is a one of a kind craftsman who willingly shared his time and artistry with gold with me. These beautiful gold coins were a wonderful addition to last year’s gift basket.

I have not found the ‘perfect I Love You’ gift for this year but I’m sure I will.

A drop pearl earring incorporates the pearl’s quiet beauty to the drop design’s attention-getting look. It’s dressy and casual at the same time. It draws attention but in a quiet way.

While every woman can wear pearls, not everyone can wear drop earrings. Yes, jewelry does make a difference in how a woman looks but we must remember that they are accessories and their main purpose is to enhance or complement a look. We don’t dress up for the jewelry – the jewelry dresses up for us. Here’s why:

The shape of the face Earrings, regardless of design, bring attention to the face which is why it is very important to choose the right pair to wear. In the case of drop pearl earrings, the pearl as the focal point of the jewelry is either used attached to a stud or hung from a chain connected to a stud that pierces or hangs from the ear lobe. This design acts as a ‘pointer’ and where does it point? Down, towards the chin.

Depending on the shape of the face, this design can either flatter or exaggerate. When using drop pearl earrings in a pendant design, this is a good thing to remember, since pendants can draw attention downward.

Why pearls are precious Before the pearl got strung to hang from your drop earrings, it traveled some ways from the bowels of a mollusk to the hands of the jeweler. Pearls are as rare as they are beautiful and no two are exactly alike, which in part makes them a favorite choice for jewels.

Of the more than 8,000 different species of mollusks, there are only 20 kinds who can produce pearls consistently. That is why natural pearls are quite rare. They also are not always the ideal shape and size to use as jewelry that is why people have turned to artificial methods of producing pearls, also called cultured pearls. This method was perfected by Kokichi Mikimoto of Japan.

Cultured pearls are essentially artificial implants. This is a more ideal method of creating pearls because it affords a certain control over the size and shape. Natural pearls are formed ‘naturally’ without outside help from humans.

That is not to say that cultured pearls are less valuable than natural pearls. Their only difference is that cultured pearls are produced differently.

Pearl quality The focal point of a drop pearl earring is of course the pearl. If you’re planning to buy a pair, this is not only a beautiful addition to your collection, but is also a worthwhile investment.

The price of the pearl depends upon its quality which in turn is dependent on several factors: the color, shape, size, luster, nacre thickness and texture of the pearl.

Pearl color varies from the usual white, silver and cream to green, blue, gold and black. The color of the pearl depends upon the type of mollusk that produced it and water conditions. Sometimes, in the case of cultured pearls, the kind of nucleus used to stimulate the mollusk can also affect the pearl’s color.

Shape is one area where personal taste may be a high deciding factor. The most expensive kind is the perfectly round ones, because these are rare. Drop pearls are shaped like teardrops but their shape doesn’t mean they are not valuable at all. A lot of good-quality pearls are drop-shaped and are preferred after the spherical ones.

Generally, the larger the pearl, the more valuable and its size is measured by its diameter. It’s worth noting, however that size is not the sole determinant of value. It could be the size of a cherry but if it’s dull with lots of imperfections, it should not be worth much at all. Most pearls fall in the 6.5 to 7.5 mm range.

Nacre is the substance from which pearls are made of. This is the same substance that you’ll find inside the shell of a mollusk or oyster. Nacre affects the luster and color of the pearl and generally speaking, the thicker it is, the higher the value of the pearl.

Texture is also a consideration, since pearls, unlike gemstones, are prized based on their surface. A clean and smooth surface is an indication of a good quality pearl. It should be shiny, reflective and without spots, bumps or discolorations.

If you like pearl earrings, you’re not the only one. Pearls enjoy a long history and have appeared in art, literature and music. They have adorned kings as well as criminals and have continued to enjoy a kind of popularity that has not waned to this day.

Pearls are highly valued and there are few cultures in the world that do not know what it is. Its oldest record dates back to 2300 B.C., when it was used as gifts to emperors and members of the royal court in China. It was highly valued by the ancient Greeks and was believed to bring love to married couples. The Koran describes it as one of Paradise’s greatest treasures.

Pearls were traded by Native Americans and upon this discovery, they were then harvested and sent to Europe from the colonies. With this volume of pearl trade increasing, it was only a matter of time before pearl-producing mollusks began to be threatened with extinction, but this did not happen.

Throughout the late 1800s and into the early 1900s, Japanese researches found that oysters can be stimulated artificially by deliberately introducing foreign particles into them. This process was perfected by Kokichi Mikimoto, whose name is now synonymous with high-quality cultured pearls.

Natural vs. Cultured

Gem-quality natural pearls are quite rare because those produced by mollusks are not always good enough for jewelry. Other than that, some of the shapes are not acceptable. There are also a very small number of harvestable natural pearls available which is why jewelers turn to cultured pearls, which are easily produced in the desired shape and size and conveniently harvested.

Natural pearls are generally not superior in quality and value to cultured pearls, although the perfectly round natural pearl is the most prized because of its rarity. The only difference between the two types is their method of production. Both are actual pearls.

Choosing a good quality pearl

Pearls are prized depending on several factors, a combination of which can greatly affect their price:

Color – is determined based on two things: the body color and the overtone. The body color is the main color of the pearl, which can range from the more common white, cream and silver to green, gold, blue and black. The body color depends on the kind of oyster the pearl was produced with as well as on the water conditions prevailing at the time of its production.

The overtone is the translucent color/s that you can see on top of the body color, although there are pearls with no overtones. Imagine the pearl as a colored ball and imagine an overtone as a colored plastic wrap over it. The overtone can add to the luster and depth of the pearl and can change its main color a little. For example, a pearl may have a cream color with pink overtones.

Size – generally speaking, the larger the pearl, the more valuable it is. Size is measured in millimeters and determined by the pearl’s diameter.

Shape – pearls come in a wide array of shapes: the spherical (round and near-round), symmetrical (oval, button and drop or pear-shaped) and baroque (irregular and non-symmetrical).

Luster – pearls are reflective gemstones. The higher its luster quality, the more it can reflect light and surrounding images and the more brilliant it is. Luster is dependent upon the quality and amount of nacre that the pearl contains.

Surface quality – pearls of high value are those with little imperfections like spots, bumps or discolorations. The more nearly perfect it is, the more valuable.

Caring for your pearl earrings

Pearls are quite delicate, being organic and softer than other gemstones which is why caring for them may require a different approach. They can crack, are easily damaged and can be scratched by harder gems. To keep them in good shape, it would be a good idea to keep them in a separate container, away from your other gemstones. This way, pearls are in no danger of rubbing against the harder stones.

Special care is also needed when wearing pearls with cosmetics. They are quite absorbent and chemicals like perfume and sprays can affect them, so will natural body oils and sweat. To avoid as much contact with these substances as possible, put on makeup and perfume first before wearing your pearl earrings.

Cleaning pearl earrings is quite easy – just wipe the dirt off with a soft, damp cloth and wash them occasionally with water and a mild soap. Be sure to wipe dry with a soft cloth. If you care for your pearls, they will remain a beautiful and valuable part of your jewelry collection.

Throughout the years, promise rings have been given as a symbol of one’s intent to someday marry, of one’s commitment and faithfulness, or as a sign to keep a promise of sorts or hold a secret. A gemstone, usually small in weight and diameter, is typically placed within some type of heart-shaped setting. Sometimes several gemstone chips are placed in a heart outline, or a cluster of tiny gems create the illusion of one larger, heart-shaped stone. Still other promise rings have no heart-shaped design, but are instead a single, small diamond placed within a sometimes intricately designed, yellow or white gold setting.

While you’re shopping for such a time-honored symbol of love and compassion, there are a few things that you my want to take into consideration before spending your hard-earned cash:

First, true promise rings are crafted of gold, either yellow or white. Sterling Silver is not the precious metal of choice for such an important symbol. If your recipient of choice isn’t fond of yellow gold, keep in mind that a white gold promise ring has the look of sterling silver, but is significantly higher in quality. Gemstones glimmer and shine just as they should in a white gold promise ring.

Next, promise rings are not engagement rings, no matter what your intentions of the gift may be. Therefore, two-months salary isn’t a guide to price. You can find a beautiful, well-crafted 14K yellow or white gold promise ring for under $300, with many stunning designs available for as low at $150. When (and if) the time comes, you can scrounge up the necessary cash for a diamond engagement ring. But until that time, don’t feel the need to spend an exorbitant amount of money.

Purchasing a promise ring should come from the heart, so you’ll want to buy from a jeweler that understands what you’re doing and where you’re coming from, and has a heart of its own. The seller should have a good return policy (in case you change your mind) and quick service when you want it- but also patience when you need it.

Finally, don’t limit yourself to local and mall jewelry stores that have a huge rent to pay, with a staff full of employees who work on commission. The Internet has brought shopping into your home, so it’s time you started utilizing it for what it’s worth. You can shop 10 different jewelry stores in 10 minutes on the World Wide Web, accessing every possible detail about any promise ring that you’d like to see, one that’s certain to fit perfectly on the finger of your promised.

Pearl stud earrings are as understated as they are elegant. They are low-key and beautiful and not loud accessories at all. They are a great complement to any wardrobe, be it a stylish gown or a simple blouse and jeans. Worn day or night, pearl stud earrings are a wonderful fashion statement. It is also the kind of design that a woman of any face shape can carry off well.

Here are a few tips on picking the pearl stud earrings to add to your collection:

Pearl quality

A simple stud earring is only as beautiful as the pearl attached to it. When buying pearls, there are several things that you might want to consider: shape, size, color, texture and luster.

Shape – pearls come in different shapes and the three main categories are spherical, symmetrical and baroque. Round pearls and near-round pearls are considered spherical. Drop, oval and button pearls are considered symmetrical while baroque pearls are those that are irregular and abstract in shape.

Size – the pearl’s size is determined by its diameter measured in millimeters. Generally, the bigger the pearl, the more valuable it is. Most of the pearls you can find in the market are in the range of 6.5 to 7.5 mm. Compared to that, the largest pearl ever found was a black one which measured 25mm.

Color – depending on the mollusk or oyster that produced it, a pearl can have a different color ranging from the usual white and cream to green, gold, blue and black. Color is determined by two things: body color and overtone. Body color is the main color of the pearl while overtone is the iridescent tint that is found on its surface, on top of the main color.

Texture – there is no such thing as a pearl with a perfect surface. There will always be certain imperfections on it. The only way to determine the pearl’s value is whether or not the imperfections are obvious. Bumps, spots and irregularities can affect the quality of the pearl. Cracks, chips and gaps are considered serious flaws.

Luster – refers to the brilliance of the pearl’s surface and is one of the most important characteristics in grading. Pearls are made up of a substance called nacre, which is naturally produced by the oyster or mollusk as a reaction to an irritation, usually a grain of sand or parasite in the case of natural pearls and an implanted nucleus in the case of cultured pearls.

Luster affects the reflectivity of the pearl. The better it reflects light and surrounding objects, the better its quality. Dull, cloudy surfaces are a sign of inferior quality.

Choosing your findings

Posts are the type of studs that go through the ear and are closed securely with a nut. These are the most common choice for pierced ears. For unpierced lobes, ear clips and screw-backs may be used, both of which are held in place by friction.

Pearl stud earring combination

Pearls are the kind of gemstones that can work well when combined with other precious and semi-precious stones. It can work well with smaller diamonds, rubies or emeralds and can even shine with jade, garnet or moonstone. By itself, pearl stud earrings are still an elegant choice.

Caring for your pearl stud earrings

Pearls are delicate organic gemstones and must be treated with special care. They are softer and easily scratched or cracked and once damage is done, there is nothing you can do to bring the pearl’s beauty back.

Try to keep them away from your harder-type jewelry. If in case they are rubbed together, pearls are more likely to get scratched. Store your pearl stud earrings in a separate container, preferably the box it came with. Make sure it’s lined and covered to provide better protection for your gems.

Also try to avoid dropping your pearl stud earrings as this can contribute to scratching and cracking. Pearls are also affected by sweat, body oils and cosmetics. These can actually cause your pearls to lose their luster and promote discoloration. So the next time you plan to wear your pearls, be sure to put on make up, hair spray and perfume first before you put your pearls on. This way, you minimize pearl contact with chemicals.

One of the most overlooked things when caring for stud earrings is the nut or close. People automatically store their earrings and forget about the nuts. Worn at the back of the earlobe, the nut can accumulate body oils, dirt and yes, loose skin. To keep them in good condition, clean them with a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush.

So you’re thinking of getting your belly button pierced and are looking for that perfect piece of belly piercing jewelry to match you and your personality? As the owner of a body piercing website, I am continually asked similar questions.

I wish I had the “one size fits all” answer but unfortunately there is no single answer that’s right for everyone. You’ll have to make that decision for yourself. In this article, I’ll give you the information you need to make that decision a little easier.

Before you worry about the latest belly bling trends, the first and most important factor to consider is the type of metal used. I know, I know, the metal used is probably the last thing you care about – but it shouldn’t be because there are only a few types that are safe for your body. I highly recommend that you only buy belly piercing jewelry made of high quality surgical grade steel. Anything less and you could have allergic reactions to the higher levels of nickel content. The exterior (decorative part) can be made of anything you’d like (silver, gold, and etc) but you should ensure that the part that is inserted into your body is surgical grade steel. Ok, now that the boring part is over, let’s move on to the fun stuff.

So what kind of person are you? What makes you tick? These are important questions that only you can answer.

Some of the most popular belly piercing jewelry trends are top down (dangling) belly rings, flashing belly rings, and reverse belly rings. Let me briefly describe each.

Top Down belly rings are a perfect choice for a person that wants a belly ring but might not be happy with the look of their belly button. This is because top down jewelry is designed to connect to the top portion of the jewelry and then dangle over (covering) your belly button.

Flashing belly rings are always popular! Normally these are fairly boring during the day but become alive at night. Most women love these when their going out on a night on the town. These will definitely get you noticed.

The Reverse belly ring is becoming popular because it is a little different. It goes in through the top of the navel and then out through the center of the belly button. Because of the increased popularity of these types of piercings, you’ll find plenty of jewelry selection.

Let’s face it, belly piercings are hot! If you decide to get one, then spend a little time getting the one (or ones) that are right for you.