Jewelry Basics

The following basic jewelry guide serves as a useful platform in forming a solid understanding of jewelry. Use the guide as a starting point or refresher before reading articles covering more advanced and comprehensive jewelry concepts. If you feel the article is missing any useful information please feel free to contact us.

What is jewelry?

It seems like an obvious question but is similar to asking what art is. Jewelry can be just about anything that you choose to wear for the purpose of personal adornment and is not simply earrings for girls. It has been used for a myriad of reasons for close to 100,000 years. Jewelry is typically a stone such as diamond, ruby or turquoise set in metal like gold, silver or platinum.

How are jewelry prices set?

People are often curious to understand why one particular piece of jewelry can be so much more expensive than another piece. The material used to construct jewelry plays a big part in determining its price. Cubic Zirconium and Stainless steel are affordable, gold and silver more expensive. Platinum is twice as expensive as 24k gold and Rhodium cost 10 time as much as platinum. Certain types of materials are also easier to work with than others and so the complexity, skill and cost of tools and procedures used to manufacture the jewelry also vary. Jewelry designed by certain jewelry artists also plays a part in determining prices. Artists release a limited range of styles and designs and some even produce unique one-off pieces. Demand for popular styles and limited number pieces results in premium prices.

Why do Jewelry trends change?

Over the course of 100,000 years jewelry trends have changed more than a few times. Up until relatively recently Jewelry was primarily used for symbolic purposes and so trends changed as religions and empires changed which wasn’t too often. Today jewelry trends are governed by modern style icons and celebrities. If a group of popular celebrities and few style icons are caught in a particular style of jewelry the masses will follow and a new trend is born. Today jewelry trends change faster than ever which if you wish to remain contemporary is great if you enjoy purchasing jewelry. At certain times in history it was illegal to wear certain types if you were not from a particular social class. Times have changed and society is now more accepting, jewelry trends today are very much about individualization. For this reason there can be anywhere up to 5 predominant jewelry trends and nothing is really considered ‘wrong’.

What type of Jewelry is currently popular?

Today retro jewelry trends dominate. Take a look at any popular media and you are sure to find pearls, large swooping curves designs and elegant finishes. There are a number of benefits to this particular trend. Those already owning retro pieces are able to revive old pieces from the jewelry box while younger generations can search parents and grandparents cabinets. Retro style jewelry is considered a classic design and so pieces purchased now will still be quite fashionable in a year’s time even if retro jewelry is no longer the current trend. Fringe fashions which become quite popular are often only useful while the trend is popular. In addition to retro styled pieces there are a number of new social trends such as promise rings which continue to grow in popularity. Cubic Zirconia continues to enjoy particular popularity as methods of production improve to produce diamond like quality and lustre.

Which type of Jewelry is best for me?

This is a very personal question. You should buy jewelry constructed from the best materials you can afford that best reflects your style. You should consider purchasing pieces which match your existing wardrobe as well as colors which compliment your hair and skin tone.

How can I clean my Jewelry?

Gemstones and metals and more intricate designs on jewelry like dangle earrings can be quite delicate and easily damaged by seemingly non abrasive cleaners such as washing detergents. There are a number of methods dependent upon the gemstones and metals used in your jewelry. Take a look at our cleaning guide for a comprehensive review of the best cleaning methods.

How long does jewelry last?

This question is dependent upon two factors. The metals and gemstones used in construction and the intended use of the jewelry. Gemstones and metals are given a hardness rating on a scale of 1-10. Harder jewelry will last many lifetimes and will be next to impossible to scratch. Softer jewelry will scratch and is easily damaged by rough conditions. There are also other factors which greatly impact the condition and lifespan of your jewelry. If you live in a particularly humid climate certain metals such as silver will tarnish quickly while particularly dry climates may cause porous gemstones to crack. If you correctly clean your jewelry when it begins to lose it luster, store it correctly and you’re careful when wearing it just about all types will last a lifetime. If you’re looking for jewelry capable of withstanding all conditions purchase the harder metals like Tungsten and Platinum with equally hard gemstones like Diamond and Ruby. Learn how to store your jewelry, clean it reguarly and it will outlast all of us.