Choosing and Caring for Fine Jewelry

Fine jewelry is jewelry that is crafted from valuable materials like platinum, gold, and silver. It may also feature diamonds and/or colorful gemstones. Many people wear fine jewelry that they've received as a gift, while some buy their own pieces. Read on to find out more about choosing and caring for your fine jewelry.

Platinum jewelry is the most expensive and strongest metal used for fine jewelry, and is more valuable than gold. You can find platinum engagement rings, necklaces and bracelets. The color of platinum can be compared to silver or white gold, yet the similarities stop there. Platinum is hypo-allergenic, which makes it an ideal choice for wearers with sensitive skin. It's also versatile, flexible, and will never turn in color. To clean your platinum jewelry, use a regular jewelry cleaner or jewelry cleaning cloth. After years of use, platinum can develop somewhat of a patina. To keep your pieces sparkling, have them professionally cleaned and polished by a jeweler as often as needed.

Maybe you love the rich and classic look of gold. If so, you're not alone! Gold is probably the most popular material from which fine jewelry is crafted. The purity of gold is measured by what are called karats. The higher number of karats that gold has, the higher the percentage of purity. For example, 24 karat gold is 100 percent gold, while 14 karat gold is 58 percent gold. Gold not only comes in different karat designations, it comes in different colors as well. There is the traditional yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold. Gold jewelry is sturdy and lasting, however you should always use care when cleaning and storing your gold pieces. To keep gold sparkling, use a traditional jewelry cleaning solution designed for gold.

Sterling silver is the least expensive choice for fine jewelry. People often choose sterling silver because it does not turn and is durable, lasting, and affordable. To be classified as sterling, a piece must contain at least 92.5 percent silver. You can find silver jewelry that contains fine gemstones, pearls or even diamonds. Caring for silver is a bit different than caring for gold or platinum. You'll need a jewelry cleaner especially designed for sterling silver. Like with gold and platinum, you can have your silver jewelry professionally polished if it loses its sparkle.

No matter what kind of fine jewelry you choose or receive, it's important to treat each piece with the care and respect it deserves. Always store your fine jewelry in a fabric lined box or individual fabric lined pouches to discourage tangling. Do not wear your jewelry when cleaning with harsh chemicals. Certain gemstones cannot be worn in bright sunlight or water as they can be damaged. If you have any questions about the proper care of your fine jewelry, consult a jeweler in your area.

Copyright 2006 Frances Coleman - All Rights Reserved

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