Tips for Giving Beautiful Artisan Made Jewellery

Are you looking for the perfect gift for your mother, wife, sister or daughter? Consider a gift of custom created artisan made jewellery, a gift sure to please any woman in your life. Not sure what kind of jewelry she’d like? These tips can help you select a piece of artisan made jewellery that she’ll treasure for decades to come.

Consider Her Personal Style

People have a general impression that artisan jewelry is funky, Bohemian or ethnic – all of which can be true. Artisan made jewellery can also be classic, conservative, feminine and sophisticated. In fact, there are nearly as many styles represented among artisans as there are artisans. Think about the way she dresses and the kinds of jewelry she typically wears. Understanding her look will help you choose jewelry that she’ll love.

Consider Her Birthstone

What girl doesn’t love a piece of jewelry set with her birthstone? Many artisans will customize gemstone rings or gemstone pendants with any of a wide variety of stones, including most birthstones. You can also choose earrings, bracelets, necklaces and even barrettes set with her birthstone or any other gem you know she loves.

Give a Set of Matched Artisan Made Jewellery

Instead of giving just a ring or a pair of earrings, put together a matched set of jewelry that she can wear on special occasions. It’s most common to match pendants or necklaces with earrings, but you don’t have to confine yourself to the customary. Barrettes, headbands or tiaras can set off matching earrings and choker, for example, or you might choose gemstone rings with a bangle bracelet inset with the same gemstone.

Consider Heritage

Ethnic and tribal designs are among the most popular styles of modern artisan made jewellery on the market. Appeal to her sense of pride in her heritage with bracelets, necklaces, earrings or other jewelry that draws on the traditional designs from her native lands. Today, you’ll find beautifully made jewelry that draws on Celtic traditions, Indian designs, African symbols and many other cultures.

When All Else Fails…

Buy her a piece of gemstone jewelry in her favorite color – or in a whole rainbow of them. Gemstone jewelry comes in a huge range of colors so you’re bound to find pieces in colors that she loves. From precious gems like emeralds, rubies and diamonds to semiprecious stones like turquoise, agate and tiger-eye, you can order your favorite artisan made jewellery in exactly the colors and gemstones she’ll want most.

High Fashion Artisan Made Jewellery

Far too often people equate hand-crafted and handmade with homemade and lesser quality items. When it comes to artisan made jewellery, nothing could be further from the truth. Beautifully crafted gemstone rings, bracelets, gemstone pendants, barrettes and earrings are always in style, and artisan made jewelry represents all that is original, creative and fashionable in adornment.  Costume jewelry has lost its luster when compared to the latest wave of beautiful high-fashion jewelry, crafted by hand and created by skilled artisans. Here’s a look at what’s most popular in the world of hand-crafted jewelry for the upcoming holiday season.

Gemstone Pendants

Unique combinations of handpicked gemstones and handcrafted settings are among the latest trends in the world of artisan jewelry. Some of the most desired pendants are those made of unexpected stones – translucent, iridescent labrodorite, deep blue iolite and vivid green chalcedony brighten beaded necklaces or hang from sterling silver chains.

Gemstone Rings

Faceted and cabochon gemstone rings are the perfect accent to any outfit – and with the enormous selection of gemstones available, you can choose a ring in any of your favorite colors. Many artisans will custom craft your ring so that you can mix and match ring settings with the gemstone of your choice.

Bracelet Styles

After falling out of fashion for a while, bracelets are back on the fashion runways with a vengeance. They range for delicate bead bracelets to thick cuff bracelets engraved with tribal designs and inset with precious gems. Choose a handful of thin bangles inset with faceted gems or make a statement with artisan crafted bracelets that combine crystals, glass beads and carefully polished gemstones.

Gemstone Earrings

With long hair or short, earrings call attention to your face and help create an aura of allure. Shoulder duster gemstone earrings with delicate silver chains and fiery faceted gemstones are among the most popular pieces of artisan made jewelry. They’re the ideal complement to your favorite semiformal or formal little black dress.

Artisan Made Jewellery for Your Hair

When you’re dressing up with gemstones and jewelry, don’t forget to crown your crowning glory. Handcrafted barrettes, clips and headbands are the perfect accent for any special occasion hairstyle. Delicate barrettes and clips inset with pearls, diamonds, agates and other precious and semiprecious gems can instantly add glamour to even the simplest hairdo.

If you’re looking for the perfect finishing touch for your holiday outfits, look no further than the beautiful selection of artisan made jewellery that’s available on the market today.

Dress for Success with Artisan Made Jewellery

Toss out your old dress for success notes. The power suit is out and comfortable clothes that work for women are in. Back in the bad old days, professional women had very few wardrobe choices if they wanted to be taken seriously. The rules called for black, gray, navy or brown man-suits with boxy jackets and tailored skirts. As far as jewelry, the rule was don’t. How things have changed! Today’s professional woman is free to express herself through her wardrobe, as long as she doesn’t overdo it. Bright colors, feminine touches and artisan made jewellery all offer ways for women to personalize their professional wardrobe.

Here are some ideas about wearing artisan made jewellery with your executive wardrobe in ways that feminize your wardrobe without neutralizing your power.

Avoid Cutesy Jewelry

Cutesy jewelry gives off a little-girl vibe and can make it hard for your co-workers and associates to take you seriously. There are some professions where you can get away with wearing skull-and-roses bracelets, of course. If you work in a creative industry, you’ve got a lot more leeway than if you have to stand and argue cases in front of a judge and jury. Remember, artisan made jewellery doesn’t always mean funky and out there, but it does always represent high quality craftsmanship.

Instead, choose striking, stylish pendants, gemstone rings and sophisticated earrings that work well with the colors and styles of the clothing you wear.

Always Choose Real Over Plastic

There’s been a trend toward plastic and resin jewelry that’s faddish and often cheap-looking. Instead of plastic, choose genuine gemstone and semiprecious stones that redefine elegance. Ropes of freshwater pearls, tiger-eye gems and turquoise beads can make an elegant statement that works beautifully with silk and linen.

Keep Jewelry Pieces in Scale

Tiny earrings may be cute, but if they’re matched up with chunky beads, it can be jarring. On the other hand, boxy jackets were made to wear with chunky beads and bold, oversize gemstone pendants. If you’re wearing a dainty peplum jacket, consider pairing it up with a delicate filigree pendant, slender bracelets and button pearl earrings. Consider your overall look when choosing artisan made jewellery and choose pieces that fit the scale of your outfit.

We’ve come a long way since the days when the only acceptable jewelry in the workplace was a discreet lapel pin, button earrings and a feminine wristwatch. Today’s professional woman can show off her flair and personal style. Choose distinctive and classy artisan made jewellery that makes a fashion statement

How to Care for Artisan Made Jewellery

Beautiful jewelry is more than a pretty possession. Finely crafted artisan made jewellery expresses your personality and has the potential to become a treasured family heirloom. Gemstone jewelry, especially rings, bracelets, pendants, earrings and other beautiful pieces made with semiprecious stones, often carry sentimental value, and may have special significance to those who believe in the power of natural elements. Of course, if you’re planning to hand down your artisan made jewellery, you’ll want to take special care of it. These tips can help you preserve your gemstone rings, gemstone pendants, silver chains and other delicate artisan made jewellery so you’ll get years of pleasure from it.

Wear your jewelry often, but take care not to expose it to damaging activities and substances. Avoid wearing precious and semiprecious stones when you swim, bathe or sunbathe – there are chemicals in the water that can damage the stones and tarnish the metals. If you’re planning to spend the day at the beach or the pool, leave your jewelry at home – or at least remove it and put it into a small pouch while you swim.

Watch out for vigorous physical activity. No one would suggest that you sit pretty as a picture when you’re wearing gemstone jewelry, but if you’re going to be engaging in vigorous physical activity – say rock-climbing or jogging – you’ll be exposing it to the risk of tangling, catching on objects or breaking. This is especially important for gemstone pendants on silver chains, which can easily break and get lost.

Avoid banging your jewelry against hard objects. Obviously, no one goes out with the intention of slamming their jewelry into things, but some activities make it more likely than others. If you’re moving furniture, for example, you might want to remove gemstone rings first to avoid the possibility of banging the stone against door jambs or getting it caught between walls and furniture.

Don’t leave gemstone jewelry in direct sunlight, which can fade many of the most popular stones.

Store your artisan made jewellery in the original box or pouch, if possible, keeping each item separate from the others to avoid tangling and nicking. While you’ll often seen pendants and necklaces displayed hanging, it’s not a good idea to store your necklaces that way. The weight of the gemstone pendants can put stress on the chain and the fasteners, making them more likely to break.

Always put your artisan made jewellery on last. Perfume, hair spray and cosmetics contain chemicals that can damage gemstones and metal. Put your barrettes on after you spray your hair and put earrings and necklaces on after you’ve finished putting on your makeup and perfume.

With proper care, your artisan made jewellery will look as lovely in 20 years as it did on the day you bought it.

Choose Artisan Made Jewellery to Accessorize Your Fall Wardrobe

It’s autumn! That means it’s time to refresh your fall wardrobe and update it with this year’s latest looks. One of the easiest ways to give your closet a new look is to add a few pieces of artisan made jewellery to your jewelry box. Necklaces, bracelets and earrings in this season’s hottest colors and patterns bring a fresh look to even your most dated little black dress and suit jacket. Not sure what you should buy? Here are a few of the autumn’s most versatile jewelry looks to consider.

Beads

Gemstone jewelry is still a big player on the runways, but beads are taking up most of the spotlight. Fun and funky beads make their appearance in necklaces, where they’re huge, angled and painted in colors that go with all of your outfits. Bracelets, on the other hand, sport row upon row of seed beads shaped into mosaics or randomly wound into bangles. Shoulder duster earrings are also high on the list of glam fashion artisan made jewellery, with crystal beads and stamped metal charms dangling on silver chains.

The Long and Short of It

While earrings are longer and more ostentatious than they have been in years, necklaces have definitely shortened. After a few seasons of chains that fall to the waist and below, this year’s necklaces and pendants hit just above the breastbone. That makes them absolutely perfect to wear with both modest necklines and off-the-shoulder styles. They also look great with suit blazers and unconstructed blazers.

Wrist Action

Bracelets are all over the runways this season – and all up and down your arms. Some of the hottest bracelet styles this season are hand-beaded bangle bracelets in tribal patterns and animal prints and thin bangles worn in triplets and more. Sleeveless dresses get a major update when you pair them up with arm cuffs worn above the elbow or strings of beads wound in a spiral around your upper arm.

Gemstone Rings

Flashy and splashy are the two words that best describe the trend in rings. Gemstone rings and birthstone rings are as popular as ever, but there are also offbeat styles making fashion news. Cocktail rings, with huge oblong and oval stones, worn on the index finger or middle finger call attention to fab manicures and are the perfect accent for evening wear and hitting the club scene.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to update your fall wardrobe, spark it up with artisan made jewellery and one-of-a-kind fashion jewelry finds. It’s an instant update that’s far more affordable than a whole new wardrobe.

Artisan Made Jewellery Requires Special Care

Handmade, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces may be destined to become heirlooms, but only if they receive proper care. Beautifully crafted artisan made jewellery, set with beads, gemstones and pearls, is the perfect accessory for your own unique style. These tips will help you keep your silver chains, gemstone pendants, artisan-crafted earrings, bracelets, gemstone rings and other artisan jewellery looking as beautiful as the day you first put it on.

Handcrafted artisan made jewellery is generally more delicate than store-bought pieces, so don’t treat it like you do cheap pieces of costume jewelry. Keep in mind that soft metals and gemstones can be damaged by being banged against hard surfaces or being gouged by other hard items. That doesn’t mean you have to tiptoe around when you’re wearing it. It only means that you should take a few special measures to protect your artisan made jewellery both when you wear it and when you put it away. A little bit of care will ensure that your beautiful jewelry pieces will last for a lifetime.

Always put your jewelry on last, especially pieces, such as gemstone earrings and barrettes worn close to your face and hair. Apply your makeup and any hairspray or hair gel before you put on your jewelry – and let it dry before putting on your earrings or hairpieces to avoid getting harmful chemicals on the stones or metal.

Likewise, remove your jewelry before doing household tasks that might expose it to harsh cleaners or chemicals, and avoid immersing gemstone jewelry in water. Many gemstones can be softened, discolored or damaged by water or cleaning chemicals. For the same reason, don’t wear your gemstone jewelry in swimming, especially in salt water or in chlorinated pools, and take your jewelry pieces off before you shower or bathe.

Don’t wear your jewelry when you garden or do household tasks that might subject it to being banged or scratched against hard surfaces. Those knocks and bangs can gouge the metal or chip the stones.

When you remove your jewelry at the end of the day, wipe each piece gently with a cotton cloth to remove skin oils, make up and any stray dirt that might damage or discolor the stones and the finish of the metal. Wrap delicate pieces in soft cotton or acid-free paper before putting it away in a jewelry box away from the light, which can tarnish and discolor it.

Avoid storing artisan made jewellery in places where they will be subjected to extremes of heat or cold. Don’t put your jewelry box on a window sill, next to a heating vent or leave it in your car. Temperature extremes can cause gemstones to crack.

When storing necklaces of beads strung on silk, always store them flat to prevent the silk thread from stretching or knots from coming loose. Prevent tangles by wrapping chains and beads around a folded paper before tucking them into separate jewelry pouches or individual compartments in your jewelry box.

If you take the few extra minutes to care for your artisan made jewellery, you’ll be rewarded with years of compliments on its beauty when you wear it.

Give Her Birthstone Silver Jewelry She’ll Love

Are you looking for a foolproof way to choose just the right silver jewelry for a special lady in your life? Silver makes the perfect setting for each of the monthly birthstones, but if you want a little more hint about exactly what kind of silver birthstone jewelry your particular diva will love, check out these suggestions based on the characteristics of the month in which she was born.

January

January girls may seem frosty, but that’s just a façade that hides their simmering inner passion. They’re strong, loyal friends who believe in tradition. Your January girl will love classic styles with a long history, so look for silver bracelets, such as tennis bracelets inset with cabochon garnets, or silver pendants engraved with Victorian filigree.

February

February girls may seem delicate and sensitive, but they have spiritual strength that will carry them through anything. Their birthstone, amethyst, imparts clear thinking and insight, and encourages spirituality. Give her a pair of silver earrings with amethyst crystals dangling from slim silver chains. They’ll appeal to her New Age style and her sense of beauty.

March

March ladies have an affinity for water and strong emotions, and aquamarines fit them perfectly. With a color ranging from icy blue to deep, rich turquoise, aquamarines sparkle against a silver background. Just like their birthstone, March girls have a strong sense of individuality, so appeal to it with handmade silver jewelry. You’ll find some stunning silver pendants inset with aquamarines that capture the light and reflect it like the ocean.

April

Lucky April girls get to rock diamonds as their birthstone. They’re fun-loving and youthful, no matter their chronological age, so look for something kicky and unusual to please your April girl. Consider a pair of silver barrettes shaped like butterflies inset with pave diamonds to commemorate the beginning of spring.

May

Women born in May are earthy and real, sensual and practical all at once. It’s no surprise that their emerald birthstone is one of the toughest and most beautiful stones known to man, nor that it’s associated with Venus, the goddess of love and is known as the healers’ stone. Flatter the earthy May beauty in your life with silver rings, especially a silver Claddagh ring inset with an emerald heart to reflect her love of the earth and her loyalty to living things.

June

 June girls have a choice of three birthstones – and one of them comes in a variety of colors. No surprise there for anyone who knows a Gemini June girl with her changeable nature. While pearls are elegant and beautiful in silver jewelry, and moonstones appeal to the June lady’s mysterious side, the birthstone that will really appeal to most June-born women is the alexandrite, with its changeable nature. Look for silver bracelets inset with alexandrite that changes color from green to pink or purple in sunlight.

Next month, look for a follow-up with silver jewelry suggestions for girls born in the second half of the year. Every girl deserves silver jewelry – these suggestions can help you pick the perfect style and piece.

Choosing Silver Jewelry For Casual Wear

Silver jewelry can perfectly accessorize nearly any outfit you can put together, from a casual afternoon with friends to the most formal of occasions. You’ll find lots of advice on choosing jewelry to wear for weddings, parties and more formal occasions. Choosing the right silver jewelry to accent your casual style is just as easy if you remember a few simple rules of thumb about accessorizing with jewelry.

Silver Rings Go With Anything

You can wear silver rings with anything, but most fashion stylists will tell you to keep it simple for casual or office wear. Don’t overdo it. Only wear one ring per finger – with the exception of your wedding band and engagement ring, of course – and only wear rings on one finger per hand for office and most casual wear.

Which Earrings Should You Wear?

Silver earrings come in all sorts of styles, from simple silver studs to gorgeous shoulder-dusting silver chains with crystals and gems. When choosing earrings to wear, consider your face shape, the length and style of your hair, and the outfit that you’re wearing. Shoulder dusters look best with bare shoulders and long, loose hair. If you’re wearing your hair upswept or if your hair is short, choose studs, button earrings or short dangles. Keep your earrings in proportion to your face, neck and head – long earrings can add length to a round face, for example, but avoid them if you have a short neck.

Beautiful Wrists Should Wear Silver Bracelets

From charm bracelets to simple silver chains and bangles, silver bracelets have always been popular accessories for casual wear. Tennis bracelets, either plain or channel inset with your birthstone or favorite gems, are the perfect accent for any casual, sporty outfit and look wonderful on bare arms or short sleeves. Funk-ify your jeans and a peasant blouse with engraved silver bracelets, bangles and charm bracelets that jingle with every movement. Just remember that if you’re dressing for the office, one bracelet is enough. If it jingles when you move your arms, it’s too much for the office.

Silver Pendants and Chokers

Choosing necklaces, pendants and neckwear is easy if you pay attention to the collar of your dress or shirt. If you’re wearing a high neck or a collar that’s close to your throat, choose silver chains that are just long enough to place the pendant at the center of your collarbone. With a scoop neck or V-neck, choose silver necklaces that rest against your skin at least half an inch above the collar.

Silver jewelry is elegant, playful, flirtatious, simple, classic or fun – or all of the above. Choosing the right style and shape of silver jewelry to wear with your outfit is an easy art to learn, and it’s so worth learning.

Fabulous Silver Jewelry Finds Online

Silver jewelry is the single most flexible and fabulous fashion accent you can buy. Whatever your skin tone, hair color or wardrobe choice, there’s guaranteed to find the perfect piece of silver jewelry to accent it – and that’s just one of the many advantages of choosing silver for your accessories and jewelry choices. Here are six other reasons why silver is the perfect choice for your earrings, bracelets and other accessories.

Silver Is the Affordable Luxury Metal

Silver has always been more affordable than gold, for one simple reason. It’s more plentiful – but that doesn’t make silver any less desirable. If anything, silver’s malleability and affordability make it even more desirable because it allows for more crafters to put their personal stamp on handmade silver jewelry.

Silver Gets More Beautiful as It Ages

Like fine wines and beautiful women, silver only improves with age. Silver bracelets and silver pendants acquire a rich patina over the years, making its gleam and glow all the more attractive. That’s  why silver jewelry often become heirloom pieces, handed down from one generation to the next.

Silver Jewelry Is Easy to Wear

Unlike other metals, which often clash with certain colors in your wardrobe, silver looks great with everything. It complements every piece of your wardrobe and looks great against your skin whether you’re tanned, pale or ruddy.

It’s Easy to Care for Silver Jewelry

Silver doesn’t need much in the way of special care. Avoid exposing it to chlorine, which darkens it, and clean it with a soft cloth before you put it away. If you follow those simple rules, your silver chains and silver rings will always look great.

You Can Clean Silver Safely with Household Products

If your silver bracelets or silver pendants do get tarnished, cleaning them is easy. Just line a bowl with aluminum foil and fill it with hot salt water. Add your jewelry and let it sit for several minutes, then gently clean with a soft cloth. Your silver jewelry will look bright and good as new.

Everyone Loves Silver

Silver jewelry makes a fabulous gift for any occasion because everyone loves silver. You can choose anything from a delicate silver barrette for a little girl’s christening to a rugged silver ID bracelet for your favorite he-man, and know that it will be appreciated by your gift recipient.

It’s easy to find fabulous silver jewelry online, where you’ll get the most affordable prices and the best selection of all kinds of silver necklaces, bracelets and other silver pieces.

How to Care for and Store Handmade Silver Jewelry

Handmade silver jewelry is a precious gift, beautiful belongings that can last a lifetime with proper care. Handcrafted items often require special care because of their very nature, and handmade silver jewelry is no exception. Caring for silver jewelry is not at all difficult, though. With just a little attention to detail, you can extend the life of your silver bracelets, silver chains, silver pendants and other silver jewelry and keep all of your silver accessories looking beautiful.

Don’t Swim in Your Silver

Both chlorine and salt water are damaging to silver, so always remove your silver jewelry before taking a dip. Likewise, don’t wear your silver rings when washing dishes, and take off your silver earrings and silver chains before stepping into the shower to avoid corrosion and discoloration.

Inspect Your Handmade Silver Jewelry Regularly

Whenever you take your jewelry off, do a quick inspection to make sure that the rings attaching the silver chains to the clasp and that the settings are still holding the stones securely. It only takes a few seconds, and it can help you spot problems that need repair before the clasp breaks or a stone falls out of its setting.

Wear Your Silver Jewelry Often

The best thing you can do for silver jewelry is to wear it. The constant exposure to the air and the warmth of your skin give silver its characteristic glow and help prevent tarnish that develops when the metal is stored for a long time.

Store Your Silver Jewelry in Tarnish-Proof Bags

You can purchase special cloths, bags and little pads of fabric or paper impregnated with chemicals that help prevent tarnish. They’re a very affordable way to keep your silver earrings, silver rings and other silver looking new even if it’s stored away for months at a time.

Prevent Damage to the Metal

Silver is a soft metal and easily scratched by gemstones and other metals. Take advantage of special storage solutions that protect silvery jewelry from damage in your jewelry box. Small pieces, such as silver pendants and silver rings, can be stored in small fabric bags or wrapped in cloth before putting them into a jewelry box. Wrap chains around paper before putting them away to avoid tangling them or hang them from a jewelry peg.

Your handmade silver jewelry is unique and beautiful. Keep it gorgeous and prolong its life by taking good care of it, and you’ll be able to wear it for a lifetime.

The Lustrous History of Silver Jewelry

Since the beginnings of history, silver jewelry has held a special place in the in society. Like gold, its status in the Western world was connected mostly with its rarity and its value. The first pieces of silver jewelry were probably strings of silver beads worn around the neck in much the same way that modern man carries a wallet – those silver chains were a way for the owner to keep his wealth with him, safe and available.

Over time, of course, silver jewelry took on more of an ornamental significance. Soft enough to shape but hard enough to retain a crisp line, silver became one of the premier metals used by jewelers. It is second only to gold as the most malleable of all metals. Jewelers and silversmiths use many different methods to fashion and design silver pendants, silver bracelets and silver barrettes. Much of the finest work is still done by hand using traditional copper, bronze and iron tools. Handmade silver jewelry carries special significance and value – each piece is unique, unlike machine-tooled silver pieces.

Popular Silver Jewelry Styles and Motifs

Because silver jewelry has such a long history, it also has a wide range of styles and motifs. Many of them are connected to a particular heritage, cultural event or historic period, making them especially suitable as gifts for specific occasions.

Victorian Silver Jewelry

Silver jewelry from the Victorian era was characterized by elaborate engraving and chasing. Floral motifs and twining vines of leaves and flowers were common, not just on silver barrettes and bracelets for women but on silver watch cases, silver cuff links and silver jewelry worn by men. Silver lockets and silver filigree work were especially popular among the emerging merchant class, who could not always afford gold jewelry but wanted to wear expensive finery.

Cultural Motifs

From India to the American West, silver jewelry has always been a prized possession. Among the most popular styles of Indian jewelry are engraved silver bracelets, ranging in style from slim bangle bracelets to wide arm cuffs designed to be worn around the bicep, and silver “slave sets” – silver rings attached to silver bracelets by delicate silver chains. Silver earrings from India often featured delicate sculptured leaves, flowers and beads dangling from silver chains.

In the American West, many Native American tribes created and wore silver jewelry, often set with turquoise stones. Native American silver jewelry is often engraved or stamped with traditional motifs, including the thunderbird, the moon and stars and stylized flowers.

Silver jewelry is an especially thoughtful gift because silver grows more beautiful with age. The more you wear it, the more lustrous and rich it becomes. If you have a special occasion coming up, consider choosing silver earrings, bracelets or other silver jewelry as a very special gift.

Why You Should Buy Silver Jewelry for Yourself

Silver jewelry makes a wonderful gift for just about anyone – but why wait to receive a piece of silver jewelry as a gift? If you’re not the type to buy jewelry for yourself, consider these great reasons to splurge on those gorgeous silver earrings, that silver bracelet or that stunning silver pendant you saw online.

Silver Jewelry Lasts a Lifetime

Real silver never goes out of style. You’ll be wearing those silver chains fifty years from now, and they’ll look just as good then as they do now. In fact, they’ll look even better, because silver ages beautifully when you care for it properly.

Silver Jewelry Is a Great Investment

Costume jewelry loses its value as soon as it goes out of style. By contrast, handmade silver jewelry gains value with every year. Why spend your money on sub-par, cheap earrings and bracelets when you can buy silver bracelets  and bangles that will be worth more in 10 years than they are today?

People Hand Down Silver Jewelry

Can you say heirloom? More heirloom jewelry is made of silver than any other metal. Engraved silver lockets, silver barrettes for baby and other engraved silver gifts carry sentimental value in addition to their intrinsic value. When you buy yourself a gift of silver jewelry, you’re buying something special that you can hand down to your children – it will still be in style.

It Will Look Great On You

No matter what age you are, what color hair you have or what your skin tone is, silver jewelry will compliment you. The soft gleam of silver looks great on just about everyone, and with just about any outfit you put on.

Silver is Affordable

Even the most elaborate handmade silver jewelry is very affordable. Silver is one of the most affordable precious metals available. It costs a fraction of the price of gold, but it’s every bit as attractive, durable and workable.

The More You Wear It, The Better It Looks

You won’t have to spend a fortune keeping your silver jewelry looking its best. In fact, the very best thing you can do for your silver bracelet, silver chains and silver earrings is to wear them. Wearing your jewelry often reduces the chance of tarnish and staining that can make older pieces look worn and dirty.

You’d never think twice about buying silver bracelets, silver chains and other silver keepsakes as a gift for someone special. Aren’t you special enough to deserve a gift of silver jewelry, too?

Silver Jewelry Is the Perfect Gift for the Graduate

The month of May brings many momentous occasions, not the least of which is graduation. Whether it’s college graduation, high school graduation or graduations into middle school, it’s only right to mark the achievement with a gift. No matter the age or gender of your graduate, there’s sure to be a silver jewelry gift that will make the perfect memento of the happy occasion. Here are just a few suggestions of silver jewelry that the May/June graduates on your list will appreciate.

Unisex Silver Jewelry Gifts for College Graduates

Silver bracelets come in many types and styles and there’s sure to be one that’s just right for the graduate on your gift list. From delicate silver chains to silver ID bracelets, you’ll find the perfect silver bracelet for any young man or young woman who is ready to head out into the world. Choose a bracelet with an engravable back so that you can note the date of graduation and add a message of congratulations.

Silver Jewelry for High School Graduates

Choose a gift that commemorates the day and that your graduate will wear daily. Personalized silver pendants are an ideal choice for either young men or young women, depending on the style you choose. For a girl, consider a pendant or silver charm in the shape of a graduation cap engraved with the year of graduation, or choose a pendant with a more personal meaning. For a young man, choose heavier silver chains holding a set of engraved dog tags. Include the date of graduation and a personal message, or personalize with his name and graduation date.

Choose Silver Jewelry for Middle School Graduates

Jewelry is a grown-up gift that will make your middle school graduate feel like he or she has definitely entered the adult world. Be creative when choosing silver jewelry for this age group – there’s far more to choose from than silver bracelets, silver chains and silver pendants. For a girl, check out the variety of silver barrettes available and choose a pair that suits her personality. For a young man, consider a silver ID bracelet engraved with his monogram or initials on the front and a personal message with the year and occasion on the back.

Silver jewelry is an appropriate gift for nearly every occasion. Silver looks good on everyone and feels sophisticated and classy to wear. Consider handmade silver jewelry – personalized with an engraved message – as the ideal gift for a graduate of any age.

Birthstone Silver Jewelry for Every Month of the Year

Nothing sets off a beautiful gemstone quite as well as silver. It doesn’t matter in which month you celebrate your birthday, silver jewelry set with your birthstone is bound to be flattering because silver looks good on everyone – and with everything. Check out these beautiful silver jewelry and birthstone gift suggestions for each month of the year.

January: Garnet

Most people think of garnet as a red stone, but garnets come in a rainbow of colors. One thing they all have in common is that they look stunning set into silver jewelry. Their deep, rich color looks even richer when set into silver rings. Consider a silver Claddagh ring set with a heart made of garnet to delight a practical, traditional Capricorn.

February: Amethyst

From vibrant violet to pale lavender, the purple tones of amethyst are a natural match for the soft gleam of silver. Once rumored to ward off intoxication, amethyst is associated with many myths and mystic traditions. Choose shoulder-duster sliver earrings set with amethyst chips to appeal to the Aquarian free spirit.

March: Aquamarine

What better stone to represent the watery Piscean than the lovely aquamarine? The rich blues and greens of the March birthstone are a decided contrast to the pale glow of silver. Consider silver pendants for a March-born girl, perhaps in the shape of a crescent moon curled around a star of aquamarine.

April: Diamond

Diamonds and silver are natural foils for each other, with the high polish of silver metal intensifying the glitter and fire of the diamond. Traditional tennis bracelets, like silver bracelets inset with a row of emerald-cut diamonds, will appeal to the social-climbing heart of an Aries.

May: Emerald

The rich green of high-quality emeralds takes on a deeper tone when it’s set into silver jewelry. Gift the practical and earthy Taurus with emerald and silver barrettes – she’ll appreciate the elegance and the practicality of the gift.

June: Pearl/Alexandrite/Moonstone

Lucky June babies get their pick of three birthstones, all of which look spectacular in silver jewelry. Why pick just one? Order handmade silver jewelry inset with all three stones – after all, why make a Gemini pick a favorite?

July: Ruby

Who could argue that silver and red are anything but a striking combination? The fiery heat of a ruby sparkles against the cool gleam of silver metal. Let a Cancer girl know how much you appreciate her fire with a pair of ruby and sliver earrings.

August: Peridot/Sardonyx

Inside every Leo beats the heart of a warrior leader, so it’s not surprise that the two birthstones for August bring power and mastery in battle. Look for silver rings inset with a polished sardonyx cabochon, with its rich red, brown and black colorings, or sparkling pear-shaped peridots to represent Pele’s tears.

September: Sapphire

Sapphires come in many colors, but the best known of them are a deep, shimmering blue that contrasts beautifully with silver. Win over the meticulous, quality-conscious Virgo with perfect sapphires strung on delicate silver chains.

October: Tourmaline/Opal

Tourmaline and opal may seem very different, but the two October birthstones share a couple of important qualities – the most precious stones contain a mix of colors, and they look gorgeous in silver jewelry. Look for stones that feature two or three colors in harmony to appeal to the Libra’s desire for balance.

November: Topaz/Citrine

November’s two birthstone gems come in a range of colors that run from pale yellow to vibrant orange and deep brown. Call out the smoldering mystery in the Scorpio psyche with silver bracelets or silver rings set with smoky topaz or citrine gems.

December: Tanzanite/Zircon/Turquoise

Tanzanite and turquoise shimmer in shades of blue, and zircon comes in many colors. Delight the playful Sagittarian spirit with silver pendants in whimsical animal shapes, inset with turquoise and tanzanite stones, or simple silver rings with a sparkling zircon.

Choose silver jewelry for any girl on your birthday list, and the pairing will be sure to tickle her fancy and delight her heart.

Caring for Handmade Silver Jewelry

Silver is one of the most beautiful of all precious metals. Depending on its form, it can appear warm or cool. It’s the perfect setting for nearly any gemstone and looks great on people with all skin tones and coloring. Silver jewelry may be handed down from one generation to the next, becoming family heirlooms – but silver is inexpensive enough that jewelry made of silver is a popular gift for men, women and children alike. From sterling silver bracelets to silver chains, silver earrings to silver pendants, handmade silver jewelry makes an ideal gift for many occasions.

Among the things that make silver jewelry such a great gift is the fact that it requires so very little special care. There are some steps you should take to keep your silver bracelets and other jewelry looking their best.

Wear Your Silver Jewelry Often

Wearing silver helps prevent tarnish and can deepen and enrich the glow of the metal. Don’t hide your silver away. The more you wear it, the more beautiful if will become.

Clean Silver Before Storing It

Body oils and other contaminants that remain on the metal can cause chemical reactions that accelerate tarnishing. Before you put your silver jewelry away, clean it with warm water and a little dishwashing liquid. Avoid wetting gemstones, especially opals or pearls, but plain silver jewelry can simply be immersed in soapy water, rinsed and carefully dried with a soft cloth. Lay each piece out on a soft cloth and allow it to dry completely before putting it away.

Wrap Each Piece of Jewelry Separately

Silver metal is soft and scratches easily. To keep your silver jewelry safe, wrap each piece carefully in tarnish-free cloth or tissue before putting it into a jewelry box.

Prevent Silver Chains from Tangling

Delicate silver chains can tangle and knot in storage. The best way to prevent tangling is with careful storage. Stretch out each chain on a piece of tarnish free cloth. Roll the cloth around the length of the chain, then coil the wrapped chain before placing it into a bag for safekeeping.

Keep Silver Jewelry Away from Chemicals

Chlorine and other common chemicals can damage and corrode silver. Remove your silver jewelry before washing dishes, showering or going swimming.

Properly caring for your silver jewelry will help keep it looking beautiful and wearing it often will enhance its beauty. Take good care of your silver, and it will give you pleasure for years to come.

NEW Silver Earrings for Spring!

Spring has arrived in the Northern Hemisphere and along with it new styles ... for everything from apparel to hairstyles. We're shedding all those layers of clothing to enjoy warmer weather - the bulky knit scarves, cowls and hats with the ear flaps are going into storage revealing ... new earrings!

Of course there are many types, styles and designs to choose from, including studs, hoop earrings and dangles. These can be made with many materials, creating many thousands of design possibilities.

Silver Hoop Earrings

If you're like most earring fans, silver earrings are among your favorites. Silver is a bright, sparkling white precious metal that pairs up very well with gemstones, glass beads, and crystals of every color you can imagine. From simple gemstone studs and cool silver hoop earrings to intricate wire wrapped designs featuring pearls and brightly colored gemstone beads, there are silver earrings available to suit every taste and to match virtually any type of dress from casual jeans and a tee to fabulous, elegant evening wear!

Beaded Silver Heart Earrings

And of course there are also many styles that feature nothing BUT silver. Sterling silver is a very versatile material, which allows it to be fashioned into virtually any shape or form. This opens up a world of possibilities for the jewelry artisan to consider and use as inspiration for a treasure trove of fantastic new earring designs. By using classic shapes and materials in a different, new way, the jewelry designer can create something fresh inspired by - but not copied from - older designs. The fabulous new handmade silver heart earrings on the left are a great example of this design technique. Designed and created by artisan jewelry maker Terry Salimbene, these lightweight but substantial looking earrings feature a bold heart motif that is accented with bright, shiny sterling silver beads. This style is truly classic looking, but is a thoroughly new earring design perfect for spring wear.


While we do love silver jewelry in general, silver earrings are one of the most noticed types of jewelry we can put on every day. Think about how many times during the day other people look at your face - in school, at work or just waiting for a bus on the street. Your earrings are very visible, and can help you to achieve the look you want. For instance, long dangle style earrings will help to make your face appear longer ... and slimmer. Owning a good variety of earrings can make your new Spring wardrobe more versatile, more noticeable and more fun!

Silver Jewelry Trends for Spring 2012

Silver jewelry never goes out of style but each season displays a different facet of the lustrous, cool metal. This spring, dig into your mother’s jewelry box for some old classic silver jewelry looks that are coming around again and keep your eye out for some of the most unique handmade silver jewelry you’ve seen in years. The top trends in silver jewelry for spring 2012 include everything from silver barrettes to silver toe rings, so you can glitz it up literally from head to toe.

Silver Chains

The hot word for silver chains this season is long. Belly-button grazing chains of sterling silver accented the red carpet at all the winter events and will be gleaming on the spring fashion runways. The perfect navel-duster is a very fine silver chain broken with tiny crystals or gemstones. Wear one or team up a handful of them to make a bold statement with your favorite slinky dress.

Silver Bracelets

Bracelets are back in a big way. Silver bangles are among of the hottest fashion accents to strut down the red carpet this year. Smooth, rounded, angled and engraved, there’s a bangle for every style aesthetic. Cuff bracelets are right up there with bangles, especially engraved and fanciful Bali silver bracelets with intricate chain work and piecing.

Silver and Gemstones

Silver and turquoise may be an age-old combination, but it’s got a fresh new look this season as every high-fashion jewelry designer discovers the delicate contrast between the stone and the metal. Look for lustrous silver chains and silver cages capturing tiny turquoise beads, or wide cuffed silver bracelets inset with stunning polished turquoise stones amid swirls of engraved lines and curls. Other big silver jewelry combinations include silver and amethyst, silver and emerald and silver with sapphire – a holdover from last year’s enchantment with Kate Middleton’s classic sapphire engagement ring.

Men’s Silver Jewelry

Silver may have a feminine reputation, but silver jewelry has its rugged side, too. Men’s silver earrings are among the hottest new fashion accents. Tiny hoops, silver balls and studs adorn the lobes of some of the hottest, most masculine guys on the court or the grid-iron. Add in a selection of sterling silver skull and crossbones or cross silver earrings, and you’ve got a surprisingly masculine collection. Other men’s silver jewelry include chunky rings, sleek silver bracelets engraved with names or monograms and silver cufflinks and tie studs.

Check out the wide selection of trendy silver jewelry available this season when you’re looking for gifts or want to update your look for 2012. Silver is in-enjoy it!

Handmade Silver Jewelry: The Perfect Gift for Any Occasion

Silver. Throughout history, silver jewelry has been the choice of romantics worldwide. History records that Marc Antony wooed Cleopatra with gifts of land, but it’s not hard to imagine the charismatic Roman general supplementing those weight gifts with delightful silver charms meant to flatter the beautiful Egyptian queen. He would certainly not be the last suitor to charm a queen with gifts of silver jewelry. When Queen Victoria married her beloved Prince Albert, she wore a regal brooch of sapphire and diamonds in a setting of pure silver.

One of the greatest charms of silver jewelry, though, is that it traditionally less expensive than silver made of gold or platinum, making it possible for nearly anyone to wear the lustrous, radiant metal that only grows more beautiful as it ages. The soft metal is a favorite with jewelry makers because of how easily it works and how crisply it holds an image. Sterling silver especially is the perfect metal for engraving, shaping, molding and enameling. It accepts stamped images well, and allows clean, precise engraving lines, but it is flexible and malleable enough to spin into fine threads for crocheted silver jewelry and silver chains that are nearly as fine as silk thread.

Jewelry made of .999 fine silver is wearable by nearly anyone. Unlike many other metals, silver seldom causes skin reactions, making it a good gift choice for anyone with sensitive skin. The soft luster and cool glow of silver looks good against any shade or coloring of skin and enhances the beauty of every imaginable gemstone. It is the traditional metal used with such different stones as emeralds, turquoise and moonstones.

Silver is among the most versatile of metals. It is equally at home as a silver barrette catching the hair of a little girl as it is in delicate silver bracelets adorning the wrist of a socialite. Silver rings can be manly and rugged, delicate and fine or whimsically designed to suit the most playful of spirits. The range of silver jewelry is nearly limitless, suiting it as the perfect gift for nearly any person on any occasion.

Whether you’re searching for the perfect romantic gift – for a man or a woman – or a precious memory piece for the birth of a new child, silver jewelry is the ideal option. From the finest silver chains to the most fashionable of silver pendants, you’re always sure to be giving a welcome and treasured gift when you choose silver jewelry.