Buying a new necklace is exciting but before rushing into any purchase it is important to factor in not only the look of the pendant but the length of the chain. It is necessary to consider the chain length that fits factors beyond your outfit and personal style. Necklaces or chains come in industry standard lengths; five different lengths for women, and four for men.This handy guide will assist you selecting the right necklace length that will best showcase your jewelry, accentuate your best features, suit your body type, and frame your face. When worn correctly, jewelry can draw people to look at your best assets and focus away attention from the features you would rather not flaunt. Our chains do not include the size of the pendant, you need to take into consideration between 1-2 inches when selecting it.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Necklace Chain Length

The first step is it to learn where different necklace lengths fall on the body for either men or women. This will assist you in choosing which chain length you desire.

Standard Necklace Lengths for Women

Women’s necklaces are standardly sold in even-inch lengths. Follow this chart to learn where each necklace length falls on the average woman’s body.

Standard Necklace Lengths for Men

Follow this guide to see where different chain lengths fall on the average size male.

Choosing the Right Necklace Length for the Female Body

The right necklace can really pull any outfit together and be the focal point of a woman’s body. It is therefore important to consider how the length of the necklace will compliment your body. When selecting the correct chain length for your necklace it is important to consider such features as your neck, your height, your body type and your face shape.

Neck Size
If possible, take the time to measure your neck before purchasing any necklace and most importantly a choker. The easiest way to measure your neck is to gently take a soft measuring tape and wrap it closely around your neck. Whatever your neck measurement is, add two inches to that and that’s a comfortable length for chokers which are usually sized at 16 inches; add four inches to that and that’s a great length for a pendant or name necklace which is usually attached on an 18-inch chain for women. Chokers work best for people with long necks while short necked individuals are better off staying away from it.

Height
Your height is another factor to consider when choosing the perfect necklace chain to flatter your body type. Women below 5’4” look best in 16 to 20 inch necklace lengths. A long necklace tends to overwhelm a smaller frame. Women who fall between the height of 5’4” to 5’7” can wear necklace of any length. Taller women who are 5’7” or above can wear any length necklace. Longer chain style necklaces look best on taller women as they accentuate a tall frame.

Body Type
In terms of necklaces, remember that people’s eyes will stop at the point where your necklace ends so if you don’t want them looking at that part then, avoid necklaces that end there. For women with smaller bust, a long thin chain or long layered chains would look great on you. The kind of necklace that sits below the breast line should be avoided by full figured women as this length necklace will not hang properly. Instead, try a necklace that sits slightly higher on the body, such as an 18- to 22-inch necklace.

Face Shape
Another purpose of necklaces aside from being an accessory is that it actually helps frame your face. As with the body type, a necklace can help you accentuate your strongest facial features and alter the way your face is perceived by others.

Women with round faces should avoid short necklaces or chokers as they will accentuate the roundness of her face.

Those with oval shaped faces can take advantage of any necklace fad since they can wear almost any shape, length or type of necklace.

For those with a long-shape face who may want to broaden and soften the shape of their faces, should wear shorter necklaces. Short, round necklaces will keep from adding length. Look for choker and princess necklaces, measuring between 16” – 18”.

Heart shaped faces look great with chokers or any short necklace as they create an illusion of fullness and balance out a narrow chin.

Choosing the right necklace is similar to shopping for the perfect pair of jeans. It’s important to consider what flatters your body type and not jump to buy solely based on what’s currently on trend. At oNecklace we feature a range of chain lengths and styles of necklaces you are sure to love. Better yet, they are all personalizable!

Gold jewelry should be properly maintained so that it will exude sheer beauty every time you willwear it. If you want to keep your gold jewelry clean, it is a very simple process that you can do on your own at home.

Even though gold does not easily tarnish unlike other metals, there is still the possibility that dirt and grime will accumulate over time, thus making the jewelry dull. Learn more about why gold tarnishes by reading our article: “Does Real Gold Tarnish.”

Cleaning gold jewelry at home is simple and will not cost a lot. It can help restore the beauty and luster of your jewelry and the steps are simple to follow, whichever method you choose.There are several effective methods that can maintain the shine and beauty of your gold jewelry.

One of the effective cleaning methods for your gold jewelry is to use warm water and soap. You might be skeptical at first, but you can clean your gold jewelry using soap and water only. This method works best on gold pieces that are plain and without any gemstones. There are certain steps to follow if you are going to use soap and water.

1. Fill a bowl with warm water and add a mild soap
2. Dip the gold jewelry into the mixture
3. Allow the jewelry to soak for about 20 minutes
4. After soaking, dry the gold jewelry using a clean dry cloth
5. Allow the gold jewelry to air dry on a towel completely before wearing it

If you have gold jewelry that is embedded with gemstones, you can still clean them at home without causing any damage to the gemstones. An important consideration with such jewelry pieces is that you should never submerge them into the water since water can end up trapped in the setting, thus causing rust or the discoloration of the setting or stones as well as causing the stones to fall out aftersome time.

If you are going to clean your gold jewelry embedded with stones, simply follow the steps of Method One but instead of dipping your jewelry in the bowl of water; use a clean dry cloth that has been dampened with the mixture of warm water and soap.

All you have to do is to use the cloth to clean the jewelry by rubbing gently over the setting and gemstones. Use a different damp cloth to rinse and dry the jewelry.

Another method to clean your gold jewelry is by using ammonia solution.

With this method, any cleaning should be carried out cautiously. Even though it is effective in removing grime and dirt, cleaning your jewelry with ammonia frequently will cause damage or even leave it tinted. The materials needed for this cleaning method includes a soft polishing cloth, small bowl, water and ammonia. You should take note of the steps to effectively clean your gold jewelry.

1. Start by combining a solution that is comprised of 1 part ammonia with 6 parts water in the bowl
2. Soak the gold jewelry in the solution for about 1 minute
3. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly under running water to make sure that the cleaning solution is completely removed
4. Dry the jewelry using a soft polishing cloth
5. Position the gold jewelry upside down so that it will air dry. In doing so, it allows any remaining water to drain away without producing damage to the stone or end up stuck in the setting.

For those hard-to-reach spots that are difficult to clean with just a simple soak or rubbing, you can use a soft bristled toothbrush and dampen it with warm water. Use the toothbrush to clean the hard-to-reach areas such as the gold engravings in which dirt and grime can accumulate.

Always take note that you should only use a toothbrush with soft bristles and be gentle with the scrubbing so as not to cause damage. In case your jewelry entails extensive cleaning, it is best totake it to a professional in order to avoid any damage.

Once you have effectively cleaned your gold jewelry, you can wear it again or store it.

If you decide to store it, make sure that every piece of gold jewelry is separately stored in order to avoid scratching or damaging. Those that have a delicate gold chain should be hanged from a hookto prevent tangling.

Another option is to stretch out the chain of a necklace or bracelet in an anti-tarnish tissue and roll it up and position in your jewelry box in a flat position.

This can help prevent the chains from getting knotted and minimize the occurrence of tarnish. You can even store the jewelry in a plastic zip bag. Just make sure that you will squeeze out all the airbefore closing it.

Box Chain

Also known as square link chain, briolette, or Venetian chain. It is made from a flattened round wire, formed into a square or box-like shape, and then interlinked. It is an exceptionally strong chain because each square link is sturdy. This type of chain is a usual favorite, especially with pendant necklaces. Small box chains exude a smooth and sleek appearance, while big box chains give a more rough and chunky look.
This type of chain is also popularly known as the link chain and has many variations. It is characterized by individual or oval links that are uniformly shaped, sized, and interlocked alternately in a horizontal and vertical direction. It is the most basic open-linked style chain. It is the most common type of jewelry chain, perfect for simple necklaces like names, bars, charms, and other pendant necklaces.

Cable Chain

This type of chain is also popularly known as the link chain and has many variations. It is characterized by individual or oval links that are uniformly shaped, sized, and interlocked alternately in a horizontal and vertical direction. It is the most basic open-linked style chain. It is the most common type of jewelry chain, perfect for simple necklaces like name, bar, charm, and other pendant necklaces.

Cuban Chain

Cuban chains are popular due to their oval-shaped interconnected links. This chain type is bold and thicker than the other chains mentioned here. This perfectly masculine chain type looks amazing with or without the pendant. Cuban chain looks great near in shorter length and adds uniqueness to every dress.

Figaro Chain

A variation of the cable chain is more like a curb chain, except that the oval or round links are not uniformly sized or shaped. The pattern elongates every after the third or fifth link. This type of cable link variation originated in Italy. Traditional Figaro chains are made with thicker wire, so it's considered a sturdy chain.

Figaro chain necklace:

Following is a great Figaro Chain example: Thin Figaro Chain
The Figaro chain is a simple yet classic accessory that completes your looks without trying too much. It looks amazing on both men and women. Be it a date night or a boys' day out, the Figaro chain looks superb with causal dressing.

Rolo Chain

Also known as the belcher chain. It is characterized by its flat circular or oval links that are connected. The links of a rolo chain are usually smaller in length and thicker in circumference than a typical cable chain. It is a popular type of chain used in men's jewelry, but some charm bracelets or name necklaces for women use a modified style where in links are shaped like doughnuts.

Rolo Man

Rolo man chain has a distinctive design crafted to bring out the right many touches in your personality. The design is like the original rolo chain. The only difference is that it has a bold look suitable for men of all ages. It is ideal for those who love casual dressing and accessorizing daily.

Paperclip

A paperclip chain typically refers to a series of paperclips linked together to form a continuous chain-like structure. It involves connecting the ends of one paperclip through the loops of another, creating a linked sequence. The process can be repeated to extend the chain further.

Herringbone Chain

This chain type is formed from V-shaped links to lay flat on a surface. The direction of the V-shaped links alternate with each row, creating a herringbone pattern. It is considered the type of chain with the greatest fluid effect. Thin strands of herringbone chains can be twisted together for a more interesting visual effect.

Faq:

Gold is one of the least reactive chemical elements. Gold alone or pure gold does not combine easily with oxygen so it stays shiny, it does not rust nor tarnish, again, that is pure gold.

Gold tarnishing is the slight corrosion of the gold surface and is evident as a dark discoloration of the gold item, also called a tarnish film. If you search online, some will say that real gold tarnishes while others will say that real gold does not tarnish. So we decided to write this blog to help provide information without the confusing answers or terms.

Gold is one of the least reactive chemical elements. Gold alone or pure gold does not combine easily with oxygen so it stays shiny, it does not rust nor tarnish, again, that is pure gold. In jewelry, it is rare to find a piece that contains only the pure gold element. Pure gold or 24 karat gold is too soft to be used in jewelry so it is usually alloyed with other base metals altering its properties. It is these other base metals alloyed with gold that actually reacts with or to oxygen, sulfur and moisture that eventually tarnish your gold jewelry.

The higher the karat of a gold jewelry is, the less likely it is to tarnish, wherein 24 karat gold cannot tarnish. In general, tarnishing is mostly seen in jewelry that has lower gold karat and is usually seen in items that have less than 14 karats of gold. Little tarnishing may be observed in 14 karat gold jewelries and very seldom in 18 karat gold.

When your gold jewelry tarnishes, it doesn’t mean that it’s not real gold; it is not just pure gold or 24 karat gold. Real gold jewelry can eventually tarnish. There are even rare circumstances in which jewelry containing high karats of gold have tarnished but by and large the higher the percentage of gold in the alloy, the less likely that the gold piece will tarnish. When lower karat gold jewelry tarnishes, it does so in a much slower phase than sterling silver. Here are some of the common reasons that will trigger or hasten gold tarnishing:

Common causes of tarnishing

Oxygen and sulfur compounds mixing with moisture are the most common cause of tarnishing. Our body chemistry also differs that is why some people’s jewelry may be more inclined to tarnish or tarnish more quickly than other individuals. Other influences that may also contribute to tarnishing of even higher gold karat like 14 karat or 18 karat jewelry is the consistent exposure to high amounts of chemicals such as perfume, hairspray, deodorants and cleaning stuff like chlorine and detergents.

Another surprising cause of tarnishing is food items with high levels of acidity or sulfur compounds. Some items that can aid in tarnishing are onions, fruit juices, spices and pickled items.

Preventive Steps

• If you want to keep your gold jewelry looking its best for a long time, avoid the items mentioned above.
• Make sure to remove your jewelry also even when just washing your hands. Soap can leave your gold jewelry with a dull finish little by little and eventually, it becomes harder to clean when soap suds have already built up.
• Store your gold jewelry properly and separately or in compartments to avoid them from scratching each other. You may add a packet of silica gel inside the usual jewelry box so it absorbs any moisture in the box.

Blackening of 21 and 22 karat gold items have been reported but are a very unusual cases and really unexpected. Experts can only infer that the jewelry might have been exposed to a corrosive atmosphere at some point and doesn’t really mean that the gold in these items are fake. In terms of tarnishing, one’s lifestyle and the environmental conditions in your area can really affect your jewelry.

Treating tarnished gold jewelry

To remove surface tarnishing of your gold jewelry, you can add a few drops of mild, non-phosphate dishwashing liquid to warm water and wipe the tarnished part with the mixture using your fingers or a cotton swab. Do not use toothpaste or baking soda as they are too abrasive. Dry your jewelry with a soft cotton cloth or allow it to lie flat and air dry completely even if it takes overnight and then once dry, you may polish it with a soft cotton cloth or a jewelry polishing cloth for shine.

If your gold jewelry eventually looks dull after a long time of use, you can bring it to a trusted jeweler so your piece can be thoroughly cleaned by an expert. You don’t want grabbing just any jewelry cleaner and end up damaging your precious piece instead of cleaning it. Your jeweler is the best person to give you advice on what to use for cleaning your piece.

Bracelets are timeless accessories that add flair to any outfit. Did you know their origin dates back to 40,000 BP? The term "bracelet" comes from the Greek word "brachile", meaning "of the arm." Ancient bracelets were crafted from materials like bones, stones, animal teeth, and wood. While bracelets have evolved in design, they continue to hold cultural and symbolic significance. In some cultures, they represent spiritual beliefs, while in others, they signify class and social standing.

One of history's most famous bracelets is the Scarab Bracelet, a symbol of rebirth and restoration in ancient Egypt. These bracelets were intricately designed and carried deep meaning for the Egyptians.

To get the perfect bracelet, achieving the right fit is crucial. Your bracelet should be loose enough to move and dangle but snug enough not to fall off. Shopping for bracelets online becomes much easier when you know your wrist size. That’s why we’ve created this simple guide to help you measure your wrist and ensure a flawless fit for your bracelets and bangles.

How to Measure for Regular Chain Bracelets or Bracelets with Locks

To get the right fit for regular chain bracelets, you’ll need one of the following tools:

1. A flexible measuring tape
2. A strip of paper
3. A piece of string

Follow these steps to measure your wrist:

1. Wrap the measuring tape, string, or paper around your wrist, just above the wrist bone. This is the area where most bracelets sit comfortably.
2. For charm bracelets or styles that drape over the hand, measure at the point where your wrist meets your hand and add about half an inch for extra allowance.
3. If using a strip of paper or string, mark the point where it overlaps. Lay it flat and measure the length with a ruler.
4. For all bracelet styles, add ¼ to 1 inch to your wrist measurement based on your preference for a snug or loose fit. A general rule of thumb is to add ½ inch for comfort.

If this is your first time buying bracelets online, experiment with different allowances by wrapping the measured string or paper around your wrist to find the most comfortable fit.

How to Measure for Bangles

Bangles are rigid and don’t have locks or openings, so they need to slide over your hand. Having a bangle that’s too large can feel uncomfortable, while one that’s too small can be difficult to wear. Bangles come in two types: adjustable and fixed-size.

For Adjustable Bangles

Adjustable bangles are easier to size. Simply follow the regular bracelet measurement steps above, as these bangles are designed to fit most wrist sizes comfortably.

For Fixed-Size Bangles

Fixed-size bangles are measured by their diameter. Here’s how to determine your size:

1. Bring your fingers together as if slipping on a bangle. You can bring your thumb and pinky finger together to make your hand as narrow as possible.
2. Wrap a measuring tape or strip of paper around the widest part of your hand, usually the knuckles and thumb area.
3. If using a strip of paper, mark the overlap, then lay it flat and measure the length. This measurement is your hand’s circumference.
4. To find the diameter, tape the ends of the strip of paper to form a circle, then measure across its widest point. This diameter determines your bangle size.

For those with thin wrists, you can also measure the width of your closed fist from one knuckle to the opposite knuckle and choose a bangle size close to this measurement.

Bangle Size Reference Chart

Here’s a quick conversion chart for circumference to diameter:

To ensure a better fit, try slipping the paper "bangle" on and off a few times to confirm it’s comfortable.

Purchasing a ring for yourself is already an overwhelming task but there’s more pressure especially if you’re buying for a loved one and if you’re proposing. Buying a ring whether for yourself or for a loved one is something that you should never go wrong with especially when it comes to the ring size. So before making that ring purchase whether it’s for yourself or for another person dear to you, it is important to know the right ring size.

Certain factors need to be considered when measuring your fingers and to get the right ring size.The perfect ring size should fit comfortably on your finger in a way that it fits snuggly enough and not fall off or simply slide out of it.

Here are the factors that need to be considered to get an accurate ring size measurement:

Our ring size will have a slight difference depending on what time of day you measure it or the weather so when measuring your finger size, do it at the time of day when it is the largest. Fingers are smaller in the morning so it’s best to measure your finger at the end of the day or late afternoon. Also, do not measure your fingers when you feel cold as our finger size is smaller in cold temperatures but swells in heat. Pregnancy and athletic work outs also can cause our fingers to puff up.

Our ring size on our left hand is different from our right hand. When measuring for a ring, do not assume that the measurement on your left ring finger will fit perfectly to your right ring finger.

The right measurement not only needs to fit comfortably on the place where a ring sits but it should also fit snuggly over your knuckle. Not too loose that it falls off easily but also not too tight that you’ll have to go great lengths just to take the ring off.

Wider band rings will have a tighter fit compared to rings of the same size but having a narrower band.

If it’s a surprise gift to a special someone, you can ask a trusted friend or a family member to do it for you but make sure that they do it at the right time of the day when the finger size is largest.

Ways to Find Your Ring Size:

Finding your ring size in the comforts of your home is possible. What if you’re purchasing a ring online? Or you don’t have time to go to a jeweler?

Sometimes we just don’t have the time to go and visit a jeweler or we already found a trusted jeweler online and have to find our right ring size on our own. So here’re easy steps to follow in measuring your ring size at home:

Using a String or Piece of Paper

Personally, I’m more comfortable using a tailor’s tape or strip of paper preferably ¼ inch wide and about 4 inches long but you may also use a string. You’ll also need a tape and a marker.

1. Tape one end of the paper to your knuckle part then wrap the paper around your finger. If you’re using tailors tape, mark your starting point with the marker. Make sure that there’s enough room for it to pass over your knuckles and to do that more accurately, If you’re using tailors tape.
2. Mark the other end of the paper that meets the taped end/ the point where the paper overlaps and where it forms a complete circle.
3. Using a ruler, measure the length of the strip of paper from the starting end with a tape up to the other end with a mark. In other terms, measure the entire length of the paper that forms a ring or where it overlaps or meets around your finger.
4. Compare your measurement with this Visit table above
5. I suggest that you tape the two meeting ends together so it forms a paper ring. Once done, try to put on the paper ring to your measured finger and try to remove it. I also would recommend to do this kind of measuring at least twice or thrice to make sure you got your ring size correctly.

Using an Existing Ring

This is another way of measuring your ring size and really does work provided that the existing ring fits perfectly. Simply print the table below and make sure that you got the right scale by matching on the millimeter size on Table 3 with any measuring device like a tailor’s tape or ruler. Scale it until you get the right size on the print.

There are different ways to find your ring size using Table 3 provided you have the right scale:

1. Measure the inside diameter or distance across of the ring you currently have in millimeters and find the nearest measurement on the table.
2. Another way is to simply place the ring over the nearest size circles. Make sure that the inner edge of your ring aligns with the outher edge of the printed circle.

Rings are great additions to anyone’s accessory because most designs are versatile pieces. It’s a good personal investment as well. Some even sleep with their rings on and just wear it with all their outfits. Rings have also been a popular symbol of love and commitment through the years and that is why it is given to one another in most wedding ceremonies. So if you’re thinking of proposing, make sure you got the right ring size of your partner to avoid any awkwardness and hassles.

When we invest in something precious, like jewelry, we want it to last as long as possible. For many, silver jewelry isn't just an accessory; it's a treasured possession — a gift from someone special, a family heirloom, or simply a piece that holds sentimental value. Whether it's a sleek bracelet or a timeless ring, sterling silver has always been a popular, budget-friendly alternative to white gold or platinum.

But here's the catch — like all metals, silver can tarnish over time. And nothing is more frustrating than seeing your once-glamorous silver jewelry lose its shine. In this guide, we'll explain exactly why silver tarnishes, what accelerates it, and how you can protect your favorite pieces from discoloration.

Before we dive in, it's important to note that even real sterling silver can tarnish. Pure silver, while less reactive, is too soft for practical use in jewelry, which is why it's alloyed with other metals (usually copper) to create sterling silver. Over time, exposure to chemicals, humidity, or even body oils causes tarnishing — leaving silver with a yellowish, dark, or black tint.

What Is Silver Tarnish?

Silver tarnish is the discoloration that occurs when silver reacts with sulfur compounds in its environment. This chemical reaction forms a thin layer of silver sulfide on the surface, which appears as a yellow, brown, or black coating that dulls the metal's natural shine.

Both pure silver and sterling silver are susceptible to tarnishing, although sterling silver tends to tarnish faster due to the copper content in its alloy. This is the same reason why gold jewelry can also tarnish when alloyed with reactive metals.

5 Main Causes of Silver Tarnish

Tarnishing happens for a variety of reasons, often involving environmental factors, chemical exposure, and even your own body chemistry. Here are the main culprits:

1. Sulfur Compounds — The Biggest Culprit

Sulfur-containing compounds in the air or materials your silver touches are the primary cause of tarnish. Common sources include:

• Natural gases released by rubber bands, latex gloves, or certain paints
• Air pollution in industrial areas or homes heated with oil or coal
• Everyday foods like eggs, onions, and fish, which release sulfur when cooked
• Wool and felt materials that can contain sulfur compounds

If you live in a high-pollution area or near industrial zones, your silver will tarnish faster. Regular cleaning is essential — see our 10 tested DIY methods for cleaning silver jewelry.

2. Humidity and Moisture

Warm, damp environments significantly accelerate tarnishing. Moisture in the air reacts with the copper in sterling silver, speeding up the oxidation process. High humidity is especially problematic because it allows sulfur compounds to reach the silver's surface more easily.

• Store silver jewelry in airtight bags or use anti-tarnish strips to reduce moisture exposure
• Never store silver in the bathroom, where humidity levels are highest
• Place a piece of chalk or a silica gel packet in your jewelry box to absorb excess moisture

3. Sweat and Body Chemistry

Your own skin chemistry can play a major role in how quickly your silver tarnishes. Perspiration contains amino acids and sulfur compounds that react directly with silver. People with more acidic or oily skin often notice their jewelry tarnishes faster than others.

• Remove silver jewelry before exercising or spending time outdoors in hot weather
• Certain medications can alter your body's chemical balance, accelerating tarnish
• Wipe jewelry with a soft cloth after wearing to remove oils and perspiration

4. Cosmetics and Skincare Products

Makeup, lotions, perfumes, and sunscreen often contain chemicals that react with silver. Foundations and powders containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are particularly problematic, leaving dark marks on the metal surface.

• The golden rule: Put on jewelry last — after applying makeup, lotion, and perfume
• Remove jewelry before applying hand cream or sunscreen
• Hairspray and chlorine are especially harsh on silver

5. Chlorine and Harsh Chemicals

Chlorinated water (swimming pools, hot tubs) and household cleaning products containing bleach or ammonia can cause rapid and severe tarnishing. Unlike natural tarnish, chemical exposure can sometimes cause permanent damage to the silver's surface.

• Always remove silver jewelry before swimming or cleaning
• If exposed accidentally, rinse immediately with fresh water and dry thoroughly

How to Prevent Silver from Tarnishing

While you can't stop tarnish entirely, these steps will significantly slow it down:

• Store properly: Keep silver in anti-tarnish pouches, airtight zip-lock bags, or lined jewelry boxes. Place chalk or silica packets nearby to absorb moisture.
• Wear it often: The natural oils from your skin can actually help maintain silver's shine with regular wear — just wipe it down afterward.
• Clean regularly: A quick polish with a soft cloth after each wear prevents tarnish from building up. For deeper cleaning, the baking soda and aluminum foil method works wonders.
• Remove before exposure: Take off silver before swimming, showering, exercising, or using cleaning products.
• Separate metals: Store silver pieces separately from other jewelry to avoid scratching and cross-metal reactions.

Workplace Hazards for Silver Jewelry

Your job can also affect your jewelry's condition:

• Photographers handling developing chemicals should always remove jewelry before work
• Beauty professionals exposed to hairspray, dyes, and perfumes should be cautious
• Healthcare workers using latex gloves and sanitizers may notice faster tarnishing
• Chefs and kitchen workers — cooking with eggs, onions, and other sulfur-rich foods accelerates tarnish

Taking off your jewelry during work hours can prevent long-term damage.

Can You Reverse Silver Tarnish?

Yes — in most cases, tarnish is completely reversible. The best method is the baking soda and aluminum foil technique, which uses a chemical reaction to reverse the tarnishing process in under 3 minutes. We tested 10 different DIY cleaning methods and rated each one — baking soda scored a perfect 10/10.

For extremely heavy tarnish, a commercial silver cleaning solution can strip the tarnished layer, revealing fresh silver underneath. However, this should only be used as a last resort since it removes a thin layer of silver each time.

Silver vs. Other Metals: Tarnish Comparison

Not sure whether silver is right for you? Here's how it compares to other popular jewelry metals:

• Sterling Silver vs. White Gold: White gold is more tarnish-resistant but significantly more expensive. See our full comparison.
• Does Gold Tarnish? Pure gold doesn't tarnish, but gold alloys and gold-plated jewelry can. Learn more about gold tarnish.
• Rose Gold: Rose gold's copper content makes it slightly more prone to color changes over time.
• Gold Types: Understanding the difference between solid gold, gold filled, and gold plated helps you choose the right durability for your needs.

Final Thoughts

Silver tarnishing is a natural chemical process — not a sign of low quality. Understanding the causes helps you take simple steps to slow it down: store properly, clean regularly, and remove jewelry before exposure to chemicals or moisture. With the right care, your sterling silver jewelry will maintain its beauty for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend but for ages gold has been the ultimate symbol of elegance and beauty for both men and women alike. It is therefore important to be aware when purchasing gold jewelry the various terminology that is commonly used. The most popular terms used are solid gold, gold filled, and gold plated when describing pieces of gold jewelry. Solid gold is the most expensive and the highest in quality and purity. Then is ranked gold filled as it allows for a cheaper but still valuable alternative to solid gold. Gold plated, however significantly cheaper than solid gold, allows for quality gold appearing jewelry to me more affordable and accessible to the greater public.

Solid Gold

Solid gold jewelry is the highest in price and purity. Solid gold’s value comes from its radiant color and shine. It is also highly valued because it doesn’t tarnish or fade with time. But it is interesting to note that solid gold may not always be the best option when shopping for your desired gold accessory. The downside of pure solid gold is that is a very malleable and soft and is therefore not recommended for jewelry intended for everyday wear.

Often gold is made into an alloy by mixing it with other metals in order to create a stronger metal than pure gold. These alloys are often cheaper than pure gold as the carat (the measure of the purity of the gold) decreases. However, these alloys retain the desirable properties that jewelry wearers desire of pure solid gold- its shine, color, and inability to tarnish- all while creating a more practical metal for jewelry.

Gold Filled

When purchasing jewelry a more economical than solid gold but still beautiful option is a gold filled piece. Jewelers create gold filled jewelry by pressure bonding an actual layer of gold to another metal. Although a gold filled piece of jewelry is not sold gold, it has the same desirable properties and look of solid gold.

It won’t tarnish and will not rub off or turn colors. Wearers who are sensitive to certain metals can wear gold filled without worries of an allergic reaction. Although the layer of gold in gold filled pieces varies depending on the manufacturer it is in all cases significantly thicker than regular gold plating (the next category of gold jewelry). Gold filled accessories can be worn even daily without fear of fading or rubbing off for many cases as long as 30 years.

Gold Plating

Gold Plated jewelry is the best option for wearers who are jewelry obsessed but need to stay in a budget (pretty much everyone out there). It gives the impression of luxury while not causing you to break the bank every time you see a cute, trendy necklace or bracelet. Gold plated jewelry is made by using electricity or chemicals to deposit and bond a very thin layer of gold over another metal. This process creates a layer as thin as 1/1000 to 3/1000 of an inch of gold over a more affordable metal, usually silver or copper.

The downside of gold plating is that the gold layer fades and tarnishes over time. The reason being that molecules of the base metals slowly transfer into the thin layer of gold causing it to break down. For tips on how to prolong the life of your gold plated jewelry check out our handy tip “Tips On Caring For Your Gold Plated Jewlery.”

What to Buy?

When debating over whether to purchase solid gold, gold filled, or gold plated several factors should be taken into consideration. Solid gold, even gold alloys, despite their higher price tags are great for romantic gifts for a truly special someone. It also makes for a great investment as solid gold retains its value and forever will hold its allure in the world of jewelry. Gold filled, although not as valuable as solid gold, is still a great option for gift giving and accessories you love. You shouldn't discredit gold plated jewelry. It allows you to dress up with all the latest, hottest jewelry trends without causing you to stress out too much about the cost. Looking like a million bucks doesn't always have to cost it. Just don’t be shocked when your most beloved gold plated piece you wear every day starts to lose its sheen. Gold plated pieces still make the perfect present for a friend or someone you care about.

It is never easy to choose a piece of jewelry and it’s also not that easy to buy one. As much as we wanted to always get the finest quality gold jewelry, our budget may not agree with us all the time. Buying gold plated jewelry is a great option when you’re looking for an accessory or a gift that doesn’t break your bank and this goes for any type of jewelry, may it be a ring, bracelet or your name necklace. Gold plating is a process where a thin layer of gold is placed on to coat the surface of another metal. Learn more about gold plating by checking out our Tip Difference Between Solid Gold, Gold Filled, and Gold Plated.

Nowadays, having gold plated jewelry is not only for those who can’t afford a full gold jewelry. They are very popular with fashionistas out there because of its practicality and because it’s available in various designs and styles that goes perfectly well with any piece of clothing. To decrease the chances of wearing out, here are easy ways on keeping the luster of your gold plated jewelry. As it is a thin layer of gold, extra care should be taken to maximize its lifespan.

1. Do not spray on perfume or other sprays while wearing your gold plated jewelry. Wear your jewelry after you have sprayed on your favorite perfume so that chemicals on the spray or perfume does not interact with your jewelry’s metal.
2. Wait until your lotion or cream is dry or has been absorbed by your skin before you wear your gold plated ring, bracelet or necklace.
3. Substances like oil, nail polish, nail polish remover, chlorine, perfume and the like may react with metal/plated jewelry and will cause it to tarnish easily. This also goes with sweat, so make sure you don’t forget to remove your gold plated jewelry when you exercise or anything that would require heavy physical work, and also when swimming.
4. Every after use, clean your plated jewelry with a cotton ball or a very soft cloth to remove any dust and dirt it has acquired. Gently rubbing the surface of your gold plated jewelry using a soft jewelry cloth also helps restore shine.
5. If your jewelry needs more cleaning you may clean it with warm, soapy water. Soak it for a few minutes and you may clean it with a soft brush. Stay away from jewelry cleaners and antibacterial soaps which may have certain components that will just make your gold plated jewelry tarnish more quickly.
6. To avoid scratches, wrap your jewelry in a soft cloth after cleaning or keep it in a jewelry box separate from other types of jewelry you have.

Birthstones are gemstones corresponding to one of the 12 months of the year, each with its own unique look, value and beauty.The use of birthstones as amulets and adornments dates back to ancient times when gemstones were believed to hold wondrous cosmological powers and bring good luck and health.
Today gifts featuring birthstones such as birthstone jewelry stills holds significant meaning and value. Birthstone jewelry gifts adorned with a birthstone shows thought and personalization as well as adds a luxurious sparkle to any accessory.Find here your unique birthstone and learn its natural properties and well as its fabled mystical benefits.

Why Do Some Months Have Multiple Birthstones?

Traditionally each month is associated with one birthstone but you will find some months have multiple birthstones. This fact does create some confusion but the multiple options for some months was created in order to allow more affordable options in addition to the traditional more expensive stones.
The final attempt to standardize the birthstone system came in October 2002 when December was given a third birthstone option.

White gold is a mixture of pure yellow gold and other white metals, to give it a brilliant white appearance similar to silver. This is often coated with a metal called Rhodium to strengthen and give it an extra shine and long lasting quality. Sterling Silver, on the other hand, is pure silver that’s mixed with copper to make jewelry and has a shiny white look like white gold. This is a budget-friendly alternative to white gold, although it does need polishing more frequently.

The choice between white gold and silver isn’t as clear cut as it once was. Many buyers today are choosing the beautiful look of silver even when they can afford gold, and others who thought they couldn’t afford gold are choosing the pure, shiny gloss that only white gold can offer.

A lot of people actually wonder what the difference is between silver and white gold. Due to their similar looks, it’s obviously tough to tell the difference between the two materials at first glance. They're so similar, it's possible think they are the same thing, or made of similar materials, when this could not be further from the truth! It’s important to weigh out the pros and cons of white gold vs. silver before deciding between the two.

Alluring jewelry pieces in silver

Dainty Script Name Necklace

The dainty script name necklace is a captivating jewelry item that looks exceptional with every dress. The necklace is popular among jewelry lovers in sterling silver settings. The mesmerizing silver hue of the necklace brings out the name, whereas the dainty pendant effortlessly completes your look. Besides personal possession, it is also a great gift for all silver jewelry lovers.

Carrie-style name bracelet

The character 'Carrie' from Sex and The City is the one who introduced the world to a casual name necklace and bracelet. Now, you can honor your love for this film character with the amazing Carrie-style name bracelet. Sterling silver setting and a dainty design make this bracelet popular among true fashion lovers. Wear it every day or gift it to special people in life; the bracelet wins the hearts of everyone.

Engraved stacking name rings

Two is always better than one, making this accessory the talk of the town. The engraved stacking name rings can hold up to two names in a captivating font placed over each other in a cutout form. The sterling name ring is ideal for everyday wear and formal attire too. Moreover, the sparkling silver chrome compliment the wearer's skin while showcasing names or people closer to their hearts.

Signature necklace

Signature not only makes each one of us unique from each other but also makes add meaning to our life. Now, with our state-of-the-art signature necklace, you can carry your signature everywhere you go. Although available in many settings, one of our favorites is sterling silver. Wear it with boho dresses or a formal event by the office, and turn heads everywhere you go!

Classic Name Necklace

classic name necklace looks amazing in every finish, including white gold. The simple yet classy necklace features a clean and dainty pendant that carries your name in an efficient font. The white gold plated chain can be worn for hours without any discomfort. Moreover, the sideway orientation makes the name pendant visible even from a distance.

Personalized Name bracelet

Honor your name with the premium quality personalized name bracelet. The stylish font adds glimmer and quality to the wearer's personality. From chain length to pendant size, you can completely customize the bracelet according to your choice and show the world your good taste in customized bracelets.

Number Necklace

Numbers are crucial in life and transform our personality into who we are today. Be it the number of your favorite team, your birthday, or any special numerals in life, the number necklace in white gold plating is an ideal jewelry choice. The bold number pendant sits in the middle of a comfortable fit chain. It is ideal for every casual event attire and dressing style. Get it for yourself or a loved one, and show your good taste in Jewelry.

His and Hers Fingerprint ring set

showcase your feelings towards your better half with our exquisite his and her fingerprint ring set. The unique ring set looks top-notch in platinum plating and captivating with every dress and other accessory.

FAQ

What colors go with silver jewelry?

This is an important question that people aren’t always quite sure how to answer. Why do we even have to choose a color that ‘fits’, surely the simplicity and everyday look of silver makes it easy to wear with anything - but that is not necessarily true. It comes down to a matter of taste and personal style - all of which we’re going to discuss here in order to break down how and with what do you wear your silver jewelry.

What color goes with silver?

Silver usually goes best with black but can also look amazing with white and gray. Officially, these are considered shades and not colors. These shades contrast well with silver, making us aware of its presence with it not being overpowered by color. With black you can wear any piece of silver jewelry and It’ll look fabulous, shining bright against the darkness of the cloth. With grey and white it’s best to go big - statement pieces work really well in how they make a basic, even bland outfit stand strong, bringing a wow factor to your attire. If you’re not looking for a statement piece, another option would be to layer and mix silver and golds.

Silver wears beautifully with dark navy or royal blue - These deep, sultry colors create a stunningly comfortable background for the silver to sit with, this is also true for warm purple or bordeaux/burgundy colors. These all happen to be winter colors too, which is interesting because the silver, kind of, represents the sparkling effect of the winter weather and festivities. A perfect outfit for a cool winter's evening would be a royal blue dress, complemented with a long silver necklace.

The most influential colors that compliment silver are:

• Black
• Dark Navy / Royal Blue
• White / Cream
• Burgundy

Designs and styles

If the dress is busy, i.e. has patterns or shapes, then you are better to stick with a shorter, less detailed necklace that complements the outfit but won’t overwhelm it. This being said it is best to stay away from wearing multicolored clothing with silver, as it does not complement it, in fact quite the opposite, it swallows it.For a simple/basic dress, i.e. minor detail or color, then it’s is probably better to wear a long, semi-statement pendant on a chain like a monogram necklace - this will give the outfit more excitement without drowning out the simplicity of the outfit.

How to wear Silver in the summer

White is as much a summer color as it is a winter color so you can wear white with silver jewelry, all year round. What we need to know now is what color does not go with silver:

• Stay away from pastel colors such as lilac, light greens and pasty pinks. Silver does not mesh well with them and tends to lose its visibility within a cloud of pale colors.
• Relatively if the color is too bright it can also clash so try to stay away from wearing luminous greens and yellows, they just eat up the silver so that you barely see it.
• Cooler tones that look great with silver jewelry are colors such as a soft peach, ice pink or vanilla yellow – a shade of color that lies between ‘pastels’ and ‘bright’.

Tailored pieces

Customized details of a piece of silver jewelry are important aspects in fitting it to the outfit. First thing to do is decide how you are customizing the necklace. If you’re bejeweling it with stones or crystals you must ensure the colors of the gems stand out. They either must be of color or size. As in, if it is a large, clear diamond, you’re good to go with that, but if you’re adding small stones to a silver pendant then clear or pearl gems just may not be colorful enough for people to notice. You can mix the colors of the gems but only with a very simple, uni-colored outfit. Turquoise and silver jewelry go great with black or basic outfits.

Just be you
What is most important in all of this is that you are comfortable. If you are not style-inclined then use our tips and remember never to overdo it, nor under do it - just ensure you are wearing the right colors to complement your silver jewelry and the right silver jewelry to complement your outfit.

Whilst gold and silver may have been used to make jewelry for generations, it seems that rose gold has suddenly exploded onto the scene. It is everywhere nowadays, from body decoration to homeware to jewelry. However, rose gold and its gorgeous, deep colors, have actually also been in use for hundreds of years due to its attractive properties.With its romantic, pinkish hues, rose gold has grown in popularity over the years for use in engagement rings, necklaces , bracelets , and is now considered one of the most popular colors.

But what actually is rose gold? Is it real gold? And why is it used in jewelry?

A brief history of rose gold

Rose gold was first used in Imperial Russia in the 19th century, when renownedjeweler Carl Fabergé began using it in his famous Fabergé eggs, made specialfor the Russian royal family. It was known then as Russian gold. Its popularityeventually spread abroad and Victorian jewelers in England began using rosegold in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Throughout the golden years of the 1920s rose gold was enormously popularin the United States and elsewhere in jewelry.

As gold has traditionally been used as a symbol of importance and wealth, rosegold also became a sign of wealth and status.

Famed designer Cartier was especially instrumental in the rise of rose gold,with their famous ‘Trinity Ring’, and its popularity lasted until the financialcrisis of the early 1930's. Platinum then became the metal of choice forjewelry, due to its bright, white colors.

However, as World War II unfolded, platinum was used more prominently inthe war effort and became rarer and more expensive. Jewelers once againreturned to using rose gold for pieces, and the popularity of this colorful metalhad returned by the late 1940s and 1950s.

Is rose gold real gold?

Rose gold is real gold, but it is a mix, or alloy, made up of copper and yellowgold blended together.Yellow gold needs to be blended, or alloyed, together with other metals tomake it stronger in jewelry, as yellow gold in its natural state is a soft,malleable metal. The addition of other metals allows rose gold jewelry to lastlonger, and tarnish less than other metals.

24 karat gold is pure 100%, yellow gold. The less yellow gold used means thekarat number drops. An 18 karat piece, for example, is 75% yellow gold, withthe remaining 25% made up of another metal to give the jewelry a distinctivecolor.

The higher the yellow gold content in a piece of jewelry, the more gold-colored it will appear. The higher the content of other metals, the more thecoloring changes.

So what actually makes rose gold?

Rose gold, along with pink and red gold, is made with an alloy of yellow gold,copper, and sometimes silver is added. The higher the copper content, thestronger the reddish hue will appear.

Pink gold, for example, uses the least copper. 18 karat pink gold will be 75%gold, 20% copper and 5% silver.

Rose gold has a stronger copper content. 18 karat rose gold will be 75% gold,22.25% copper and only 2.75% silver.

Red gold is the strongest of the reddish hues. 18 karat red gold contains 74%gold and 25% copper.

Is rose gold more expensive than yellow gold?

The use of copper in rose gold does not necessarily make it more or lessexpensive than yellow gold. Since 14 karat or 18 karat rose gold pieces containthe same amount of gold as 14 karat or 18 karat yellow gold, they essentiallyhave the same value.

The same is true for white gold aswell. The number of karats determines thepercentage of pure yellow gold so a 14 karat or 18 karat white gold pieceintrinsically has the same value as a yellow or rose gold piece.How can you tell if rose gold is real?

How can you tell if rose gold is real? If you know the karat of your piece ofjewelry, it is possible to determine how real or fake it may be. Because rosegold is an alloy of different metals, pure rose gold does not exist. Therefore, ifyour jewelry is labeled as 24 karat rose gold, it is more than likely fake.

Does rose gold tarnish?

Tarnish refers to jewelry losing its luster, and when the coloring starts to fadeas a result of exposure to air or moisture.

Gold in its purest state, 24 karats, does not combine easily with oxygen andtherefore does not tarnish much. However, as gold is alloyed with differentmetals, they do react with oxygen and tarnishing occurs.

Due to the higher copper content in rose gold compared to yellow gold, itdoesn't tarnish as a normal gold piece would. Instead, over time it gains patina.But what is patina? Patina is thin layer that forms on the surface of copper andother materials that gives it an older, more vintage look. A good example ofthis would be the Statue of Liberty. Originally copper colored, over time patinahas turned one of the world's most famous landmarks into its now-classicgreen hue look.

Some people love, and even strive for, that vintage style, and the coloring ofrose gold can make older jewelry look classic. But patina is easy to clean off ifyou wish, keeping your rose gold clean and fresh for as long as you want.

Layered necklace fever has truly gripped the fashion world. With the onset of the bling culture in music, and the ever-growing desire for the latest trend, showing off as much of your jewelry as possible is the thing to do and layered necklaces are the thing to have. Where once one necklace would have been enough, it is now the style to combine and mix and match all those different necklaces.
oNecklace has a variety of layered necklaces to suit every style and taste.

What Is a Layered Necklace??

To put it simply, a layered necklace means wearing more than one necklace combined. Whether it is picking several of your favorite necklaces to create your own unique style, or buying a layered necklace as one piece, the layered necklace creates a great look that can be truly your own.

Mixing chains of different lengths shows off each necklace individually while combining them together for a unique look. Different materials, such as gold, sterling silver or rose gold, also allows you to show off each contrasting necklace so that every piece gets attention.

Different styles also go well together when making a stacked necklace. You can mix and match with any number of styles such as a simple chain, a pendant or bar, and even those chunkier pieces all add to the attraction. Wearing a layered necklace opens up so many possibilities.

The beauty of layered necklaces is it allows you to show off all the different aspects of your personality in one, great fashion look.

Different Types of Layered Necklaces

There are so many different types of necklaces out there, it is up to what you want to put together to make your layered necklace but here are some tips on the different styles that you can use.

A collar necklace is an ornament that sits tight against the skin on the neck, resting directly above the collarbone. Collar was once used to describe all necklaces but today is usually meant to describe a piece that lies flat to the body rather than hanging freely. In contemporary jewelry, collar necklaces are thick, like the collar on a shirt, and can measure from 12" to 16". They should not be confused with a choker necklace.

Choker necklaces have been in and out of fashion for hundreds of years. Slightly longer than collar necklaces, a choker also goes tight against the skin, but usually sits below the collarbone, showing off the neckline for a sensual look. Choker necklaces have traditionally been made out of many different materials and can incorporate other styles by adding pendants, bars or stones to create a beautiful piece of jewelry that can be layered with anything. Choker necklace lengths traditionally measure from 14" to 16".

The coin necklace is a popular starting point for layered necklaces. Whilst the chain can be whatever length you desire the focal point of the coin necklace is obviously the coin. Coin necklaces have been worn for thousands of years to bring luck and good fortune to the wearer, and add a personal touch to any piece. Ancient coins, such as Roman or Ancient Greek, have come into popularity nowadays, but any coin can be used in a layered coin necklace for a great look.

The great thing about coin necklaces is the variety that can come with them. Usually in gold or silver, you can mix the styles to wear a coin necklace with almost anything and for almost any occasion. Longer necklace styles, such as a lariat or opera, are great to complete that layered necklace look. Ranging anywhere from 20" up to 36" these pieces sit looser and more freely on the body, between the bust and the naval. The longer lengths help to show off the contrasting styles between all the different types used to make your layered necklace.Mix and match with texture, colors and styles to create the look that you truly want.

What To Wear With a Layered Necklace?

The beauty of layered necklaces really is that they will look great on any occasion. Your jewelry and clothing should work well together, spotlighting your features instead of working against each other, so it is important to get the right style for those layered necklaces. For those smarter times consider what kind of shirt and neckline you will be wearing. A shirt with an open collar will emphasize your neckline so show off those collar or choker pieces combined with a longer necklace. For those wintery days, a top like a turtle neck sweater is perfect and because it covers all the neck it helps to underline the different lengths of your chains, accentuating all the different accessories.

When going more casual, it is also important to remember the length of your neckline. Keep it trendy by making sure your neckline is shown off by the right necklaces.

Many people follow the "rule of three" when layering necklaces, with three different styles, lengths or colors. Whilst there is no definite way or number of necklaces to wear, even those who wish to show off more than three necklaces stick to between three and five, so as not to overcomplicate things.

How To Keep a Layered Necklace From Tangling

To prevent tangling in your layered necklace, it is always best to keep mixing the longer and shorter necklaces so that there is a gap between them. Try and keep between 1 to 2 fingers apart when layering.

Weight is also an important factor. Heavier pieces will sit tighter and flatter against the skin, preventing them from drooping and tangling with other necklaces. Balancing the weight doesn't necessarily mean a large stone - tighten the necklace with a pendant or bar for a great look.

The thickness of the chain is also something to consider. Thinner chains are more likely to tangle with each other so consider wearing a thicker chain, such as a choker or collar piece, accompanied by a thick necklace like a rope chain.

Buying jewlery from all over the world has never been easier. With just the click of a button you can now order that piece of jewelry you have always wanted.

However, it is important to remember that different places throughout the world use different units of measurement, whether it’s millimetres, inches or even a letter, so it always vital to check that you are buying the correct size for you.

Rings, especially, fall into this category. Countries in Europe, North and South America, and the UK and the nations of the Commonwealth all use different systems for measuring ring sizes so what is correct in one place might not necessarily be correct in another.

Use our ring size conversion chart below to make sure you are choosing the correct size for you. You can find out what is your ring size now with oNecklace’s own article: How To Find Your Ring Size

Ring Size Chart

Earrings are one of the most common jewelry accessories around the world. Worn by both men and women, the use of earrings goes back thousands of years and they have been found to be worn by almost every civilization in the past. Different earrings can have different meanings; what ear you wear one earring in can have significance in some cultures, and a completely different meaning in another.

What type of earrings you wear depends on many things. It can depend on your own personal style, the occasion, your culture, and of course it can depend on the shape of your face. Different styles, sizes, and lengths of earrings can accentuate all of your qualities, so it is important to know what style it is you want, and can help transform your look and the way you feel about yourself.

Here is Onecklace’s guide to the different types of earrings.

Studs

The stud earrings is the most common and simple type of earring. Although there are many different styles and sizes of the stud, the premise remains the same. Often a stone or ball, the stud is a simple piece that sits tight on the ear, and the bar and back are hidden, giving it the appearance of “floating” on the ear.

Cluster

Cluster earrings are the most similar type to stud earrings. Based on the same premise, these decorative pieces are made up of a number of stones or gems clustered together to create a stylish yet smart look.

Drops

The drop style is also similar to stud earrings, but, as the name suggests, they drop below the ear. The larger style gives more variety in design and more options for different styles. Drop earrings can be single pieces of jewelry that hang vertically from the ear, several pieces together, or hoops.

Dangles

Dangles are a more complex version of drop earrings. They also hang down vertically below the ear, but there is one main difference. While drop earrings are typically stationary, the larger and bulkier dangle earrings are free to move back and forth, and can be any length, giving a much larger scope for design.

Jacket

Jacket earrings are a more modern style of earring. Similar to a stud, the front of the piece is a simple latch or stone to hold the earring in place, while all of the action takes place behind the ear. The main body of a jacket earring sits behind the ear and hangs down, creating a modern and exotic look. Flowers tend to be a popular choice for jacket earrings.

Hoop

Hoop earrings, as the name indicates, are large, round earrings shaped like hoops. They can be any style or size, but tend to be no longer than shoulder length. A wire threads through the ear piercing, creating a complete circle. Traditionally circular, modern styles can include triangles and even squares as hoop earrings.

Huggies

Huggies are similar in style to hoops, but they are smaller and sit tight on the ear, wrapping around the earlobe. This style provides a smart and sophisticated look.

Earrings can come in many different shapes and sizes. To decide what type of earring back you wanta few things must be taken into consideration. Your personal style, the type and size of the earringyou want to wear, and even the size of your earlobes can all affect exactly which type of earringsback you should wear. Luckily, you happen to be reading our article on the Different Types Of EarringBacks that can explain exactly that.

1. Push Backs
   Push backs are the most common type earring back. Suited for stud earrings, the push back is asimple ball or piece with a hole in which slides the bar. There is no screwing or clipping with pushbacks, which are also known as a butterfly back. Friction prevents the bar from sliding out and keepsthe earring in place.
   
   
2. Screw Backs
   Screw backs are very similar to push backs. They are balls or ends that instead of being pushed ontothe bar, need screwing in. This make the earring more secure and less likely to fall out. Screw backscan be a bit fiddlier than push backs though and take longer to put on.
   
   
3. Latch Backs
   Latch backs are a more complex style of earring back. A wire is threaded through the ear and to holdit into place, it fits into a latch that opens and closes. Typically used for huggies or hoop styleearrings, the latch back is a very secure type of earring back.
   
   
4. Fish Hook
   Fish hook are so named because they resemble the hooks used to catch fish. A long and curved pieceof metal threads through the piercing to hold the earring and the shapes keeps the earring fromfalling out. Fish hooks are generally used for pieces that dangle below the ear such as drops ordangles..
   
   
5. Levers
   Levers are similar to fish hooks. A thing piece of metal is bent and threaded through the piercing tokeep the earring in place, but as added security a lever backing clips in to create a full loop, similar toa keyring.
   
   

When searching for gold jewelry we have all come across karats used to describe the quality of a piece. Most of us know that the higher the karat, the more expensive it will be. But what actually is akarat? What do the numbers all mean? What are the stamps on a gold piece?

Here is guide to understanding karats and their meaning.

What is a karat?

A karat is a measurement of the fineness of a piece of gold. The fineness of a piece represents theweight of fine metal that it contains in proportion to the total weight, including alloyed metals andany impurities. Diamonds and other gemstones are measured in carats per 200mg, meaning forevery 200mg of diamond, the higher the carat.

Gold uses karats. With gold, a karat is a fractional measure of purity for gold alloys, measured per 24parts whole. Pure gold that has not been mixed with any other metals is therefore the highestpossible karat, 24 karat (24k) gold.

Whilst more valuable, pure gold is rarely used for jewelry pieces because of its softness andmalleability, and tendency to scratch and mark. Therefore, it is usually alloyed with base metals foruse in jewelry, altering its malleability, color and other properties.

Which karat is the best?

As mentioned above, 24 karat gold is the highest possible number in pure gold, but it is often mixedwith other metals to create alloys that are more durable and more suitable for everyday wear injewelry. The more an alloy is mixed with pure gold, and therefore the less gold there is, the lowerthe number of karats.

Gold is most often mixed with either silver, zinc, copper, or palladium, creating a different number ofkarats and different colors of gold, such as rose gold or white gold.

Traditional karats used in gold jewelry number from pure gold at 24k, 22k, 18k, 14k or 10k.

Below is a chart that explains the conversion figures of gold from percentages and decimals tokarats.

Gold Conversion Chart

Number of Karats	Fraction of Gold	% of Gold Purity	Millesimal fineness
9K	9/24	37.5	375
10K	10/24	41.7	416/417
12K	12/24	50.0	500
14K	14/24	58.3	583/585
18K	18/24	75.0	750
22K	22/24	91.7	916/917
24K	24/24	99.9	999

Does a Higher Karat Mean Higher Quality Gold?

To put it simply, no. Whilst 24k is the purest form of gold available, it does not mean it is of a higherquality. It means that there is more gold in it, and therefore it is more valuable. However, 24 karatgold is rarely used in making jewelry, as pure gold is too soft and can be easily damaged. Gold that isblended with more alloys is stronger. This is preferable especially for jewelry as the lower karatsmake a piece of jewelry more durable. The lower the karats in a ring, for example, the stronger it willbe.

The most common karat used in jewelry and generally the most sought after is 18k gold. This meansthat 18 out of 24 (3/4) parts of the piece is pure gold, a relatively high number. The one quarter thatis not gold will be made up of other alloys, making the jewelry more durable, better for everydaywear and slightly cheaper.

The lower the number of karats, the less amount of pure gold it contains, so the more affordable,more durable and more suited for daily use it will be.

What do the stamps mean?

Whilst it is possible come across some pieces of gold that are not stamped with purity, most gold,especially jewelry, will come stamped with what is known as a "hallmark" as a reference. Mostauthentic gold jewelry is stamped with some form of number or letter to indicate its karat and goldcontent. There are some common ones which can be helpful to understand when looking at goldthat make up the vast majority of the gold stamps.

Authentic gold jewelry should have a stamp to indicate the purity of the gold in the piece. This markcan be in several different formats. For example: 585, 14kt and 14K all mean 14 karat gold. All ofthese formats are easy to understand, except possibly the 3 digit number format.

There are also three digit numbers tell how pure the gold is as seen in the table above. They aremeasured in the thousandth, so if you want to know the purity percentage, just move the decimalpoint in one space. For example: 750 is 75.0% pure gold (or 18 karat).

Other stamps that can be included on gold pieces can indicate whether a piece has been plated withanother metal or not, e.g. GE, which stands for “Gold Electroplate”. This means that the base of apiece is made of one metal, usually brass, and a certain thickness of gold has been deposited on thebase, giving it a gold plating.

How can you tell if gold is real?

There are several ways to tell if gold is real. As mentioned above, any genuine gold pieces will bestamped with a hallmark stating the content of pure gold that it contains. Always check for thehallmark. The stamp is usually found on the clasp of a necklace or bracelet, or on the inner band of aring.

A few hallmarks, such as EPNS, EPBM, and GF, also indicate that a piece is not real gold. As with GoldElectroplate, these symbols indicate that a piece is not actually made of gold but another metal, andhas simply been gold plated.

A simple test is one that can be performed at home to check if gold is real. Gold is a heavy metal,and therefore, real gold should sink. Drop your gold item into a jug of water. Any piece of supposedgold jewelry that floats is likely to be fake gold.

White gold is one of the most stunning examples of how different colored gold can be utilized injewelry, as proven by its increasing popularity. In rings, bracelets and necklaces, white gold hasproven a beautiful, and cheaper, alternative to materials such as platinum. But what is white gold? Isit actually real gold? And if so, is it worth more than real gold?

What is white gold?

White gold does not exist in a natural state in nature. It is an alloy made up of pure gold and at leastone white metal: usually nickel, silver, or palladium. Like yellow gold, the purity of white gold is givenin karats.

White gold's properties vary depending on the different metals used and their proportions. As aresult, white gold alloys can be used for many different purposes. While a nickel alloy is hard andstrong, and, therefore, good for rings and pins, gold–palladium alloys are soft, malleable, and goodfor white gold gemstone settings, sometimes with other metals, like copper, silver, and platinum,that are added for weight and durability. The term white gold is used in jewelry to describe goldalloys with a whitish hue.

A common white gold formulation consists of 90% gold and 10% nickel. However, as some peopleare allergic to nickel, rhodium, which is similar to platinum, has gained popularity in making whitegold.

Is white gold real gold?

White gold is definitely real gold. Pure gold, at 24 karats, is too soft to be used for day-to-day jewelryand often tarnishes or gets scratched. Mixing gold with other metals, such as silver, copper, or zinc,strengthens the gold piece, making it more durable. This also has the added advantage of giving thegold a different color. Gold alloyed with copper, for example, gives gold a reddish hue and is knownin jewelry as “rose gold” or “pink gold.”

However, whilst these pieces are not pure gold, they are most definitely real gold. It is possible tocheck whether gold is real gold by checking the hallmark, or stamp, on a piece.

Is white gold worth more than yellow gold?

A common query when looking at gold is whether the different colored golds available are moreexpensive, or cheaper than yellow gold. There are a few different factors that affect the value of apiece of jewelry. However, the color is not one of them.

The value of gold is determined by its karat number. Pure gold is 24 karats but, as mentioned above,it is too soft to be used for normal jewelry. It is the most valuable gold however, as it is gold in itspurest form. As the gold content of a piece gets lower, as more metals are mixed with the gold, thevalue will get lower. This means that jewelry of 18 karat will be cheaper than 22 karat, and 14 karatwill be cheaper than 18 karat.

Because white gold comes in the same number of karats as yellow gold, it is theoretically the sameprice. It is possible, however, that due to its popularity in jewelry, you may find certain jewellerscharge more for a white gold piece than yellow gold.

Can white gold tarnish or turn yellow?

Gold is one of the least reactive chemical elements. Gold alone or pure gold does not combine easilywith oxygen so it stays shiny, it does not rust or tarnish.

However, because pure gold is almost never used in jewelry, the other metals mixed with gold, suchas copper or nickel, do react to oxygen, sulfur and moisture over time and can tarnish or lose color.This what can cause gold jewelry to tarnish.

Over time, the coatings on white gold can also become worn, revealing the yellow gold colorunderneath.

This is a completely normal process. Eventually, all white gold jewellery begins to show yellow goldcolour. How quickly this happens depends on many factors such as how the jewelry reacts with yourskin, what chemicals the jewellery comes into contact with and environmental factors, like howmuch pollution there is in your area.

All of these factors can influence how quickly the yellow gold begins to show through.The most common treatment for restoring yellowing white gold is to restore the plating. Take it to ajeweler and they will be able to replate it with whatever metal is may be plated with, usually eitherrhodium or zinc.

If you want to keep your gold jewelry looking its best for a long time there are some tips to keep itlooking good. Make sure to remove your jewelry even when you are just washing your hands.Chemicals can leave your white gold jewelry with a dull finish over time and eventually, it becomesharder to clean white gold when residue has already built up. You should also store your jewelry properly, suchas in a pouch when it is not being worn, separate from other pieces, or in compartments to avoidthem from scratching each other. You may add a packet of silica gel inside a jewelry box so it absorbsany moisture.

Different Types Of Gold

When people think of jewelry, they usually think of gold. For thousands of years, gold has been heldas one of the most precious metals for people. Gold has been used in jewelry-making, for religiousartefacts, coinage, in trading and commerce, and many other uses over the years.

But there are actually many different types of gold. What are the different types and different colorsof gold that can be used?

Gold in its purest form is a chemical element with the symbol Au and atomic number 79. In its purestform, it is a bright, slightly reddish yellow, dense, soft, malleable metal, which is what first attractedpeople to it.

Its low reactivity with other elements and to acids means that gold became perfect for day-to-dayuse in jewelry. However, pure gold is actually too malleable to be used by itself, so it is combinedwith other metal alloys to increase its strength.

These alloys can change the appearance of gold, making it appear a different color to its naturalstate, Gold jewelry is usually alloyed with silver, copper, zinc, palladium, and nickel to createdifferent gold colors. The most common of these colors are yellow, white, rose, and green, but thereare actually several more that are growing in popularity. Below is a table showing how the differentalloys added to gold can affect the coloring.

The amount of an alloy mixed with a gold piece also affects the karat of gold jewelry. Karats are afractional measure of purity for gold alloys, measured per 24 parts whole. i.e one karat is 1/24th ofthe mass, so 24-karat gold is pure gold. An 18-karat gold ring is 18/24 (or 3/4) gold and 1/4 othermetal alloys.

Below is a list of the most common different colored golds found in jewelry

Gold Colors

• Yellow gold – Usually when talking about gold jewelry, you are referring to yellow gold. Yellow goldis naturally occurring and is the purest form of the metal. For jewelry, it is made into an alloy bycombining pure gold with metals such as silver, zinc and copper. Examples of the common alloys for18K yellow gold include:
  
  18K yellow gold: 75% gold, 12.5% copper, 12.5% silver
  18K yellow (darker) gold: 75% gold, 15% copper, 10% silver

• Rose gold – Rose gold, also known as pink gold or red gold, is a result of alloying pure gold withcopper, as copper has a red tinge to it. The shade of rose gold can also vary greatly, depending onthe proportion of copper blended with the gold. The greater the content of copper, the redder thefinal colour is. A common combination in jewelry for rose gold is 75% gold mixed with 25% copper.

  A key point to keep in mind with white and rose gold is that since gold must be combined with othermetals to transform the colour, it is impossible to achieve “pure” (or 100% / 24k) white or rose Gold.

  Rose gold is more affordable than the other gold colors because it uses the inexpensive copper forits coloring. Due to its copper content, rose gold is also more durable than yellow or white gold.

• Green gold – Green gold, also known as Electrum, is mixed with gold, silver, and sometimes copper.Silver is what gives the gold alloy its greenish coloring. Green gold was known used by ancientpeople as long ago as 860 BC under the name electrum, a naturally occurring alloy of silver and gold.It actually appears as greenish-yellow rather than green.

  The element Cadmium can also be added to gold alloys to create a green color, but there are healthconcerns regarding its use, as cadmium is highly toxic. The alloy of 75% gold, 15% silver, 6% copper,and 4% cadmium creates a dark-green alloy.

• Grey gold – Grey gold alloys are usually made from gold and palladium. A cheaper alternative whichdoes not use palladium is made by adding silver, manganese, and copper to the gold in specificratios.

• Black gold - Black gold is another type of gold used in jewelry. Black-colored gold can be producedby a couple of methods. Oxidation by applying sulfur-oxygen-based compounds is one way. Anotheris the controlled oxidation of gold containing chromium or cobalt (e.g. 75% gold, 25% cobalt. A rangeof colors from brown to black can be achieved on copper-rich alloys by treatment with potassiumsulphide.

  Cobalt-containing alloys, e.g. 75% gold with 25% cobalt, form a black oxide layer giving the gold ablack coloring. Copper, iron and titanium can be also used for such an effect.

• Blue gold - Blue gold is an alloy of gold and either gallium or indium. A gold–indium alloy containsabout 46% gold (about 11 karat) and 54% indium, forming an intermetallic compound with a richblue color. With gallium, gold forms another intermetallic which has slighter bluish hue.

  A rich blue colored gold of 20–23K can also be obtained by alloying with ruthenium and rhodium.

Which Type Of Gold Is The Most Popular?

Since it was first discovered in the earth in its natural state, the most common type of gold foundthroughout history is yellow gold. In ancient items, such as jewelry or religious artefacts, yellow goldis the most common due to its availability and the limited methods of alloying gold.

Since advances in science, however, and the knowledge to mix gold with other metals has grown,different gold colors have seen different periods of popularity. Of course, it can also depend on thefashion trends of the day.

The biggest choice that most people have to make when it comes to choosing a type of gold is color.Of course much of it is personal preference. Which color gold do you prefer? Which matches thebest with your skin tone and fashion style?

Another factor to consider is the purpose of the gold. The properties of gold can vary largely, basedon the metals and quantities used in the blend. The decision about the quantities of other metalswith gold is based on their purpose and affects cost. For example, if gold is blended with a softermetal like palladium, it is ideal for gemstone settings in which a malleable gold alloy is needed.

The quantity in karat gold also affects the cost and durability. For example, a 10k gold ring vs a 14kgold ring. The 10k gold ring has been mixed with more alloys which makes it more durable for dailywear but has less gold content than a 10k ring. The 14k ring would have more gold which will besubject to daily wear more compared to 10k gold but has more value.

In terms of fashionable popularity, gold has also seen different periods. From the 1960s to 1980s,yellow gold was very popular. Then in the 1990s, the popularity of white gold started to take over.Recently, the popularity of rose gold has started to resurface in the past few years as well.

For more information on how to take care of your gold jewelry, check out our articles on How toClean Gold Jewelry and Does Real Gold Tarnish?

Silver has been used to make jewelry and precious items throughout history, and is one of our mostprized metals. When looking at silver jewelry, usually there will be a choice between regular silverand what is known as ‘sterling silver.’ But what actually is sterling silver? Is it real silver? And which isbetter between the two?

What Is The Difference Between Sterling Silver And Regular Silver?

So what actually is the difference between sterling silver and regular silver?Silver is a natural element, with the symbol Ag on the periodic table. Silver, known as pure silver orfine silver, has an actual silver content of 99.9%. Because of its high purity, fine silver is too soft to beused in the making of jewelry and other items, so it is often mixed with other metals to make itharder.

Sterling silver is an alloy created when copper is added to pure silver in order to make the resultingcompound more durable and less soft. Usually, sterling silver has a purity of 92.5%, meaning that7.5% of the alloy is made of copper or another metal, usually nickel or zinc.

Sterling silver was developed in Europe as early as the 12 th century. It was used in the UnitedKingdom in coinage and trading before spreading to the United States, Canada, Australia and othercountries associated with the British Empire from the 19th century up to the mid-20th century.

Around the time of the World War II, as the cost of labor rose due to the war and the fact thatsterling silver pieces were all still mostly handmade, and as only the wealthiest could afford it, it fellout of fashion for a time before coming back to popularity later in the 20th century.

What Is Better, Sterling Silver or Silver?

There are several benefits to using sterling silver instead of fine or pure silver.The first and most obvious benefit is the cost. Fine silver has a higher purity percentage of silver,which will make it more expensive compared to the less pure sterling silver. However, sterling silverstill looks just as good as fine silver.

Sterling silver can be used in jewelry, such as, rings , bracelets and necklaces , as well as householditems such as cutlery, tea sets, candelabras and even mirrors.

The durability and malleability of sterling silver means you can get more affordable pieces and ahigher range of different products for a much lower price.

There's also the durability factor. Sterling silver is much more durable compared to fine silverbecause of the added metal alloys. This can help your piece last and stay looking the best it possiblycan for longer.

Because of the fact sterling silver is an alloy, it makes it more sensitive to air and water, which inturn makes it more susceptible to tarnishing on the surface. Pure silver, with its higher purity, ismore like real gold, which does not tarnish even if it is in constant contact with air and water.

What Is The Highest Quality Silver?

There are many different standards of silver. Below is a brief description of the more common types.

Silver standards refer to the standards of millesimal fineness for the silver alloy used in themanufacture or crafting of silver objects. The fineness of precious metals, including platinum andgold, are measured in parts of 1000, so the higher the number, the purer the metal.

Pure silver, as mentioned, is the purest form of silver. It has a millesimal fineness of 999. Also knownas "three nines fine", pure silver contains 99.9% silver, with the balance made up of trace amountsof impurities. This grade of silver is used to make bullion bars for international trading andinvestment in silver. As we mentioned earlier, pure silver is too malleable and soft for day-to-dayuse.

Britannia silver has a millesimal fineness of at least 958. This alloy is 95.84% pure silver and 4.16%copper or other metals.

The French 1st standard has a millesimal fineness of 950. The French 1st alloy is 95% silver and 5%copper or other metals.

Sterling silver has a millesimal fineness of 925. As we mentioned before, sterling silver alloy is 92.5%pure silver and 7.5% copper or other metals. Sterling silver is also stamped to indicate that it is truesterling silver. These stamps are usually "925" or "92.5" or ".925" to indicate the purity of the silverwithin it. However, you can also sometimes see "ss" as a sterling silver stamp as well.

Coin silver has a millesimal fineness of 900. The term "coin silver" was derived from the fact thatmuch of it was made from melting down silver coins. It is important here to note that there aredifferences between the coin silver standard and the coin silver alloy, as actually used in makingsilver objects.

Scandinavian silver has a millesimal fineness of 830. The Scandinavian silver alloy contains 83% puresilver and 17% copper or other metals.

German silver will be marked with a millesimal fineness of 800 or 835 (80% or 83.5% pure silver).Generally items simply marked "German silver", "nickel silver" or "Alpaca" have no silver content atall, but are mere alloys of other metals.

Taking Care of Your Sterling Silver

With proper care, quality sterling silver will last a lifetime. However, because of the alloy mixed tomake sterling silver is more susceptible to tarnish and corrosion than regular silver. To minimize suchdamage, it is important to store your sterling silver jewelry either in a cloth pouch or in a separatecompartment in your jewelry box. Avoid exposing it to household chemicals when cleaning withbleach or ammonia, or when swimming in water containing chlorine such as a swimming pool, asthese chemicals can damage silver.

Care should also be taken to prevent silver tarnish build-up, a dulling that naturally occurs whensilver reacts with sulfur or hydrogen sulfide in the air. To clean your silver, use polishes specificallydesignated to remove tarnish. Although wearing your silver jewelry often is the best way to preventtarnish from building up, regular cleanings of all your silver items will prevent tarnish and keep yoursilver bright and sparkling.

Natural Cleaning Solutions for Household Items

A growing trend worldwide is that of home-made natural cleaning solutions for those everyday problems. People are turning more and more to natural solutions over chemicals and for many reasons.

Homemade cleaning solutions are so easy to make and often everything you need can be found right at home. They are also much safer to use as you know exactly what you are putting in them, there are no unknown chemicals or solutions hidden in there. This is a much healthier option, especially if you have pets or young children at home, as homemade chemicals are safer should they be ingested accidentally, and even help the air quality – there is no spraying harsh chemicals into the air.

There is also the added bonuses of money and convenience. Chemical products are often expensive and can damage surfaces and items in the long-term. Many of the ingredients used in homemade solutions can be found anywhere in your house, particularly in the kitchen, saving you a trip to the stores to buy expensive and dangerous cleaning products.

Some simple items you will find at home that can help you clean include:

• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Lemon Juice
• Water
• Dish Soap
• Rubbing alcohol
• Microfiber cloths
• Spray bottles

Natural Cleaners for Different Surfaces

Different surfaces often need different cleaning solutions depending on what they are made from. It is always import to know what to use when cleaning a particular surface – both what solutions to use and also what materials will do the best job. It is important to clean without doing any damage to the surface. Below are some common household surfaces you may wish to clean with homemade cleaning products.

Wood

Wood is a particularly delicate material that is susceptible to damage from cleaners that contain harsh chemicals.

Things you will need:

1. Vinegar
2. Water

Combine ¼ cup of vinegar with one cup water to create an easy cleaning solution that is great at getting out that tough marks and fingerprints. The solution will clean the surface without doing any lasting damage. Mix into a cup or spray bottle and use with a microfiber cloth to be gentle on the wood. If you wish to clean a large area such as wooden floors, simply increase the amount of vinegar and water to the same ratio in a bucket, and use a floor cloth.

Olive oil can also be used in very small amounts to clean spots or smudges on wooden furniture, but in large amounts in will leave smudge marks and attract dust.

TIP: Vinegar can leave an acidic smell in the room when used. For a sweeter smell, try adding lemon or orange peel.

Tile

Things you will need:

1. Vinegar
2. Baking soda (optional)
3. Water

Tiles such as those found in the kitchen or bathroom can be relatively easy to clean due to their smooth, protected surfaces but there are those odd stains that won’t simply come off. For most tile surfaces, the same solution found above for wood can be used. If the stains are a little tougher to get out, increase the amount of vinegar used in ratio to the water, e.g. one part vinegar to one part water.

If you find that those stains still are not coming off, try using a paste made of baking soda mixed with water, leave it on the stain for half an hour, and then try cleaning with the vinegar solution. For dirty grouting in between tiles, use a toothbrush and the baking soda paste to scrub the dirt marks off.

TIP: Tile floors can be cleaned with the same solution as wooden floors

Stone

Stone, despite its tough exterior, is actually a very sensitive material and you must be careful what you use. Vinegar, lemon or other acidic cleaners that work well on other surfaces should NOT be used on stone. They will eat away at it, leaving permanent damage. A homemade solution of simple dish soap and water can often do the trick.

Things you will need:

1. Dish Soap
2. Water
3. 3 Rubbing alcohol (optional)

Combine between 2-6 drops of dish soap with 2 cups of warm water for an easy homemade solution that will clean your stone surfaces with any damage. Wipe down with the solution and then buff with a clean, dry cloth. For tougher stains, try using half a cup of rubbing alcohol mixed with 2 cups of warm water and leave it on for a few minutes before wiping off and drying.

TIP: Stone should NOT be left to air dry due to its porous nature. It should be dried and buffed with a clean, dry cloth.

Natural Cleaning Products for Delicate Items

There are of course certain household items that are a little more delicate when it comes to cleaning and these require a little more care and attention.

Clothes and jewelry are two areas that

Clothing

Clothes will get stained, it is a fact of life. Especially if you have babies or small children, stains will get everywhere.

Sometimes it is so easy to grab a bottle of stain remover and spay, but conventional stain removers can be some of the most toxic and dangerous chemicals to breathe in, especially if you have young children in the home.

However, help is at hand. You can make your own stain removers and laundry detergents at home that will be so much better and safer to use on your clothes. Some use stronger items like hydrogen peroxide or borax (a natural compound found in laundry detergent) but they are still so much better to use than store-bough stain removers.

Here are some stain removal tips to help you out.

Yellow underarms stains: Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with one part water and soak the stain in it for around 30 minutes. Then wash regularly – if the stain is a tough one add one cup of hydrogen peroxide to the wash.

Food: Treat with the same mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water as above, before a regular wash. Add a ½ cup of baking soda to the wash for an extra clean.

Ink stains: Sponge in rubbing alcohol and rub off with a paper towel. Keep applying until the stain comes out. Then wash regularly. Grease or oil stains: Apply dry baking soda to remove any residue before brushing off. Soak in vinegar for around 15 minutes before washing.

Protein-based stains: Protein-based stains such as blood, baby formula, urine and vomit are tough to remove. Rinse in cool water then use a mixture of ½ cup hydrogen peroxide, or ½ cup vinegar with ½ cup baking soda in the wash.

TIP: Do not use put hot water on a protein-based stain before cleaning as it will make it even worse and leave a smell.

Jewelry

Keeping your jewelry sparkling and looking great is always important, and that’s why it is equally important to know what material you are dealing with and how best to clean it. Certain metals react differently to chemicals causing long-lasting damage and tarnishing, so it is always vital to know exactly what your jewelry is made from. Corrosive chemicals, whilst maybe removing any tarnish or rust, if used improperly will ruin your jewelry.

Personalized jewelry such as engraved names and dates can have lots of little gaps and nooks that it is important to get into and clean properly to keep your jewelry shining. Similarly, chains should also be kept clean and fresh to prevent any damage and to keep them looking great.

Below we take a look at the two metals gold and silver. Whether it is a, necklace, bracelet , or ring, you want to clean, the method is the same based on the metal.

Gold

Things you will need:

1. Dish Soap
2. Water

Gold is one of the least reactive metals, and as such, it can stay relatively safe from corrosion and tarnishing. However, should you want to clean your gold jewelry it is so simple and everything can be found in your home.

Take a bowl of warm water and add a mild dish soap. Then simply dip the gold jewelry into the mixture and allow it to soak for about 20 minutes.

After soaking, dry the gold jewelry using a clean dry cloth and then allow the gold jewelry to air dry on a towel completely before wearing it.

If your gold jewelry contains gemstones, to clean them without damaging, simply follow the above steps but instead of dipping your gold jewelry in the water, take a clean cloth, dip it into the solution, and apply to the jewelry.

TIP: Chemical such as hairspray, deodorants and even acidic foods like onions and fruit juices can cause tarnishing, so be sure to keep your gold jewelry stored properly

FOR MORE INFORMATION CHECK OUT OUR PAGE ON HOW TO CLEAN GOLD JEWELRY

Silver

Silver, unlike gold, is a little more resistant to chemicals, so you will need to use something tougher to get rid of that tarnish and dirt. However, the best items are still to be found all around the house! Here are a few of the best cleaning methods we discovered.

METHOD ONE

Things you will need:

1. Aluminum foil
2. Boiling water
3. Baking soda

This method is so simple and works a treat! Simply line a bowl with aluminium foil and add boiling water with 1 tablespoon of baking soda. As the solution mixes, simply put in your silver jewelry for around 3 minutes, take out (carefully, the water will still be hot!) and dry off with a clean, dry cloth. You will see an incredible difference to your silver.

METHOD TWO

Things you will need:

1. Beer

That’s right, beer can be a great way to clean your silver jewelry and it couldn’t be easier. Simply pour a cup of beer into a bowl and soak the jewelry in there for 5-10 minutes. Remove and rub clean with a cloth.

METHOD THREE

Things you will need:

1. Salt
2. Water

Again, three easy household and natural items which can be found in your kitchen. Take the lemon and squeeze the lemon juice into a bowl along with 3 tablespoons of salt and hot water and placed the tarnished silver to rest in there for 5 minutes.

Remove and rub with soft cloth.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CHECK OUT OUR PAGE ON DIY METHODS TO CLEAN SILVER JEWELRY

Natural, Food-Safe Cleaners

As you can see, a lot of the homemade cleaning products you can find around the house are made from natural products, or if not natural, they are at least non-poisonous and harmless. This can make them great for use everywhere, but especially the kitchen or anywhere where you would prepare food or keep dishes.

Think of the journey your food can take and all the implements used in its preparation and cooking. From cleaning utensils in the dishwasher, to slicing on a cutting board, or leaving food on a countertop, to cooking in the oven. If all of these processes have been cleaned with, or come into contact with, harsh cleaning chemicals, residue from those chemicals will come into contact with your food no matter how well you think it has been wiped off.

This means the food we eat will contain some of the cleaning chemicals used, which is very dangerous, especially if there are babies or young children eating too.

Food-safe cleaners that we can use around the house are also, as it happens, often made of food! As you will have seen above, so many of the homemade natural cleaning products you can make involve items such as lemon juice, baking soda, vinegar. These not only clean your appliances better than most store-bought cleaners, but they are completely food-safe and will not leave any dangerous residue either on surfaces or in the air. Even castile soap, which can be found in certain homemade cleaning recipes, is made from 100% plant oils and is completely food-safe.

The same can be applied to many things. If you have young child in the habit of picking up everything and putting it in their mouth, it is much safer to use a food-safe, homemade cleaning product.

Tips for Making Homemade Cleaners

• Check for ingredients - It might sound strange but a lot of people assume they don’t have something they’ll need to make their own cleaning solution, so they go straight out and buy one. Always check first what you need and whether you have it.
• Check what can be mixed and what cannot – As simple as it sounds, it is so important to understand which ingredients can be mixed and which cannot. You do not want to do any unnecessary damage to any surfaces or appliances, and some simply may not work like you thought they would!
• Add a touch of citrus – If the smell of vinegar, rubbing alcohol, or some other product, makes you feel a bit nauseous, consider adding orange peel or lemon peel to a bottle to freshen it up and add a citrusy smell.
• Labelling home products – Keep your homemade products accurately labelled to know exactly what is in them. That way, it’s easier when you need to use them! This is especially important if there are young children around who are at risk of swallowing something.
• Storing home products – Just as with labelling, storing your products properly is very important. Keeping them out of direct sunlight or direct heat, will help keep them in use for longer, and keeping them stored securely or in a high place will keep them out of the hands of children.
• Using microfibers – Microfiber cloths are reusable and washable so they are great to have around the house. They also clean really well, sometimes without any spray or cleaning product needed so they’re definitely worth investing in.
• Enjoy yourself – Again, it might sound strange, but cleaning with heavy chemical products can be such a chore, yet making your own products from healthy, natural products around the house, and watching them work their magic can be so much fun.

Last-Minute Gift Ideas for Every Special Occasion

Some people are so last minute. And some people are just impossible to buy for. It can be a real struggle sometimes to buy the perfect gift for someone, be it a partner, parent or friend. We want to make sure it’s just right for them. If you have ever found yourself watching the days tick away and you still haven’t bought that gift, there’s no need to panic.

We have devised the perfect guide to help you come up with last-minute gift ideas for every special occasion and for all kinds of people. It doesn’t matter whether that person loves to spend their time outdoors with nature, inside curled up with a good book, or getting busy with arts and crafts. Everybody is different and that’s why there is a perfect gift for everyone.

Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or you’ve found it’s December again already and the holidays are nearly upon us, then don’t worry – this is the last-minute gift guide for you.

DIY Gift Ideas

Choosing what to buy for somebody can be a difficult task, so why not make them a perfect last-minute gift. Let loose on your creative side and make a gift that will have sentimental value. Handmade DIY gifts are one-of-a-kind present that show you know the person’s personality, their tastes and what they like and don’t like. They may even save you some money, making them yourself.

1. Soap - Homemade soaps are a great personal gift that are surprisingly easy to make at home using simple items you could find in your kitchen. Scent them any way you want and give a stunning gift.
2. Mugs – Nobody can ever have too many mugs. A homemade mug gift is a perfect way to ensure your gift is used and you are thought of every time they have that cup of tea or coffee.
3. Magnets – Magnets are another great way to show off your arts and crafts skills while making sure to give a gift that will have meaning and be appreciated.
4. Homemade food – Revel in your kitchen skills and create a homemade food gift such as jams or marmalades. They are sure to go down a hit and are a delicious way to show you care!
5. Candles – Candles are a perfect and relaxing gift, so make them even better by making them yourself, from scratch. They can be made with simple household items and you can scent them with whatever scent you choose.

Personalized Gift Ideas

Personalized gift ideas are perfect whatever the special occasion. They can come in all shapes and sizes, but they are a gift designed and made specifically for that person, and show how much you care. Perfect for, Valentine’s Day, a birthday or ,anniversary, personalized gifts let someone know they are extra special.

1. Picture frames – Keep your photos alive with a personalized picture frame - a gorgeous gift that look good in every home. You can personalize however you want – get names etched or engraved, make them personal for ,parents or grandparents or your other half, for a truly memorable gift.
2. Jewelry – Jewelry is a pure expression of personality - it shows off the character of whoever is wearing it. If you know that person well and for a special occasion, treat them to a customized piece of jewelry with a name, date, or picture for a gift they are sure to love. Necklaces, bracelets and rings are a beautiful way to show you care.
3. Signs - Something to hang up and show off proudly, personalized signs will look great at the entrance to a house, or hung on a bedroom door. Customize with names or photos for a unique and personal gift. .
4. Bookmarks – For the book lover you know, get their favorite quote or author engraved onto a personalized bookmark they will definitely use over and over again and is sure to go down a hit.
5. Wallet – Another day-to-day item that can be made extra special by personalizing it however you want, it is a useful gift that will get plenty of use, and make sure you are kept in mind every time it is used.

Last-Minute Tech Gifts

Whether we are on our phones, tablets and laptops for work or leisure, technology is an important part our lives. Gadgets are constantly in use, both at home and out and about. So keeping up-to-date with the latest tech can make life and work both easier, and a little bit cooler, making these tech ideas perfect for a last-minute gift for any occasion.

1. Power banks – Never run out of any battery on the go with a power bank. Available in an array of shapes and sizes, power banks are a universal gift that anyone can appreciate and get use out of.
2. Phone accessories – Phone accessories are a nice way to spice up your phone, and make a useful and handy gift- for something a little extra special, certain products like phone covers or charms can be personalized too.
3. Touchscreen gloves – Need to keep those hands nice and warm while on the go and using your touchscreen? Stylish yet comfortable, touchscreen gloves are an awesome gift that shows you put a little thought into it.
4. Travel adapter – A useful gift for anyone who is always traveling around a lot and needs multiple adapters. It might sound mundane, but you can get some very fancy ones nowadays.
5. Smartphone projector – An incredible gadget that lets you multiply your smartphone screen to several times its size, sit back and watch what you want in a fun style. Smartphone projectors are perfect for the movie lover you know!

Beauty and Fashion Gift Ideas

The classic go-to for last-minute gifts for any occasion, fashion and beauty gifts can be a stunning choice for someone you are really close to like a partner, or smart and simple for a friend. What could be a better way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or Valentine’s Day than with a piece of jewelry or make-up? Whoever you are buying for, fashion and beauty gifts are the perfect way to show how much a relationship means to you and show that you care.

1. Jewelry – The ultimate in relationship gifts, nothing says ‘I love you’ like jewelry. Whether you opt for necklaces, bracelets or rings, the choices are endless. Gold and silver will always be the most popular, but there are so many different materials to choose from, any piece of jewelry is sure to go down a hit. Jewelry pieces are timeless, and you can make it extra special by getting it personalized for a unique touch.
2. Purses – To treat that special someone, purses or handbags are a good choice, and most come in sets, allowing you to get two gifts in for the price of one!
3. Make-up – With such an array of make-up available, it’s almost impossible to get this one wrong. You can opt for something individual you might know they want, but there are plenty of box sets available that offer several products as a beautiful gift.
4. Skincare - If you are looking for a perfect gift, skincare products are a great little treat that often come in stunning box sets. There is a whole range of different products available and being both attractive and useful, they will definitely be appreciated.
5. Bath set – Treating someone to a bath set will let them soak in a long hot, tub surrounded by oils, bath bombs and candles and all the essentials needed to enjoy themselves. A soothing gift that is always appreciated.

Sustainable Gift Ideas

Nowadays, everybody is trying to be a bit more conscious of taking care of the Earth. We are more considerate of what materials we use and where they come from and the same is true of the gifts we give. Sustainable gifts can be made from specific, reusable items, or they can just simply cut down on all the extra trimmings and packaging that so many of us throw away. Whatever it is, it is helping take care of the environment.

1. Reusable kitchen bags – As more and more stores charge for plastic bags, reusable bags have become a staple item when going shopping. Handy and good for the environment, reusable bags have become a great gift with leading brands getting in on the action
2. Lab-grown gems – Lab-grown gems are stones created in a laboratory. Exactly the same as natural gems, they are more environmentally friendly as they have no bearing on natural resources - no mines are dug and there is far less pollution. They make a perfect gift for the environmentally-friendly jewel lover.
3. Recycled clothes – Breaking down old, worn material and reusing it for new clothes. Sounds a good idea, right? Several companies specialize in making good-looking recycled clothing which makes it a perfect gift for those who want to reuse instead of waste.
4. Solar-powered charger – Savvy tech gadgets that can save on using electricity and are environmentally friendly, they are perfect when up and on the move. Just make it’s sunny when in use!
5. Purses or bags – Want to know if your purse or bag saved a life? It may have done if it's made out of reused fire hose. Gifts made out of fire hoses are a wonderful way to keep using material and have the added benefit of being water resistant.

Gift Ideas for Handy People

More and more, people are opting for the DIY approach

1. Workbenches – A must-have for anyone who needs their own work space, workbenches provide a perfect working surface sure to delight anyone who loves their DIY.
2. Drill set – Nothing says “handyman” like owning a drill set. From the simple to the more extensive, these sets can come in a thousand different ways and each one can make the perfect gift.
3. Screwdriver set – Another must-have item for anyone who does their own handywork, screwdriver sets come in stunning cases with everything laid out for you. They look great, they work great, and they make a wonderful gift.
4. Work Belt – Stylish, durable and more than useful, work belts are a handy gift for that DIY enthusiast who has too many tools to know where to put them all.
5. Multi-tool penknife – A multi-tool penknife can have a million different uses around the house or workshop. Most come in designed cases and make for a good-looking gift.

Gifts for the Outdoors-type

1. Backpack – Keeping everything safe and sound outdoors is vital. Backpacks come in many different shapes, sizes and have different uses. For that outdoor-loving friend it would make a well-appreciated gift.
2. Clothes – For anyone who loves to roam outdoors, clothing is especially important. Whatever the weather, there is always a need to be properly dressed. From jackets to socks to pants, the options for a gift are endless.
3. Compass – The optimum gift for anyone who loves hiking and getting lost in nature, the compass is a classic that not only looks great, it is rather useful too and makes for a meaningful gift!
4. Camping stove – Light, portable, and a necessity if a coffee is needed first thing in the morning, camping stoves are such an awesome gift for the camper. Easy-to-use, they’ll let you heat up your food or drink wherever you are, whenever you want.
5. Flask – Like the camping stove, if you are out and about you will need a flask to keep that hot drink hot or that cold drink cold. Flasks can come in a wide range of sizes and designs, but are always loved by anyone who spends their time outdoors.

Making large purchases can be a stressful time in anyone’s life. An example of a large investment that sneaks up on people is jewelry. This can either be a life-changing purchase such as wedding rings or something more straightforward to accessorize for special occasions. So, when walking into the jewelry store, it is better to do some research on what can be affordable but also maintain the desired quality.

Lab-grown gems are becoming more popular as there are negativities that surround mined gemstones. Lab-grown gems are just that, gems that are grown in a lab. They are not cubic zirconia; they are, in fact, chemically identical to the mined gemstones that can take years to form and are becoming rarer to find. They are created within weeks and may only be identified by a highly trained eye with special tools.

Mined gems, because they are created by the earth, are usually flawed. They will come with defects and dirt within the clarity of the gem. Their origins can be vague and may support warlords and deterioration to the environment. Lab-grown gems eliminate all of these risks.

Improved Quality

When looking for the best gem to purchase, jewelers will enforce the four C’s, which are:

• Cut
• Color
• Clarity
• Carat

Since lab-grown gems are created in a controlled environment, they are able to maintain the standards of these guidelines. These particular gems are created brighter, and whiter, making jewelry such as rings really stand out with their sophistication and beauty.

Sustainability

Mined gems created within the earth are becoming a rarity to find. During the mining process, gem mining creates the largest holes dug for mining. This means larger machinery and more fossil fuels to run those machines. This process not only destroys trees and but ruins the natural habitats for a lot of animals. Lab-grown gems do not create this problem, as they pose no environmental damage.

Since they are created in a lab, they are made vegan and are produced with renewable energy. With the lab able to synthesize these gems within weeks, manufacturers eliminate all the threats to the environment and sustain supply and demand for the consumer.

Ethical Origins

In 2006, the controversial movie “Blood Diamonds” opened many eyes to the issues that surround gem mining in other countries. Some diamonds are being mined and sold to support civil war militia and warlords. As the movie depicts, a lot of people have died horrible deaths over these gems.

Lab-grown gems like that can be found in high quality necklacesand bracelets are known for a fact not to come from conflicted areas. They are produced in a lab, so they do not fund armed militia and are not a source of child labor, human rights violations, or poor working conditions.

There are some labs that are creating certificates of authenticity. The manufacturer knows all the paper trails of their gems and can provide the consumer with the certificate. This will ensure and comfort people in a guilt-free transaction.

Affordability

“A Diamond is Forever” was a marketing tactic by the Debeers Diamond Company, which was founded in the late 1800s on a South African farm in order to boost diamond sales. At the time, the company controlled 90% of the diamond trade in the world. The slogan formulated the song “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend,” thus creating the myth that diamonds are the only accurate representation of a person’s love. However, there are couples that are married a quarter of a century before they can afford a diamond ring, and the basis of their marriage is love, not diamonds.

The creation of gems within a lab eliminates a lot of processing steps that mined gems have. The only cost incurred for the manufacturer is that in the production process, whereas mined gems have a lot of expenses just for the rarity of the gems. Therefore lab-grown gems can be found at a significantly decreased cost, almost a 40% reduction in price than that of mined gems.

The decrease in cost for an item that is chemically the same with better quality will allow the consumer to purchase the jewelry that they wish. They could afford a bigger carat or a better-quality material for the band. Due to the affordability of the lab-grown gems, they could even inquire about customization of the band and the gems.

Customization

A lot of jewelry, such as necklaces, can be customized for the consumer, such as those found at. Because of the lab environment these gems are created in; there is a lot of control in not only the cut but the color as well. One out of one hundred thousand mined diamonds will have a rare color, with red being the rarest. These gems can be sold anywhere from $100,000 to $1,000,000.

With lab-grown gems becoming more popular and able to produce colored gems, they create not only the availability of these gems but the affordability of them. The most significant benefit of lab-grown gems is the ability to create precisely what the consumer wants, which makes a perfect, more personalized gift for a loved one.

Allergies area a common phenomenon that much of the population unfortunately experiences. The typical allergies include hay, mold, seasonal allergies that are caused by rag weed, pollen and much more. However, there are some instances where people may have an allergic reaction to other things such as cellphones, tea, and water! To understand how this happens, it is important that you first understand exactly what an allergic reaction is.

An allergic reaction is when the body’s immune system overreacts to a harmless substance. It recognizes the allergen as an invader and produces antibodies to the cells. Once the antibodies reach the cells there is a chemical release to the body that can affect the nose, lungs, throat, and stomach as well as other parts of the body.

In this article, we will discuss uncommon allergies, the symptoms that you need to keep an eye out for and what you should do in case you experience these symptoms. Furthermore, we discuss the four types of allergic reactions so that you have the tools necessary to judge whether or not your allergic reaction warrants immediate healthcare.

Four Types of Allergic Reactions

Type I – Anaphylactic

Anaphylactic reactions are the most severe types of reactions. They require medical attention as symptoms of difficulty breathing can escalate to respiratory failure and even death. The most common allergens to cause this type of reaction are pollens, animal dander, dust mites and some food products.

Type II – Cytotoxic

The antibodies involved with this reaction activate a component of the immune system called the complement system. This system aides in the destruction of pathogen, however within this reaction it ends up damaging important cells. This is associated with hemolytic anemia (destruction of red blood cells), thrombocytopenia (low platelets) and neutropenia (low white blood cells).

Type III – Immunocomplex

This reaction is brought on by an antibody-antigen complex. It can be found with lupus, serum sickness and arthus. This reaction, mainly relating to Arthus, can be found in experimental settings where antigen injections are given.

Type IV – Cell-mediated

Delayed reactions are associated with Type IV reactions. They occur anywhere from 24 to 72 hours after exposure to the allergen. These allergens can be something small as a skin sensitivity or it can be extreme involving long-term infections, like tuberculosis or fungal infections.

Common Allergies

Society is well versed on common allergies. Examples are pollen, peanuts, shellfish, bee stings, and medications like penicillin just to name a few. We are conditioned to be aware of these common allergies all the time from snack time in school to answering doctors’ questions in the emergency department.

However, there are so many uncommon allergies that many people may not only realize they are allergic to but that they can even be an allergen at all. Their reactions range between all types of reactions as well, so it is imperative that we learn as much as we can about these uncommon allergens.

Uncommon Allergies

Below we have listed some uncommon allergies that a small percent of the population has experienced. If you believe you may be having an allergic reaction, it is best to seek immediate guidance by a health professional to ensure that you are okay.

Furthermore, take the steps necessary to prevent it from happening again. Prevention is just as important as treatment, if not more, to ensure your welfare and for you to stay in good health.

Cell Phones

The outer materials of cell phones are made of metal, usually nickel or cobalt. People that have a sensitivity to these metals may experience a reaction of a rash on the face, ears, or hands. There is also a chance of irritation to the eyes if they are touched after handling the phone.

The only way to avoid an allergic reaction to a cellphone is for the phone to be placed in a case that does not contain these types of metals. That way, you will not come into contact with the metal in question.

Tea

Most reactions to tea are due to the scents and flavors. These reactions can cause coughing and sneezing, therefore creating more of an irritation rather than a real allergy. However, on occasion people can develop an allergy to plants like herbs and spices, thus having a reaction to herbal teas.

Drinking these teas with a known allergy could cause symptoms such as:

• Hives
• Itchiness
• Runny nose

It is found that these teas, especially chamomile, have similar proteins as ragweed. So, if there is a known allergy to hay fever then herbal teas should be avoided as well.

Jewelry

Fashion jewelry is always a great accessory, however, to keep costs down manufacturers use cheaper metals like nickel and copper with their products. They then coat the jewelry with a thin layer of silver or gold for appearance. Once this layer wears down it exposes these metals to your skin and can cause reactions.

These reactions are usually minimal skin irritation from redness, rashes, and itchiness. Occasionally they could progress to painful blisters. Most common reaction people notice is a discoloration of their skin, either green or black marks. These reactions are harmless and usually just an inconvenience. This happens due the metals oxidizing with the skin.

There are some precautions that can be taken to avoid these reactions.

• Using clear nail polish to add an additional layer of protection on the jewelry will help.
• Avoid wearing the jewelry when washing hands or showering will eliminate water exposure to the metals which can advance the process of deterioration.
• The easiest way is to avoid purchasing low-quality products. The following links are good examples of how to obtain good quality jewelry. Make sure your bracelets and rings are high quality, and that they’re created using real silver.

Raw Produce

Apples, peaches, tomatoes, celery, onions, and potatoes are a few examples of some produce that people can be allergic to. There is a cross-reaction between pollen and grasses that can cause this allergy to create a reaction of inflammation and itchiness, especially within the mouth.

A lot of people believe that it is due to fertilization processes, however it is actually something within the food itself that causes the reaction. Unfortunately, it is not something that can be washed off, but more than likely if the produce is cooked, they may be able to be consumed without symptoms.

Cold and Hot Temperatures

This reaction is probably among some of the rarest that can occur. It happens when there is an extreme change in temperature. The body responds with an inflammatory response and can cause hives.

In extreme circumstances someone may even have loss of consciousness. To avoid this allergy cautionary measures should be taken when going from indoors to outdoors and vice versa.

Alcohol

A component found in red wines and dark beer is the cause of most allergens to alcohol. Some believe they just have a sensitivity but in fact it is the sulfites in these drinks that can cause itchy eyes and nasal congestion.

Some other allergens could be fruit and nuts in some mixers and gluten in some other beer. If there is a known allergen, then these beverages should be avoided.

Water

In 2011 there were less than a hundred cases of water allergies reported. This allergen can cause redness, burning and hives upon contact. It can be the most difficult to maintain as elements such as rain and snow could cause a reaction.

Other factors, such as sweat and tears, even taking a shower can cause an inflammatory response. In severe cases drinking water can cause difficulty breathing and swallowing. Unfortunately, there is no cure and due to the rarity of the allergen doctors have difficulty continuing clinical studies.

Tattoo

Tattoos are becoming more and more popular as they become more acceptable among society. Any foreign object put in or on a body permanently has the risk of reaction, this applies to tattoo ink. No ink can ever be guaranteed to be allergen free. In fact, the most common ink to cause problems is the red dyed ink. This can cause redness, itching, and severe swelling.

It is always recommended, even if there is no known allergy, to choose a clean and reputable tattoo shop that uses proper sterilization techniques. Before having the full design of the tattoo done, especially if colored ink is being used, schedule a small test area to be tattooed the day before to eliminate any risks of a full reaction.

Hair Dye

Hair dye reactions are due to the chemicals used in the products. Unfortunately, almost all dyes contain the same chemicals. If there are known allergies, it is recommended to schedule a day to do a small test beforehand.

It is a small chance that an allergic reaction could occur since this allergy only affects 1 in every 250,000 people, but this reaction would fall in the Type I category of anaphylactic reactions. Those that have reported an allergy to hair dye has had severe facial swelling and near-death experiences.

In a world ever evolving to improve energy consumption as well as environmental protection, all aspects on how products are manufactured should be considered too. Everyday items from the clothes we wear to the cars we drive, even to the furniture we sit on, was produced in a factory somewhere in the world. How they are produced as well as what they are produced with and who is producing them is a key factor in the sustainability of our environment and health.

Sustainability is simply the act of meeting our needs without impacting that of our future needs. It provides minimal impact on the environment and does not involve the impact of conflicts. The selling of blood diamonds from African civilizations that were enduring civil wars in order to fund invading militia or warlords started in the 1990s. There are even still some illegal trades happening to this day to fund some of these organizations. This aspect in the jewelry industry is immoral and unethical.

Ethical jewelry is produced in a way that does not impact the environment they are manufactured in nor the people that are involved in making them. These accessories are produced in a way that contributes to achieving sustainability for not only the environment but the economy and society for the world.

The Importance of Ethical Jewelry

When considering a purchase, the thought of who made it, the products used or even the environment that it was manufactured in is usually never considered. Jewelry production starts at some type of mining process. This can be for the metal ore used or the gemstones needed for the design of the jewelry. Some mining tactics can have major environmental impacts. Some of these impacts can include deforestation, soil erosion and contamination of soils or waterways. This is just one of the many factors not considered when making these types of purchases.

Human Rights

Unlivable wages and child labor are just some examples of exploiting human rights. These exploitations can even go as far as forced overtime and hazardous work conditions. In 2005 a factory in Bangladesh caught fire and about 250 workers were killed because the doors were locked.

Child labor is defined as work that robs children of their childhood. It is work that is mentally and physically dangerous to the children. Due to mining of minerals and gems being in poorer areas, children are forced to work alongside family in hopes of surviving. There is approximately a million children in the world subjected to these conditions. They are robbed of an education and a healthy life. They are exposed to working conditions that cause respiratory damage, hearing and vision loss as well as musculoskeletal injuries, just to name a few.

Some other sides to the violation of human rights are slavery and human displacement in some parts of the world. Migrant workers have left their homes sometimes because of conflicts within their country. They are looking for better living conditions and pay, which is not usually what they acquire. They usually have some sort of debt or family to care for. However, their fear of deportation makes them live in the factory that they work for.

Environmental Issues

There can be numerous factors to the environment when manufacturers are producing their products. There can be a lot of chemical pesticides and or plasticizers that can be harmful to the worker as well as environment they are living in. The pollutants that the manufacturer is using has to go somewhere, and these are usually found in run-offs to rivers and the ocean.

These rivers in some areas of the world are used as main water supply for the people living in that area. Similarly, the harmful chemicals used in the products when you wash them goes through your pipes, into the water supply and consumed by the fish. Then in turn can be consumed by us.

Benefits of Ethical Jewelry

Some jewelry can be recycled; therefore, this can decrease the detriments to the environment that mining can incur. With the growth of technology gems can now be produced in a lab. The benefits of this are not only affordability and increased quality but knowing where these gems are coming from. The origins of some gems are not as straight forward as the retailers would like; however, lab-grown gems have a proper trail of production.

By purchasing ethical jewelry, you know you are not condoning to war zones or degrading human rights. The purchase of ethical jewelry will be guilt free knowing the money to purchase it did not fund situation of child labor or abuses.

Supply Chain Management

As mentioned before most of the metals and gems mined are from the earth, mainly from poorer countries. Manufacturers have a hard time having full visibility of all the elements of production. Their products from start to finish goes through a lot of different laborers, even from shipping to the actual retailer to ship to the actual consumer. By creating their own supply chain, a lot of these factors are eliminated.

The manufacturer is taking on the responsibility of knowing the product they are creating from beginning to end. They are not adding to human right violations or environmental deterioration. No Overconsumption.

Thousands of dollars are spent yearly on jewelry, which is a lot of money for usually wear once jewelry. Cheaper jewelry options fade and ware, usually turning fingers green, only after being worn a few times. These are usually found in a landfill after some time, and they are not biodegradable. These then release toxins into the air and water.

One reason people could overconsume and purchase without doing research is personalized gifts. In the following links you can find personalized necklaces , bracelets and rings that would be good for last minute gifts or just as a want for yourself.

Environmentally Friendly

Ethical jewelry is not only produced in a way that benefits the environment but uses materials that are eco-friendly as well. Ethical jewelry can use recycled materials which helps preserve natural resources and eliminates harmful mining. Some ethical jewelers have a humanitarian message to spread throughout the world.

Ethical jewelers will sometimes offer a buy back or trade in offer. They will recycle your jewelry when it has become too old to wear or when it is out of style, which happens quickly with the ever-changing fashion industry. This also helps reduce waste in landfills and eliminates toxins in the environment. Purchasing through an ethical jeweler will give you a sense of duty to supporting the sustainability of the environment.

How to Know if You’re Buying Ethical Jewelry

Borrow – Do not Buy

If you are unsure if you are purchasing ethical jewelry and only need something for a special occasion, look into borrowing.

Ask Questions

When it comes down to it the easiest thing to do is to ask questions at the retailer you are purchasing from.

Some questions to consider asking:

• Where were the gems purchased?
• Where are the materials from?
• What finishes are used?
• Are there any harmful toxins used?

Research the Retailer

There are a few things to consider when researching which brands to purchase that are ethical jewelry. Look for companies that use recycled metals with a buy-back offer as well as lab grown gems. Find companies that have a positive impact of revitalizing old mines or planting trees to increase air quality.

Check for Certification

There are a few things to consider when researching which brands to purchase that are ethical jewelry. Look for companies that use recycled metals with a buy-back offer as well as lab grown gems. Find companies that have a positive impact of revitalizing old mines or planting trees to increase air quality.