Jewelry Lingo in the World of ebay and Online Buying

How to Become a Successful Online Buyer

Many people swore they would never become online buyers due to the risks and difficulties of understanding the internet. In recent years, however, as many Babyboomers become senior citizens and children are raised "on the net", online buying has become much more common. People don't want to leave the house after working 50 hrs plus each week and the improvements from initial web-based shopping have been immense over the last few years, creating a pleasurable experience for many people. The world of online auctions has grown to incredible proportions as well. The one thing that makes it at times intimidating is that there are several hundred thousand sellers and unlike online stores, products are often intentionally misrepresented. There are also many people who think they know what they are selling but in truth are not very educated about their products. Here I hope to help you navigate through the online buying process and give you some tools to be a successful jewelry buyer on ebay and other sites.

The Lingo - Unlocking Jewelry Codes

Understanding the verbiage that sellers use is very helpful in online buying here is a list of common acronyms and online terms.

STS, SS, .925 or Ster, Sterl - Sterling Silver

Gold Shell - Gold filled 10k-18k means that it is filled gold, about 1/20 gold and 80 parts alloy.

HGE - A form of heavy electroplating - the gold is a bit more than a quick spray application, but will wear faster than rolled-gold. 

GE - Standard gold plating. Aka costume jewelry but usually meant to be a bit classier than "junk jewelry" or costume jewelry.

Rolled Gold - a heavy plating of gold meant to last a few years. Bulova watches are a great example of how companies can use gold plating to create long-lasting pieces that are not solid gold but hold value for much longer than plating.

Rhodium, a rare metal that is used to significantly harden the surface of soft metals used in jewelry making such as gold and silver, It also gives metals the reflective finish people desire. It often wears off overtime and needs to be reapplied to keep reflective surface,

k, kt, kts all mean Karats - level of gold count in metals. 14 kts means the product is half gold. 

PD or Pd - Palladium rare metal that is worth as much as and at times more than 14kt gold. (PD can also mean "Premiere Design" so be careful. Hallmarks are usually small and meant for a jeweler to see. If the PD is in Bold Print its costume made by this company.

Most common golds for solid jewelry10kt, 14kt, 18kt, all others are either too soft or produce an undesirable effect. 24kt gold is pure gold, very soft and usually only sprayed on jewelry, dishes, or other works of art.

Clues It Is a Fake:

Real gold has a continuous color. If the metal begins to change color or has any green spots, it is fake. Sometimes if real gold is dirty, it will have tinge to it, but the tinge is allover and not different colors. 18kt gold is darker than 14, but there are no changes in the surface of the metal.  Buying online you can often see flaws if you simply use a magnifying glass when viewing the pictures. Ebay also offers a magnification viewer built into the site. This is very handy! 

GAUDY?!?

Bigger is not always better. Real gold jewelry is often dainty unless we are talking about men's jewelry. It is not very often that you will find a piece of jewelry on eBay with diamonds and gold priced cheaply. If the seller is listing things that seem way off, it probably is. One good way to find out if your seller is pricing something too low in an attempt to sell a fake is look at posts for similar products and use a scrap gold calculator online. Compare values as scrap calculators are very easy to use! Many serious sellers know that some buyers are only buying for scrap value, so they list the grams or pennyweights of the piece posted. However, be careful that they are not listing grams of goldfilled of silver-filled items. People list weights on these items, but it's rather pointless as the gold weights are 1/20th of the total weight (or less) of the piece. 

Seller ratings are very important checker buyer feedback and look to see what other buyers are saying about your seller's other pieces.

When Opinion Can Cost!

Sentiment and other factors can be a problem for jewelry buyers on ebay. Many people who are selling Estate pieces struggle because of the grief or attachment they had for the original owner. They overprice because of personal value versus actual value. Double-check items of the same style and weight to see if you are being "sentiment gouged".

READ THE FINE PRINT!

Last but not least! Read the entire post about the piece you want to buy. Many people use the words "gold" and "silver" in their post titles, but if you read the word "tone" is often chopped off or not used until later because the sellers know that you won't take the time to read the listing if they disclose that it is really a costume or gold plated item in the title. It's really an honesty issue that I wish eBay would put standards in place for. While most people are not trying to scam you the ones that are use this trick the most. Also, remember to check if your post says 14kt gf or 14kt HGE ect, because that means the piece is really costume jewelry with a small coating of gold. Also SS and 14kt means the piece is mostly silver and is gold bathed or accented with some gold, but the scrap value will be based only on the sterling value and not the gold value.

Consider the photos a part of the fine print. Cameos, in particular, are better viewed in zoom mode as they are often made of multiple materials. Plastic versions will have an odd dull quality that doesn't seem right. 

Stainless Rage - Are There Big Pro's and Con's in Wedding Bands ? You Bet!

.925 Sterling Irish Claddagh (wedding band)

Rings are an age old symbol for marriage. Popularized in ancient Rome and Greece, most cultures use a ring on the third finger of the left hand to signify "married" or "about to be". People spend hours agonizing over the band choices and what style of stone to put in it. In the USA the single diamond band is most common with engagement, a plain matching band is often later presented during the wedding ceremony. Rings vary in price range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. In the last 10 years stainless steel, which was once considered a  clunky men's ring only product, has become a popular main stay in jewelry. As technology gets better the kinds of rings we can buy made of stainless steel resemble more closely fine jewelry products. Some have a lot of detail and can really impress even the most snobby jewelry wearers. Notice the details in the ring below. I'd wear this piece just because it looks cool.

"Game of Thrones" Men's Ring

Some of the newest stainless steel rings include CZ stones that are of a much finer quality than the "rhinestone"  variety your great aunt Ethel wore when you were a kid. (You know what I mean, the kind that had gaps due to poor settings and a few too many stones.) With the better quality of today's fashions in stainless steel, many people have been buying rings online and in stores that look like platinum.  They paid just a few bucks for them even with the shipping cost. Buyers are flocking to the net due to the ultra low global shopping prices and the ability manufatcures have to quickly produce fad materials. Most stainless steel rings can take a serious beating and remain in tact, even though our traditional wedding rings do need to be protected from getting bashed.. I bought a eternity cz band in Sao Paulo in 2013 that I almost never take off for just a few dollars. It looks like a $5000.00 ring and cleans up with soap and water. It could be ran over by a bulldozer and probably still be winking back at me. I wear it in place of my wedding bands on missions so I don't ruin them. (I am also a church camp cook and I have snapped my band twice already gripping oven handles) While stainless's durability is also a great thing for nerds like me who enjoy Sci-fi , and super hero jewelry for everyday, in the world of wedding bands this can be a bad thing.

The problem with the human body is that over time it gets warped. Ring sizes can fluxate many times over the average life span. Pregnancy, Weight gain and loss, arthritis and other things can cause your fingers to swell. Many people notice that through the years their fingers develop a indentation that comes from the fingers swelling or growing.  That dent stays quite a while after removing the ring, but once the ring is off for a few days it can require resizing to put back on.. A lot of people have to get rings resized after surgery or getting a broken finger, because the skin layers around the dent have puffed back out and it can't be put back on. Stainless steel is a much harder metal than soft silver or gold. The rings made of it can experience a lot of tradgedy but not have a single sad ending. They usually out live  the trends you bought them for. 

The "stones" in stainless are a bit of a different story though. Cz in some of the rings can get cracked or knocked loose after a lot of wear, but cannot be replaced without looking junky. Here is an example of the newer stainless with stones on the market. It is pretty, but would be impossible to work on.

Wedding rings are an emotion thing. A lot of people get very attatched to their wedding bands. They associate the presence of the band with the presence of the person. Even the flaws that can develop in the ring overtime become precious to the wearer. Women sometimes are more attached than men to their rings, but to both sexes it is an important symbol. Stainless creates the problem of having to buy the same band in many sizes if you want to use it for a wedding ring (which is just kinda wierd..). The newness and lack of flaws would be disturbing to some people and others would just rather not mess with purchasing a ring in more than one size. So my advice to you is to steer clear of stainless for wedding bands, but buy up for everyday! For couples where money is an issuse, ( I am also a wedding officiant) I encouarge them to think of the first rings as their "stand ins". The stand ins can still be worn, but not counted on to be the most symbolic of the pair. Some people choose to wear both for a while or pass the stand in along to a daughter or a friend.

While in the end people choose what they choose, remember the idea is to get a life time out of the band, not just a long time. Thanks for reading!

To shop my online store for handmade jewelry and fab stainless click on the link below. 


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"White Gold" and Metal Myths About Value

Common Misconceptions About Metal Values

White Gold, Alpaca, & German "Silver"Rose Gold

Fairs, crafters, and other public places such as flea markets tend inflate the values of their wears. Let's face it the big story often seals the sell.  People are often uneducated about metal content when they are crafteres or costume jewelry retailers. Others are just desperate to sell and lie. We need to know something about jewelry metals in order to avoid making an inflated purchase or worse a worthless one. Product knowledge also lets the intentional cheats and liars know that the game is not afoot in your wallet.

White Gold

In one of my college classes I was talking to a woman about her ring collection, after all I love rings and wear 9-12 of them everyday stacked on my fingers (mostly gold and stainless steel). She noted that she still had her baby ring that was white gold as well as several others that should be "worth a huge fortune" because it was "pure white gold". White gold is not a pure gold. It is either 14k or 10k yellow gold mixed, and is almost always the 10k version or 41.7% pure in today's online markets. It is often alloyed with silver to give it the "whitish" appearance for fine jewelry. Out of all of the gold at Fort Knox, not one single bar is white. The price difference between 10k gold and 24k gold is significant.

Gold is also mixed with elements such as copper, nickel, and zinc. It is usually plated with Rhodium, a rare but tough metal that makes gold and silver retain their strength. In the case of wedding bands, when the Rhodium wears off they can easily snap or smash. This is why most people never buy 24/k, or 99% or more pure gold in rings or bracelets. They are too soft for daily wear. It is important to choose wisely in purchasing a wedding band or mother's ring because they get as the most wear and tear, but let's get back to white gold. 

Antique value can add to white gold values, but newer "white gold" is often less valuable when it is mixed with nickel for a lot of reasons. Many people are allergic to nickel and need to have Rhodium plating added to "white gold" bands. Jewelers don't want to mess with nickel items because the amount of people that allergic to it. Nickel allergies can come at 2 or 80. Once you are allergic though it never goes away. Replating items can get very expensive. Again only the 10k or 14k value of the yellow gold sets the value for the piece and that is only the scrap value. Most jewelers that buy it are not going to give you retail.

Alpaca & German Silver

The stuff is rather lovely because it rarely tarnishes even though it is not as shiny as sterling silver. Pieces like in the above photo look great with many kinds of stone and enamels. The above has mother of pearl, further adding to the delish appearance of this peice. The truth about value is not what one would imagine however. Alpaca is made of copper, zinc, and nickel along with tin. The scrap value is almost nil. Only the older pieces from about before 1950 have any value, but it is only as an antique. There is no silver in Alpaca. 

-- Note that German Silver is also an alloy and is not worth anything, it is copper zinc and nickel. Other than collectable value as of in antiques or other factor such as designed plate or bowl, there is none. Only silver that is graded .925 or higher is worth high dollars and even then it depends on the size of the piece. Anything lower than .925 is not sterling and should be negotiated very carefully when pricing.

Rose Gold

Rose is very valuable, but not "sky high" in value as many people tend to think. Watch out at fairs that you are not buying straight copper.  Rose gold is created by increasing the copper-colored alloys normally found in gold and decreasing the silver-colored alloys. The silver color could be nickel or other metals, so it is wise to ask about the white level base contents before purchasing. 14k rose gold contains as much gold as 14K yellow gold but is slightly pinker or reddish in color. Rose gold is available in both 14k and in 18k, the value is the same as the yellow gold "k" value. 

All of this being said, you have to watch out for hype regarding what people tell you about metals. A good seller should have information for you and not get testy if you ask for more information. If they are honest then they have nothing to hide. Hope you have found this helpful in avoiding any crazy purchases of jewelry! If you want to visit my online store follow this link.  Online Store  Thanks! ~ Josie

FAQ answer for JDalton Artist - What is "Dare to Wear" Jewelry?

People have been asking "What is "Dare to Wear" Jewelry?"

Answer: "Dare to Wear" is Jewelry for Women Who Roar!

 While women are making great strides in the world the truth is that they are still a voice that is struggling to be heard. How loud you are able to speak often depends on where you live. One way that women are able to voice loudly what they think and feel is through their sense of fashion and the jewelry they wear. I don't know many women who cannot tell you why they selected or were given a piece of jewelry. Most of the time what they choose to wear is a reflection of who they are. Even in primitive cultures where tribes will wear the same kinds of pieces, they are often personalized with markings or etchings that personalize them. Why? Because jewelry makes a statement.

The "Dare to Wear" line came from a combination of influences in my life that helped me to learn to speak up, to dare to say what was on my mind.  Loic, my Tahitian angel and friend. He is reflected in my bold mother of pearl and exotic pearl pieces. I want you to experience Loic's sense of flair and his exotic nature. He has also been known for his generosity. More than once he has lavished people with beautiful creations only to make them smile.

Carol, (Momella) who has been at my side since I was 14 teaching and leading spiritual life is reflected in the pieces that make you put your head up and take notice. Like her they are stately, dignified, and against injustice! I only use beads that meet lead safety regulations and only buy from places that do not use child labor or unfair trade practices. Also tossed out are businesses that do not have regard for sustainable resources. This is a nut and stone piece that is one of my personal favorites. 

What about roaring? Roaring is noise. Loud Noise! I have a guarantee that my "Dare to Wear" pieces are one of a kind, just like you! The get conversation started because people have to ask, "Where did you get that?!?" While sometimes I use certain eye catching pendants or beads in two or three pieces, they are never ever an exact remake of another piece. Some of my beads are purchased around the world by friends who travel and I only see that kind of bead once. The idea is presenting a piece that is striking, like this Botswana agate and Crystal Cleopatra that is a part of my personal collection. I always try to pass along information with my work so the owner knows where their beads originate from, or if a particular person has inspired the piece. 

The following pics are of people who have inspired the work you see here and at my online store.

Momella, (right) with our sister from Brazil (left). Momella's section hosts special pendants and brooches in vintage styles.

Singer and Performer Karina Bosko, Sao Paulo Brazil.

"K.B. Kreations"

Loic - Singer, costume designer, choir director,

 "Loic Chic" Bracelets

Anderson de Karvalho - Singer, Song Writer, Drummer, Perfomer

"Ander Corner" - Sao Paulo Men's Line

So now you know! I hope you enjoyed this article. If you like what you see here you can follow this link to my online store to see more items. Thanks and have a great day! CLICK HERE

Helpful Hints For Selecting "Forever" Themed Pieces

Choosing Classics Like a Pro

Chistmas and the holidays can be such a fun time to wear those themed peices that we have collected over the years. I still have many of  the earrings that my mother gave me over the years. My favorites are the ones she gave me in 9th grade, a pair of gold toned bows that have 3 mm pearls in the center. I love to wear them to church and to family gatherings. Part of what makes them such a great wear is that they are made of traditional elements like gold metal and pearls. While trends can be cool, they can also be dismissed as fast as they come, and as savy gift givers we want to get it right when buying jewelry. The above bracelet is one of my hot sellers this year for charms designs. It is full of the classic Christmas theme. Below however is an example of what in my opinion was a bit of an old holiday design that missed the boat in terms of a classic. 

The mid ninties saw a rush of mixed media jewelry that was rather gawdy and the trend so far has not resurfaced. Still being seen however is glass pearls, freshwater pearls, acrylic beads that were well made that are singles. Enamel charms that were smaller in size are also still in demand. (1980's were a bad decade for things that were too big where charms are concerned.) That is mostly my opinion, but I have been a designer for a while now and part of the trade is knowing what your people want to wear and why. I also deal in vintage and have learned a lot about trends from days gone by.

Here are some tips for choosing holiday pieces that are potentially "forever"gifts. 

First know the kinds of metal that your gift recipient wears. If you buy gold and your "giftee" only wears silvers, it is likely to not be worn other than once or twice, if at all.

Next know sizes. If something is too big or too small for the neck or wrists that puts a damper on how often a peice is worn. - Not all pieces can be extended. Same is true for ears - find out if they should be hoops, dangles, or posts. I have some aunts that prefer everything to be designed with lever backs because they are more comfortable. 

Also consider sizes of stones. Women in particular have a comfort level with bead and stone sizes. Too big or small becomes a comfort issue and is often a deal breaker in piece selection for many people. Even if the trends are large many dainty ladies will not budge.

Color combinations - red and gold, green and gold, red silver ect, can all be used through out the year.. once you mix red and green your piece will most likely be in a box 11 months out of the year.  A tip from a friend of mine is that she often recommends that customers choose colors that person wears regulary and then find a way to add Christmas to either the box it comes in or to the piece. One example is that a silver and blue wearing person can have items in silver and blue, that may not have any themed beads, but rather have silver and blue snowflakes on the box. The person still associates the gift with received at Christmas, but can wear the gift year round, because there are no snow flakes on the bracelet.  To add Christmas to the piece you can select Christmas charms that come on a lobster clasp and change them as the season change. 

Materials. Plastic beads, cheap acrylics, low grade metals, odd shapes, also an issue, - just don't... People will wear old jewlery, if it is classic vinatge that says quality. I know women who are in thier sixties and seventies who are still wearing thier classics. Think Sara Coventry, Napier, ect. Pieces that were well made even though they did not cost a fortune. Ebay and Etsy have Christmas vintage that is selling for big bucks because people want quality. Plastic with seams showing, as well as aged looking acrylic or flaking metals almost always get the toss out, even when sentimental value is there, because they cannot be really worn anymore. Joy in jewelry is in the wearing!

Materials. Stay away from anything with cords that will fray. Another note about materials that are cloth like is when they become dirty, they almost always cannot be cleaned. Sometimes they will stretch when wet and others have a wax coating that feels yucky to the touch when they are just a few years old. 

Last but not least, remember that whatever you choose think about the person and their habits. People who play sports tend to wear either dainty, or no jewelry at all because it hinders activity. People who have to dress for work often prefer simple and uncomplicated pieces, because the companies of today often have strict dress codes. Also know that sometimes we are just going to miss the boat comepletely and being gracious enough to include a gift receipt can allow the person to be 100% percent happy every time. 

I hope you found this article helpful! Have a great holiday season, Josie - Owner - Artist J Dalton Beads. Find me on Facebook or Click here to go directly to my store Thanks!

Wrung out With Online Ordered Rings?

Consumer Information on Buying Rings Online

Cute little Southwestern .925 silver design I found in a shop, but it is only a size 6. 

So buying for a 9 to re-size is a bad idea...

The cyber world has become a main stay for shoppers of all incomes and almost all countries. For people on the move it is convenient way to get things done, but can be a difficult process when buying certain items that need to be specifically fitted. One of these categories is buying rings. I buy a lot of sterling and vintage rings and pins for my store because they are an item that I cannot make, but are in great demand. Many people want an organized pulled together look so that means I have to be on the look out for pieces that match my handmade products, but they have to be an exact fit for the look and the size. I have learned some valuable things that can help my customers with getting the products that they want and avoiding hassles that can be time consuming and even embarrassing. 

Sizes

An ugly truth about rings in sizing is that they are not standardized by any means. Mandrels, the rods used to create rings and to size them are close approximates even one purchased within the same company sometimes. Expensive mandrels used by top notch manufacturing companies can vary from one to the other, even though they do tend to be most accuarate. Here are some hints to help you get what you need. 

First of all try to buy from a place where you have bought something in person first. Most companies use an in house standard so that their products are uniform. A major online outlet manager confessed that they had an epic fail trying to get their multi branded products sized universally, so they went with ordering from their supplier in their sizes, to relabeling sizes according to an in house weights and measures group. The reason this had to be done is that even measuring mandrels that are supposed to be the from the same company, can vary from 1/4 to one full size in measurements. It was causing huge discrepancies in the retailers sizing within brands that were full filled in different locations. Chances are if you order for example from JCCoin Store and they have a size 8 product, all of their JCCoin branded items will be the same for the most part. If you switch brands though, you cannot be guaranteed a fit even though JCCoin is the carrier. So a Little Molly Madeup Brand sold at JCCoin might not be the same as a JCCoin item. This is true even if your store of choice has been in partnership with a brand for a long time. 

International:

Most people in the USA wear an average ring size of 8 - 9 and can find what they want within products made in the USA. However in Brazil that is the same as an 18-19. With an online international market place you need to remember that sizing is going to be an even bigger issue. I wear a 21 in Brazilian rings made in Brazil, and a 22 in rings made in Asia, that I bought in Brazil. It is best to read the reviews left behind by other consumers from your country, especially the comments on sizing. If they say "it runs large" then try to adjust your size before you order from the company - but keep in mind that the sizes they will give you are information based on their weights and measures from their country. You can message many retailers who will give you an idea of what their sizes run and what their customers have to say, but remember a fore mentioned advice. Knowing also the thickness of a shank, or the band portion of a ring makes a difference. Rings that are thicker or wider can often require a 1/4 to a one half size larger in the shank is wider than normal. Remember that you can find online sizing charts that can help you convert the sizes properly, but check more than one for the best results. 

Brazilian Spinner Ring with Lord's prayer in Portuguese.

Materials:

Buying real gold or silver it is not unusual to have to re-size a ring for a custom fit. You want to keep in mind that these kinds of things are better done with a local jeweler of a reputable name. While you can buy anywhere, many of my customers have been taken in by plated jewelry or by lack of knowledge where stamping is concerned, thinking they would have a ring re-sized to fit that was bought online. You need know your marks and stamps to determine if an item is indeed real. For example alpaca is a valuable alloy used in Central and South America and it is marked, but it is not sterling silver by any means. Rings that are made of alpaca "silver" are not always acceptable to local jewelers for work. Sterling and gold though are almost always available for sizing within the "two up - two down" sizing guides.

Reality Says:

Heirlooms are not always what we think. Alloys have been used in jewelry since the early 1800's and sometimes Great Aunt Edie's stuff looks real, but is in truth just costume so they cannot be re-sized. Most jewelers will not touch an unmarked piece. Also keep in mind that pregnancy, age, weight loss or gain can cause issues with rings. Most jewelers will go up or down two sizes maximum. Adding size can cost you more than sizing down if more material is needed to re-bond a ring. Re-sizing involves cutting bands and you need to be sure that it will not be weak when re-bonded. Rings with no stones and little extra details such as filigree or scroll work are better for adjustments. Therefore it is important that you try to get an idea of someone's ring size before gift buying.

What you pay for is what you get! If you buy a ring from a discount wholesale group it might be stamped . 925 or 18 K, but is plated. Other countries are not required to use the same standards as the USA or Europe, so buyer beware! Also you need to remember that not all Ebay or Etsy sellers know what they are doing. If you are buying a gift for someone, please have it sent to you first, with plenty of time for a return. This will save you embarrassment! Also remember that sterling silver is VERY soft metal. It will bend easily and can be easily misshapen. You need to consider shank thickness or getting a rhodium plated silver for band protection*. *Rhodium is not re-sizable. 

I hope that this article is helpful! You can see items at my store by clicking on the below link.

 J Dalton Artist Store

From Bling to Blah?? Rules for Keeping Your Bling Sparkling

Avoid common "bling abuse" mistakes..

The Holidays are almost here and for many of us that means on top of our busy shopping schedules we're trying to get our outfits organized for office parties and family get together occasions. It also is the time of year when we are hauling out jewelry that has been neglected for 11 months!!!  Tarnish (gasp!), yellowing (ahhh!), and things that have gotten loose from being shoved around in the jewelry box all summer, it is all there! Oh my what a mess we have! So what do we do to get that fresh from the pages of the jewelry catalog look? Proper storage and cleaning are the answer.

 First of all we need to remember that identification stamps and tags are everything in deciding how to clean things.  Sterling silver and gold  are specifically marked with a number from 10-24 KT and .925 or the word "sterling". They will have special cleaning agents that will remove tarnish and restore luster. Anything that is plated or filled needs a different kind of care. Plate stamps will have an extra letter or two in the stamping like this "14KTGF" which is a sign of electroplating. Second please remember that stones in your jewelry have different kinds of polish and finishes that can be destroyed rather quickly in cleaning agents. This is true even if the metals go unharmed. Read your labels and tags before you accidentally turn your treasures into trash!

Metals 101

 Real gold and diamonds are about the only combination that you can safely clean in a gold cleaning agent. Silver agents are much harsher than gold cleaners and should only clean silver, copper, brass and diamonds. Be careful as silver polish and silver cleaning agents can strip enamel from sterling charms and colors from dyed copper. Some newer products are formulated for mixed materials but you need to READ those labels carefully. Sterling should be stamped .925 or .950, but beware that jewelry bought in some foreign countries is plated, and should be tested for metal purity before immersing in an agent even if it is stamped. - If it is attracted to a magnet, you know it is not pure. 

Below is an example of a ring that is stamped sterling silver, but had gold plating. It was immersed by the owner for cleaning by the stone prongs and the plating came off. The silver now has no luster because it was not buffed or rhodium plated as high shine sterling often is. Note how the prongs are a different shade and the bottom of the band has no luster. This is the result of Tarnex use by someone without any knowledge of jewelry care. The silver scrap value is the same but the eye appeal is seriously compromised.

For the best success with cleaning plated metals, get a a silver polish cloth and try to keep methods of cleaning DRY to prevent oxidization of the metals. Also storing these kinds of jewelry in a baggie with a piece of chalk will help to keep your treasures around much longer!  Don't mix your metals. Metals oxidize at different rates, but mixing them during storage makes the process happen much faster! This is especially true for metals that are of different ages. Sort them by type before storage. Copper will often patina faster than many other metals.

Remember that wetness and water are the enemy here! While most people remove rings before doing dishes or cleaning the house, they forget to care for bracelets, which need to be taken off as well. The only exception of course are medic alert bracelets, don't take them off. Removal in jewelry care is not the only important factor, where they end up is important too. Don't store jewelry in the bathroom drawers or in your car ashtray, ever! Changes in air moisture are high in places like this due to showering and humidity changes. Keep your stuff in something that has the ability to let moisture out but not invite it in. 3M makes special tabs that can be placed in boxes and containers that will slow the tarnishing process. Little silica bags from your meds or shoe boxes can work great too. 

A little side note - Human sweat is also a silent killer for costume pieces because we don't think about how it effects our jewelry! Wiping off all of your chains with a dry cloth before you put them away will add many uses for plated jewelry. Also remember that you can prolong finish on jewelry by opting not to wear it when the dog days of summer are here, because you are guaranteed to be sweaty. Opt for wood, shells, and organics instead.

Claspology 101

A good clasp, or lack there of, can be the deal breaker for me in jewelry. Anything that has signs of thin plating or poor quality is off the table. Spending more for a sterling clasps and gold filled clasps can greatly improve the life of your costume pieces. Clasps have the most contact with the skin and often catch the most accidental moisture contact. Spacers that are smaller than stones will often last 3 - 4 times longer than the clasps. 

 When you wash your hands at a public place, stick your wrists under the hand dryers for a moment to try to keep your bracelets and clasps dry. Also if you are doing anything during winter, remember we often get snow up the sleeves of our coats. It is best to stick your bracelets in your purse until after you have cleared your windows or shoveled your walk.  

Stone Stuff

Stones are beautiful! They enhance the texture and allure of our jewelry, but like all things precious they need special care. Many stones are coated to increase the shine and to remove roughness that can cause snagging on clothes. It is suggested that you do not immerse stones, pearls, shells, woods, or any organics into jewelry cleaning solutions. Diamonds are the only real stone that you can immerse (although many CZ's are considered safe it is still a risk where colorfastness is concerned). Only one moment in these chemicals will completely destroy many stones that have a low Mohs hardness. I often use a little bit of Ivory brand liquid dish soap and a soft tooth brush to gently clean around prongs and crevices of stone jewelry. If I need to have something nasty taken off the band that will not polish off, I use a q-tip and sparingly put Tarnex on the band, remembering that there is still a huge risk in doing so. 

A Tahitian man taught me a trick to preserve mother of pearl and pearls when they are worn often. Rub them with a tiny amount of baby oil before wear. It keeps the luster high and protects finish from damage. 

I hope you have found this information helpful! To read more insights and to find my store visit

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