How else could humans accessorize
themselves aside from wearing
clothes and shoes? Also through
jewelry, right? However, did
you know that jewelry is not
only used as accessories?
Here are the other reasons
as to why many don't bother
splurging some good dough
over these often small yet
grand in value items:
- as a sign of wealth and
authority (crowns and tiaras)
- as a hobby (as with collectible
antique jewelry)
- for symbolic purposes (crucifix,
wedding bands, and mourning
jewelry)
- for health reasons (as with
medical alert jewelry)
- for amusement (as with puzzle
jewelry)
Aside from the generic bracelets,
earrings, necklaces, bangles
and rings, jewels are now
also in the forms of tiaras,
anklets, studded belts, cufflinks,
belly chains, armlets, thigh
bands, toe rings and brooches.
Surely, there's one kind of
jewelry that will enthrall
each and every gender and
genre.
Jewelry may be made of any
kind of material, from precious
to semi-precious gems to metals
and less valuable materials
such as those used for costume
jewelry. Here are the most
commonly used materials in
making jewelry:
1. Organic material - such
as shells, pearls and other
similar objects
2. Gemstones - these include
rhinestones, diamonds, rubies,
and other precious and semi-precious
stones.
3. Metals - a wide array
of metals are used in jewelry.
Here are those that are widely-used:
a. gold or gold plated -
a metal or alloy that is one
of the most commonly used
b. sterling silver - often
used as body jewelry and is
very popular among teenagers
c. platinum - often used in
wedding bands, more rare and
expensive than gold d. titanium
- stronger and yet light,
those who are sensitive to
other metals prefer this e.
niobium - also for those with
metal sensitivity f. Lucite
and Plexiglas - usually used
for earrings
4. Wood - ethnic-designed
jewelry and bangles
5. Plastic, pounded copper
and brass are also used in
making jewelry and are fast
gaining popularity.
Whether your jewelry is a
valuable one or simply something
that you got from the flea
market, surely it won't hurt
to take care of it properly
for it to last and probably
still be in good condition
to be given as an heirloom.
Jewelry is not only precious
because of the material they
are made of. Oftentimes, it
is the sentimental value that
makes these items more than
just accessories. If you are
considering giving more value
to your jewelry, here are
some tips on how to take care
of your jewelry, particularly
a metal jewelry:
1. Don't use it every so
often. Using it only during
special occasions makes your
jewelry earns more attention
because of its novelty.
2. Don't wear it when you
are taking a bath, washing
the dishes or whenever you
have to submerge it to the
water such as when you are
swimming. Components of water
and soap may diminish the
sheen of your metal jewelry.
3. Clean it regularly with
a soft cloth and jewelry cleaner.
4. When engaging into activities
that would make you sweat,
don't wear your metal jewelry.
Perspiration may make it lose
its shine.
5. Have a jewelry box. This
way, you not only secure the
safety of your jewelry from
thieves but also from other
harsh elements that may tarnish
it.
With those jewelry information
in mind, your jewelry may
just gain more value.
