Article fashion jewelry

Genuine handcrafted silver jewelry is as beautiful as it is unique. Whether you're looking for pieces to add to your collection or are shopping for gifts
there are excellent online sources for handmade earrings
pendants
rings
barrettes
and necklaces. For a wonderful buying experience
follow these five tips.

1
Find a reputable source. This may go without saying
but don't confuse commercially manufactured jewelry with handcrafted silver jewelry. The latter is made by artisans that take great pride in their work. It's helpful to look for a company that has been in business for decades
and that has been selling online for at least five years.

2
Take advantage of customization. When jewelry is handmade
it can be customized in any number of ways
from the lengths of chains to the types of gemstones used in pendants and rings. You don't need to settle for "almost good enough." Instead
you can get the piece you've always dreamed of
in exactly the right size.

3
Measure carefully. Because customized pieces generally aren't returnable
it's important to make sure that the handcrafted silver jewelry you order will fit. It only takes a few minutes to get a good measurement
and doing so will ensure that the necklace or ring you order will be exactly what you want. For rings
ask a friend to take a piece of string
put it around the knuckle or largest part of your finger
and mark the string. To determine the size
hold the string against a tape measure and compare your measurement to the website's sizing chart. If you're in between sizes
it's best to go with the larger size. You can also use string to measure for bracelet
necklace
or anklet lengths.

4
Do your gemstone research. The best online jewelry sites have a wealth of information on gemstones. Before you order
read up on the gemstones you are considering. It's important to know
for example
that aquamarine can be cleaned with dishwashing detergent
but that ultrasonic and steam cleaning may damage the stone. Similarly
you may know that pearls are delicate and can easily absorb liquids
but you might not know that turquoise is also porous and can easily become stained.

If you're going to order jewelry with gemstones
it's also crucial to know whether the stones are natural or if their colors have been enhanced. Reputable artisans will freely share this information. Don't be alarmed
however
if the stones have been heated or irradiated to intensify or change their colors. Naturally colored rubies
sapphires
and topaz
for example
are extraordinarily rare; it is an accepted practice within the jewelry industry to enhance gemstone colors.

5
Invest in the real thing. Silver jewelry is gorgeous
but only if it's real silver. Make sure that the online source you select uses either sterling silver (.925 or 92.5 percent silver) or fine silver (99.9 percent pure silver). When you invest in handcrafted silver jewelry
you're not only buying a piece you will treasure
but one that is likely to become an heirloom for future generations.