Beginners Guide to Understanding Jewelry
When most people think about jewelry, they usually think of the simple things. Rings. Necklaces, Bracelets, Earrings. They might consider the metal type or quality and perhaps if they think it is pretty or not or if it goes with a favorite outfit.
Jewelry, generally speaking, really does have a complexity all its own and when used appropriately can have a wonderful effect on how you are seen. Let's go over the basics.
First, jewelry is not just an accessory. It can be an extension of your personality, communicate your marital status (or lack there of), draw attention, blend into the right social setting, social standing, reveal ethnicity or accent your best features. For example, wearing a cocktail or statement ring to a funeral may not just be a social faux pa but may communicate rudeness. Wearing the appropriate jewelry in the right settings or situations is very important.
Second, not all jewelry is the same. Jewelry is made from many different materials. This includes Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium, Stainless Steel, Titanium and many others. Each material has their advantages or disadvantages depending on your preferences. Some of these advantages can come with a significant cost difference. Many of the non-precious metals can often be plated so you can have the look without the cost.
When it comes to gemstones or diamonds there is a whole other realm of differences. In place of authentic Diamonds there could be Cubic Zirconia or Moisanite or even glass or crystal. Today most diamonds are manufactured and not natural, though, the chemical makeup of the manufactured diamonds are the same as that of a natural diamonds.
Additionally, the quality of the craftsmanship can vary significantly from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Third, how you feel about your jewelry should be more important than the value. If you enjoy the look or style of your jewelry and feel comfortable wearing it then it should not matter what you or your significant other paid for it. Usually it is more important to cherish the significance or emotional connection behind the jewelry than to preen over the financial value. Whether you spent $50, $500 or $5,000 the cost of it should be of less importance than what it means to you.
High quality fine jewelry that is solid precious metals and gemstones can build family value over generations as they are passed down. It's significance and the stories it may tell can be very special to family.
Fourth, diversity and style help you stand out. Use what you got. Be diverse in how you wear and what you wear on a daily basis. Statistically speaking, jewelry, when used properly, can add a level of sophistication, expression and confidence to how you present yourself to others. This can be to your advantage from interviews to business presentations and courtship to marriage. Don't be shy. Use your jewelry wisely and make it work for you.
Jewelry, in one form or another, has been around for as long as history. Discover why it has never gone away.