Sterling silver is easy to care for and maintain, requiring minimal time and effort. By taking a few simple steps, you can ensure that your sterling silver will be enjoyed for years to come!

Storage

Make sure that you store your sterling silver separately in a soft cloth to avoid surface scratches. Plastic ziplock bags can also be used for storage. Use plastic that is either polyethylene or mylar – never polyvinyl bags. Storage in an airtight bag helps to minimize exposure to oxygen, which can cause tarnish stains. To avoid this, it is a good idea to store your jewelry when not wearing it. Remember, wearing your sterling silver is the best way to prevent buildup. Oils from your skin actually help ward off tarnish!

About Tarnish

Tarnish is a reaction of your sterling silver with corrosive gases in the environment. This discoloration alters the look of your jewelry, creating a dull finish. Oxygen, sulfur and chlorine are common culprits in the build up of tarnish.

Light Cleaning

Regular cleaning of your sterling silver jewelry prevents dulling tarnish build up. Tarnish is much easier to remove as it accumulates rather than once it is built up! Use a soft 100 % cotton cloth (a t-shirt is perfect) to gently wipe the surface of your sterling silver piece. Rubbing too hard can cause existing dirt to scratch the surface of the silver.
For removing smudges, makeup or fingerprints use a mild liquid detergent combined with warm water. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely, buffing with a cotton cloth before storing.

Deep Cleaning

For older stains and excessive buildup, use a soft cloth with a non-abrasive silver polish paste. You can use a dip polish paste on sterling silver without gemstones. When applying paste, rub in a back-and-forth motion. A circular motion can cause scratches on the silver’s surface. For hard to reach crevices, use a child’s toothbrush or mushroom brush found in grocery stores. A clean cloth can be used to remove all residual polish. How much tarnish you choose to remove is a matter of style - leaving some tarnish in crevices adds to a defined, antique look.

Sterling Silver Friendship Ring for Under $20

Earrings are not just a decoration; they reflect our personality and style. Earrings are an accessory staple.

There are two basic types of earrings: pierced and clip-on. Of course, there’s a wide selection of earring styles within these two categories of earrings. Common styles of pierced earrings include hoop earrings, stud earrings, chandelier earrings, dangle earrings, button earrings, and droplet earrings among others. Many pierced earrings attach to the earlobe with a wire rather than a post.

Though they have recently made a comeback, clip-on earrings were relegated to relative uselessness in the 1970’s to because of pierced earrings popularity. Clip-on earrings clip to the ear with a spring attachment or screw-in post.

Earrings can made of any number of materials. Whether you’re looking for precious metal earrings such as gold, silver, or platinum, gemstone or beaded earrings you’re sure to be able to find the earrings you’re looking for.

Find Earrings on eBay

Once you know the earrings you want, search under eBay jewelry & watches category.

• Categories: The primary Categories give links to related listings. If you search for jewelry & watches, you’ll find links to Earrings, Necklaces & Pendants, Rings and other categories. There are also subcategory lists.
• Product Finder: The drop-down menus on a Product Finder allow you to search listings based on specific criteria.
• Keyword search: Search eBay listing titles for specific words. For example, if you want to find diamond earring, type “diamond earrings” (without quotation marks) into the Search box. Click “Search title and description” to expand your results. eBay also has a Search Tips page to help you choose keywords.

If you can’t find the earrings you want, try shopping eBay Stores for earrings. You can also creating a post on Want It Now, or save a search on My eBay. eBay will email you when a match is made.

Buy Earrings with Confidence

Before purchasing your earrings, make sure you know exactly what you’re buying. Always research your seller, and understand how eBay and PayPal protect you.

Know Your Earrings

• Read the earring details carefully.
• Figure delivery costs into your earrings final price. Make sure the seller will insure the earrings when they ship.
• If you want more information, ask by clicking the “Ask seller a question” link under the seller’s profile.
• Always complete your transaction on eBay (with a bid, Buy It Now, or Best Offer). Earrings bought outside of eBay won’t be covered by eBay protection programs.
• Never pay for your earrings using instant cash wire transfer services through Western Union or MoneyGram.

Know Your Earrings Seller

• Research your seller so you feel secure about buying earrings.
• What’s the seller’s Feedback rating for purchases of earrings? How many transactions have they completed? What percentage of positive responses do they have?
• What do buyers of earrings say in their Feedback? Did the seller receive praise?
• Most top eBay sellers have return policies. Do they offer a money-back guarantee for your earrings? What are their terms and conditions for buying earrings?

Earrings Buyer Protection

• ebay and PayPal are there for you if a problem arises while purchasing your earrings.
• When you buy earrings through PayPal, the seller never sees your bank account or credit card numbers. PayPal protects buyers 100% against unauthorized payments. PayPal Buyer Protection covers your earrings purchase for up to $1,000.
• eBay Security & Resolution Center: Visit the Security & Resolution Center to learn how to protect your account and use eBay’s quick and efficient resolution tools.

Whatever earrings you choose, they make a special statement. Get the earrings you want and enjoy!

Since I just made my own traditional charm bracelet, I thought I’d make my own charm ring too!

A charm ring is a great way to accentuate a charm bracelet or charm necklace (yes you can make a charm necklace). A charm ring is also quick and easy to make.

Lets get started!

Charm Ring Supplies

You’ll need some supplies before you begin making your charm ring. These include one spool of 18- or 24-gauge wire, needle nose pliers with cutter, small jump rings, assorted charms, beads or buttons and a ring sizer if you want that perfect fit. Although sterling silver wire is preferred for your charm ring, it isn’t necessary.

Directions for Making a Charm Ring

To begin, cut off an 18-inch piece of wire. To shape the charm ring’s base, you can use either your finger or a ring sizer. Wrap the wire around four or five times to create a charm ring band.

• For a thicker charm ring band, use a longer piece of wire.

Next, straighten the end of the extra charm ring wire. Position the raw end of the wire at the top of the charm ring’s base. Wrap the extra wire around the band of the charm ring to cover the raw wire end and pull it tight.

Straighten the remaining wire of the charm ring tail. If you want dangling charms on your charm ring, feed the wire through the small jump ring. Secure it to the top of the charm ring so the jump ring stands upright.*

• Make sure the wire end is wedged between wire layers so you don’t get pricked while wearing your charm ring.

Your almost there! You can already see how pretty your charm ring is going to be!

Finally, add beads or charms to small head pins. Attach the head pins to the jump ring by bending the wire over the jump ring with needle nose pliers. For a wilder charm ring look, add lots of charms. For a cleaner charm ring, use fewer.

There you go girls. You just made your own beautiful, homemade charm ring!

• If you don’t want a charm ring dangle, just feed the wire through a bead, button or charm of your choice.

I was recently given some helpful beading advice in regards to off-center beading.  Since I’d been holding onto a beautiful sterling-silver gemstone clasp for quite sometime, I decided to put the newfound advice to good beading use. 

The plan: Beading an asymmetrical, multi-strand necklace with the clasp as the focal point. 

Now if you’re unfamiliar with beading an off-center, asymmetrical design, I’m here to tell you it’s a beading challenge!  The weight must be balanced when beading. 

For this necklace, I was told to think of the necklace as a single strand of beads going all the way around with the beautiful clasp as the right or left focal point.  Beading several strands of beads to the opposite side (weigh your beads!) would counterbalance the weight. 

The counter balancing side of the necklace could be varied lengths, a twist of beads, or another creative beading design.  Either way, it should be large enough to give the asymmetrical look. The heavier the focal piece the more beading I’d have to do to the opposite side. 

A test of my beading ability!

Although I faced some difficulties while beading my new necklace, I’m happy to say it was a beading victory.  The necklace is beautiful and I have new beading skills to boot.  Get creative girls, get beading!

What would you buy for two of your best friends if they were celebrating their first anniversary?  How about some paper? 

Apparently paper is the traditional gift for the occasion.  Of course, paper as an anniversary gift is the stupidest thing I have ever heard of.  What’s a girl going to do, give her buddies some paper flowers? 

How about a set of paper napkins?  Paper dolls?  Toilet paper?  Paper towels?  Wall paper?  The daily paper?  Paper mache? 

Why not just buy a ream of paper and call it a day?  “Here guys, happy anniversary.  In order to celebrate this great occasion I’ve bought you some lovely paper plates.  Aren’t you pleased?”  Paper!  Give me a break!

Down with paper gifts! 

Well as you may expect, I didn’t stick to the paper tradition.  No, instead of gifting my friends with paper, I’m giving them a beautiful set of sterling silver goblets bejeweled with glimmering gemstones.  No paper involved. 

I guess I could have bought them a set of paper cups but somehow, I think they’ll appreciate what I’ve giving them much better.  And just so no one thinks I’m a spoil sport, I’m wrapping them in paper.

We all love our gold, sterling silver and platinum jewelry!

Whether you prefer gold, sterling silver or platinum jewelry, here is some information to help you choose what’s right for you.  

Gold Jewelry

You just can’t go wrong with gold, it’s been used and worn for centuries and there’s a good reason why.  Gold is naturally pliable making it a great choice for jewelry makers who want to create magnificent designs.  Whether you’re looking for a fragile looking piece of jewelry or something edgy, you can definitely find what you’re looking for in gold.  Why I love gold?  With so many color variations of gold to choose from: white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, green gold, it is never ever boring!

Tip: Try to by at least 14 carat, preferably 18 carat gold.  The purer the gold, the prettier it is!

Platinum Jewelry

Platinum’s is an elegant, rare and sturdy precious metal.  The natural pale patina of platinum makes it a wonderful setting for diamonds and gemstones alike.  Platinum has a natural elegance which makes it a beautiful choice when there are no gemstones involved at all.  Why I like platinum?  Unlike gold which is naturally soft and fragile, platinum is a hardy metal which can handle stress and strain and come out gleaming like the day it was made!

Tip: Although you can buy many different grades of platinum, the purest will be marked “950 Plat” or “950 Pt”
 

Sterling Silver Jewelry

In its purest form, silver is too soft a metal to be used for jewelry.  To make it strong enough for jewelry and other objects, silver is mixed with other metals.  The most popular silver mixture is sterling silver.  Why I love sterling silver?  Price! Price! Price!  Besides being fashionable and easy to find, sterling silver is the most affordable of the precious metals.  If you’re on a budget but love to have lots of gorgeous jewelry to choose from, sterling silver is the way to go!

Tip: When you buy sterling silver, make sure that it contains at lest 92.5 percent pure silver (you will see it marked as 925 or 92.5)

Jewelry is a wonderful way to express yourself.  Whatever metal you prefer, gold, platinum or sterling silver, you can be sure you’ll love it!

We all love our beautiful gemstone jewelry.  Here are some tips on jewelry maintenance.

 

Gemstone Jewelry Care

Here are a few things you can do to help your gemstones maintain their color and clarity:

• Store your gemstones in soft cloth pouches to prevent them from chipping
• Clean your gemstones regularly in soap and water.  Let your gemstones air dry then polish them with a soft cloth
• Clean your gemstones. Brush them with a worn toothbrush

 

Caring for Precious Metals 

Here’s how to care for your gold, platinum and silver jewelry:

• Treat jewelry settings gently!
• Don’t do rough and tumble activities while wearing your precious metals!
• Don’t expose your jewelry to harsh chemicals or abrasive surfaces
• Store your silver in a cool, dry dark place
• Regularly clean your gold, platinum and silver with soap and water.  Dry your jewelry with a soft cloth
• Use a commercial tarnish remover to clean your tarnished silver
• Have your jewelry professionally cleaned if need be

 

Pearl Jewelry Care

• Store pearl jewelry in a soft cloth, away from other jewelry   
• When getting ready, put your pearls on last   
• Clean your pearls with a soft cloth only
• Restring your pearl necklaces every few years

 

Whatever you do, make sure to take your gemstones, pearls and precious metals to a jeweler for an annual check-up if you want to keep them as beautiful as they day you bought them. 

We all love our jewelry so take good care and enjoy!

-Mary Beth

A variety of terms are used to describe silver types. All this lingo can be confusing! Here, we straighten out the terminology and give you the scoop on silver.

What is silver?

Pure silver is a soft and fragile lustrous white metal. Also known as fine silver, it is usually blended with other metals for durability. Most often silver is combined with copper to become sterling silver. Sterling silver is 92.5 percent pure silver and 7.5 percent copper. This quality standard is also referred to as .925 sterling silver.

How do I know if it is sterling silver?

Genuine sterling silver jewelry, by federal law, is stamped with a mark designating its quality. Common marks include:

• Sterling
  
• Sterling Silver
  
• Ster
  
• .925

You can also ask a professional to conduct an acid test to determine whether or not a piece of jewelry is sterling silver. By dropping a spot of acid on the piece, its authenticity can be determined. However, this method will stain your jewelry. Stainless steel attracts magnets, so if your piece of jewelry does so it is not silver. This is not a foolproof test, though, since many silver plated metals do not react to magnets.

How do I care for sterling silver?

Sterling silver is highly durable. If properly cared for, it will last for many years. See the Guide to Caring for Sterling Silver for information on how to properly clean, store and maintain your jewelry.