| Inasmuch as jewelry trends come and go, | | | | silver is by itself. Sterling silver is |
| silver jewelry remains popular across | | | | made up of 92.5% silver with the |
| all economic and fashion spectra. That | | | | remaining 7.5% copper or some other |
| elegant pair of glimmering sterling | | | | metal. That is why you'll find silver |
| silver drop earrings once prized by your | | | | flatware pieces, even jewelry, well over |
| late grandmother looks great today | | | | a century old in excellent condition: |
| whether you wear them casually or put | | | | durable sterling silver is one metal |
| them on for a formal occasion. | | | | that can stand the test of time. |
| Of course, not everyone is fond of | | | | If you were to choose earrings made of |
| estate jewelry, preferring to buy | | | | virtually pure silver, you'd risk having |
| jewelry that is new and exciting, | | | | them break in short order. Always buy |
| especially something designed by one of | | | | jewelry with an eye to have it last to |
| today's contemporary artisans. It is | | | | ensure that your investment is |
| these same designers who are seeing a | | | | worthwhile and can retain its look. |
| mini boom in business today as shoppers | | | | Shopping For Sterling Silver Jewelry |
| discover the value of owning quality | | | | A big trend for sterling silver fans is |
| sterling silver and at prices much lower | | | | to visit estate sales to see what |
| than gold. Tight economy or not, if your | | | | jewelry buys can be had. If you're a fan |
| creations are especially attractive, | | | | of antiques, you'll find the best buys |
| you'll catch the attention of savvy | | | | at these types of sales, particularly |
| buyers. | | | | those managed directly by the family. |
| Selecting A Designer Artisan | | | | When an auctioneer or estate planner is |
| Hot Diamonds is one such designing team | | | | brought in, prices are often marked up |
| producing some of the most sought after | | | | to cover their costs much as an antique |
| sterling silver pieces of our time. | | | | retailer would have to charge more to |
| Don't let the name fool you, Hot | | | | cover her overhead. |
| Diamonds does feature at least one small | | | | For new sterling silver, your options |
| brilliant cut diamond in every piece, | | | | are quite broad from flea markets to |
| but the accent is just as much on the | | | | mall jewelry stores to online merchants. |
| metal as it is on the precious | | | | At flea markets you risk dealing with |
| gemstones. You can find earrings, | | | | someone who may not be able to vouch |
| bangles, bracelets, pendants, necklaces, | | | | that the earrings or pendant you want to |
| and rings featuring contoured shapes and | | | | purchase are, in fact, sterling silver. |
| fluid lines with a contemporary twist. | | | | With a mall jewelry store, the merchant |
| Each Hot Diamonds piece is part of a | | | | can attest to what they're selling, |
| wider style line with such names as | | | | while offering a guarantee. If shopping |
| "just add love" or "back to nature" and | | | | online, make sure that you deal with a |
| "moonstruck" among others to captivate | | | | reputable jeweler; you could save a lot |
| the imagination of buyers. For instance, | | | | of money if you find the right retailer |
| the "just add love" line features modern | | | | as internet stores typically have a much |
| and whimsical hearts and stars, an | | | | lower overhead and savings are passed on |
| inviting style prized by young adult | | | | to you in the form of lower prices. |
| buyers. The "after hours" line | | | | Regardless of where you purchase your |
| represents the designers` evening wear | | | | sterling silver, you're buying classical |
| collection, just perfect for a night out | | | | jewelry with a strong, contemporary |
| on the town for varying levels of | | | | appeal. Whether choosing antique or |
| formality. | | | | contemporary sterling silver earrings, |
| Understanding Sterling Silver | | | | pendants, bangles, rings, necklaces, or |
| Why should you choose sterling silver? | | | | bracelets you can reap the satisfaction |
| Well, if you research the properties of | | | | of finding and wearing one of the finest |
| silver you'd quickly realize how soft | | | | of all metals. |