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