Even though the best advice for maintaining your jewelry is to avoid wearing it while you’re in the shower, some items are either too difficult to take off or worn daily. In these cases, taking them off could seem like a hassle, so you might decide to leave them on.

But before you hop in the shower without taking off your favorite necklace, you must consider the material first. Some jewelry should be kept from water at all costs, while others are more resistant. 

So which pieces are safe in the shower, and which ones aren’t? We’ll tell you everything you must know about showering with jewelry.

Jewelry You Can Wear in the Shower

Mistaking our jewelry’s metals before exposing them to water is a common faux pas. For this reason, you should look into your jewelry’s metal content. Remember that even though you can technically shower with these materials, we don’t encourage it.

Solid Gold Jewelry

This precious metal is one of the few that won’t tarnish or rust over time. Since it’s non-reactive, it will resist corrosion for a long time and can be worn in the shower without any fear of tarnishing. Whether it’s regular gold, white gold, or rose gold, it’s safe in the shower. However, it loses its shine over time due to soap scum and shampoo residue.

Plastic

This synthetic material is waterproof and very resilient. Plastic jewelry won’t rust or react in any way to water, so it’s ideal for a shower. The only downside is that it can discolor over time due to the chemicals, chlorine, and other elements present in water.

Silicone

Silicone is a type of plastic, but it has more elasticity. It’s used for rings, bracelets, and other items that need to fit perfectly on the body. The material is also water resistant, so it won’t corrode or react to water in any way.

Glass

Some jewelry pieces are made of glass, such as necklaces and earrings. These items can be worn in the shower without any fear of corrosion or tarnishing. But keep in mind that glass can crack or break if exposed to sudden changes in temperature, so you should always be careful with it.

Platinum

Similar to gold, this is a precious metal that won’t tarnish or react to water. Platinum jewelry is so resilient that it can even withstand the most corrosive elements. However, be aware that it can discolor over time due to the chemicals present in shampoo and soap.

Titanium

Titanium is a versatile engineering material used for jewelry, medicine, and other applications. It’s not only durable but also hypoallergenic and resistant to corrosion, so it can be worn in the shower without any worry.

Stainless Steel Jewelry

This alloy is usually composed of a combination of iron, carbon, and chromium. It’s resistant to corrosion and rust, so it can be worn in the shower without any fear of tarnishing or reacting. The only downside is that it can discolor over time due to soap residue, chlorine, and other elements present in the water.

Aluminum

Though it’s not precious, aluminum is a light metal that won’t corrode or react to water. It’s often used for jewelry pieces such as necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that can be worn in the shower without any fear of rusting.

Jewelry You Can’t Wear in the Shower

Even though some jewelry can withstand water, there are a few pieces that you must take off before getting in the shower.

Sterling Silver Jewelry

Sterling silver is a precious metal composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper or nickel. It won’t corrode in water, but it can tarnish over time due to the reaction between the metals present in its alloy.

Gold Plated

Gold-plated jewelry is usually made of base metal, such as brass or copper, with a thin layer of gold on top. This type of jewelry is not resistant to corrosion and can tarnish quickly in water, so it’s best to take it off before showering.

Pearls

Pearls are delicate gems that should never be exposed to water. The chemicals present in shampoo, soap, and water can damage their luster and even cause them to crack or discolor. So it’s best to take off any pearl jewelry before showering.

Wood

Wood can be beautiful, but it’s not resilient with repeated exposure to water. It can swell, discolor, and even crack if submerged in water for too long. Since wood is porous, it can also absorb bacteria and other elements, so it’s best to take off any wooden jewelry before getting in the shower.

Diamonds, Gemstones, and Rhinestones

When the jewelry has stones, it’s important to be extra careful with it. Diamonds, gemstones, and rhinestones can fall out if the jewelry is submerged in water for too long. So take extra care when wearing diamond rings.

The Takeaway

If you want to protect your jewelry and keep it looking as good as new, make sure to check the material before wearing it in the shower. TrueFacet offers a variety of pre-owned fine jewelry and watches made from different materials that can withstand water. So shop now and enjoy beautiful pieces without any worries!

Buying fine jewelry is a way to express yourself and add some sparkle to your wardrobe. But what color should you wear? Pink diamonds? Yellow gold? White platinum?  In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips on what color of fine jewelry looks best on you. So put on your reading glasses and get ready to take some notes!

Expert’s Guide on What Color Jewelry You Should Wear

There are many factors to consider when choosing the right jewelry color. The first step is to think about what outfits you’ll be wearing it with. Do you want to match the jewelry color perfectly with your clothes or do you prefer a more contrasting look? We’ll break it down below. 

Understanding Colors

Before we get into which colors look best on you, it’s important to understand a little bit about color theory. Colors can be divided into two main categories: warm and cool. Warm colors include red, orange, and yellow, and cool colors include blue, green, and purple.

Color Schemes

How do we go about mixing and matching colors? One way to know which combinations work is to look at the color wheel. There are seven main color schemes: analogous, complementary, split complementary, monochromatic, triadic, square, and rectangle (or tetradic).

• Colors that are next to each other on the wheel are called analogous colors. Analogous color combinations usually create a harmonious look. For example, blue and green.
• Colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel are called complementary colors. Complementary color combinations can be very striking. For example, red and green are complementary colors.
• A split complementary scheme consists of a color and the two colors on either side of its complement. For example, if you have green clothing, you can accessorize with purple jewelry and a touch of pink.
• Monochromatic looks are created when you use different shades, tones, and tints of the same color. For example, a monochromatic blue look might include navy, light blue, and baby blue.
• Triadic color schemes use three colors that are evenly spaced from each other on the color wheel. For example, yellow, blue, and red.
• A square color scheme is made up of four colors that are equally spaced from each other on the color wheel. An example would be red, yellow, green, and blue.
• A rectangle (or tetradic) color scheme is made up of two pairs of complementary colors. An example would be red, yellow-green, blue-green, and blue-violet.

Choosing Jewelry Based on Skin Tone

Okay, so now that we got some of the theory out of the way, let’s incorporate it. A few indicators can help you determine your skin tone, but there is no set formula. You can use the following guidelines to understand which colors will look best on you.

• If you have a pink, red, or blue undertone to your skin, you likely have a cool skin tone. Look for jewelry in colors like silver, platinum, white gold, and gemstones in blue, green, and purple tones.
• You likely have a warm skin tone if your skin has yellow, olive, or golden undertones. Look for jewelry in colors like yellow gold, rose gold, and gemstones in warm tones such as red, orange, and yellow.

If you’re unsure whether you have a warm or cool skin tone, look at the veins in your wrist. If they appear green, you have a warm skin tone. If they look blue or purple, you have a cool skin tone.

People with neutral skin tones can pretty much wear any color. You lucky ducks!

Choosing Jewelry Based on Your Eyes

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, so it only makes sense that you’d want your jewelry to complement them. Below is a guide to help you choose the right jewelry based on your eye color.

• If you have blue eyes, try accessorizing with yellow gold jewelry and gemstones in warm tones such as red, orange, and yellow. These colors will make your blue eyes pop!
• If you have green eyes, try silver or platinum jewelry and gemstones in cool tones such as blue, green, and purple. These colors will help to accentuate the green in your eyes.
• If you have brown eyes, pretty much any color goes! Try different combinations and see what you like best.

Choosing Jewelry Based on a Theme

What is a theme? A theme is a specific style or looks that you’re going for. Maybe you want a nautical theme or a vintage theme. Or a simple, classic look. Whatever style, there’s jewelry to match.

• If you’re going for a nautical theme, try accessorizing with gold or silver anchor pendants, rope bracelets, and starfish earrings.
• For a vintage-inspired look, try antique-style lockets, cameos, and pearl jewelry.
• And for a classic look, stick to simple pieces in metals like gold, silver, and platinum. Diamond stud earrings are always a good choice!

Choosing Jewelry Based on Your Outfit

The easiest way to determine which jewelry color you should wear is to look at your outfit. Some classic combinations always look good together.

Blues: Try a light blue top with some denim jeans for a casual daytime look. Add in some silver jewelry to complete the ensemble. For a night out on the town, go for a dark blue dress and accessorize with gold jewelry.

Reds: A red dress is always a showstopper. To avoid looking too overdone, pair it with some understated jewelry. Silver or diamond stud earrings and a bracelet would be the perfect finishing touches.

Greens: Green is a great color for both daytime and evening looks. For a daytime look, try a green dress with some gold jewelry. For an evening look, go for a dark green dress and accessorize with silver or platinum jewelry.

Purples: A purple dress is perfect for an elegant evening look. Accessorize with gold or silver jewelry and some sparkling gemstones.

Pinks: A pink dress is perfect for a girly daytime look. Accessorize with gold or silver jewelry and add in some delicate details like bows or flowers.

Metallics: Metallics are always in style. To avoid looking like you’re going to a costume party, pair your metallic dress with some understated jewelry. Silver or diamond stud earrings and a bracelet would be the perfect finishing touches.

Now that you know how to choose the right jewelry for your outfit, it’s time to go shopping! Check out our collection of jewelry for some great ideas.

Get A Luxury Piece to Mix and Match!

When it comes to wearing color in fine jewelry, there are no hard and fast rules. You can mix different colors together or wear them separately, depending on what looks best with your outfit and skin tone. 

If you’re an enjoyer of the finer things in life, you know the importance of making a statement with your luxury purchases. Whether you’re looking to buy a gift for a special occasion or want to add some new pieces to your own collection, TrueFacet has the perfect piece for you. 

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If you love jewelry, you’ve probably seen 925 in jewelry. But if you’re not an expert, these terms can be confusing—especially if you’re looking for a special gift. So, what does 925 mean on jewelry? A 925 stamp indicates that the piece is 92.5% silver, with the remaining 7.5% being other metals. Nonetheless, this hallmark can also be found on gold pieces. Keep reading to learn more about it.

For those exploring the world of pre-owned luxury jewelry, understanding hallmarks like the 925 stamp is essential. These markings confirm the authenticity and quality of the piece, ensuring that you’re investing in genuine craftsmanship. Whether you’re purchasing a sterling silver necklace or a gold vermeil bracelet, pre-owned luxury jewelry offers timeless elegance at a more accessible price point. It’s an excellent way to own high-quality pieces while embracing sustainability and sophistication.

925 on Silver Jewelry

The hallmark 925 indicates that silver jewelry is 92.5% silver, with additional materials such as copper accounting for the remaining 7.5%. The pure form of silver is so delicate that it must be combined with other, harder metals in order to create jewelry that will last. It’s not always copper that makes up the 7.5% other metal. Although copper is favored for delicate skin, zinc or nickel can also be used.

You know you have a fine piece of silver when it has the 925 stamp. If your piece is on the smaller side, you might need a magnifying glass or a loupe to locate the stamp. Stamps are typically found on the reverse side of pendants, whereas necklaces and other jewelry types typically have them on the clasp.

Why This Alloy Ensures Durability

As previously stated, the purest form of silver is naturally soft. By transforming it into an alloy, both its hardness and its durability are increased. Since sterling silver is bright and sturdy, you can wear it every day without worrying about wear and tear. However, if you wear your silver jewelry frequently, it will eventually tarnish and will need to be cleaned at least once a month.

Reasons to Love Sterling Silver

When the silver plating on copper or brass pieces wears off, the metal underneath becomes dull and may turn brown or gold. For people who want their jewelry to last and have intrinsic value, sterling silver is a great option. Silver is, after all, a valuable metal so it’s a wise investment.

Because of its durability and beauty, sterling silver has been used for centuries to craft everything from bridal engagement rings to luxury necklaces. Silver is a beautiful precious metal; it shines, it’s durable, and it won’t drive you crazy if you scratch it. It’s comfortable, versatile, and easy to style for any occasion.

925 on Gold Jewelry

Gold in its purest form is a yellow metal that is somewhat malleable. Therefore, it must be combined with other metals in order to fortify it and make it more practical for jewelry design. When the hallmark is found on gold jewelry, most people think it means that the piece of jewelry contains 92.5% gold. However, 925 gold jewelry, also referred to as gold vermeil or costume jewelry, is actually sterling silver that has had gold plated onto it.

To be considered gold vermeil in the United States, jewelry must be plated with a minimum of 10K gold (42% gold). Furthermore, the plating thickness can’t be lower than 2.5 microns. To put it another way, the thickness of the gold plating on gold vermeil jewelry matters more than on gold-plated jewelry. For this reason, you can wear gold vermeil and solid gold jewelry together.

In Summary

Real sterling silver is quite valuable and well worth the expense, particularly if you prefer wearing silver-colored jewelry. It’s very beautiful against cool-toned skin but also rather lovely against warmer tones or in contrast with vivid colors. If properly maintained and worn frequently, sterling silver 925 is a very durable metal that won’t likely tarnish, turn black, or become green. 

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Whenever we consider making an investment, we usually look for valuable items to buy, especially if we’re talking about jewelry. Due to the high caliber materials and gemstones used in their creation, fine jewelry is particularly rare and valuable. What could be a greater investment opportunity than something you can use as a fashionable accessory? Fine jewelry is thus a fantastic method to secure your investment while making a fashion statement.

Unfortunately, where to buy affordable fine jewelry isn’t as straightforward as one might think. For this reason, at TrueFacet we have compiled a short guide on where to buy fine jewelry that will keep everyone’s attention. So, if you’ve been thinking about giving yourself a little something extra special, this is the place to start.

Shopping at a Jewelry Store On-Site

When you go to the store to buy jewelry, you will have the opportunity to examine the pieces in person. Having the actual piece in your hands—as opposed to just looking at an image of it on a screen—allows you to examine its weight, color, size, and how it looks on you.

Traditional trips to the store can be inconvenient if you’re not already in close proximity to the store, or if you don’t have trustworthy shopping companions. Some jewelers can exert an undue influence on your decision to buy and can occasionally be a little overbearing.

Shop Fine Jewelry Online

Fine jewelry online shopping can be considered a misnomer for some. Since many people don’t understand how internet shopping actually works, there’s a widespread misconception that it can be dangerous for customers to do their buying online. However, online shopping is fast and convenient for many, especially those who have hectic lifestyles. 

The days of spending hours in a jewelry store searching through a limited selection in search of the ideal piece are long gone. Online jewelry stores now provide you with a wide range of high-quality products that are reasonably priced and easier to obtain. The internet has completely transformed how we shop and reduced everything to a simple search and click. Below, we’ll provide you with the biggest steps on how to ensure the online store you choose is legit.

1. Check Their Return Policy

Check out the jeweler’s return policy if you don’t want to be taken advantage of. Avoid online jewelers with return policies that are either nonexistent or that favor the seller over the buyer. Instead, choose a jeweler with a fair return policy that will give you ample time to verify the genuineness of the item once it is delivered.

2. Make Sure It’s Authentic

Some online stores double as marketplaces, meaning you can either sell or buy a product. If the online business you’re considering has formal alliances with well-known brands, that’s a positive sign. It’s typical for these brands to have an authenticity certification. While some used items might not have the certification, several shops have strict quality control procedures to make sure you won’t receive fakes.

3. Read Online Reviews

The majority of shoppers now consider online reviews to be just as reliable as personal recommendations. That’s why you should definitely check out the shop’s customer reviews before making a purchase. Even while negative reviews are inevitable, having a lot of them raises a serious red flag.

Get Your Dream Piece With TrueFacet

If you’re looking for one of the best fine jewelry websites, you’ve come to the right place. Those interested in purchasing pre-owned luxury watches and jewelry can do so on TrueFacet. In order to guarantee that the items we sell are genuine, each one is examined by a member of our in-house team of gemologists and watch specialists.

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Investing in something that will make you feel beautiful while wearing it is money well spent, especially when it comes to any type of jewelry. Naturally, the greatest thing we can do for ourselves and the item is becoming masters on how to care for and constantly clean that fine jewelry.

Let’s be honest: who doesn’t like the feeling of wearing a gorgeous jewel that gives us a sense of elegance? -We certainly do- which is why we take jewelry cleaning so seriously.

In this blog, we will guide you through some helpful expert advice on how to care for and properly clean your fine jewelry.

What Is Fine Jewelry?

Fine jewelry is crafted from precious metals such as solid gold, sterling silver, and platinum. It may also incorporate natural gemstones and other jewelry settings such as diamonds, rubies, and sapphires.

Avoid This if You Don’t Want Your Jewelry to Get Ruined

Before we get into the specific procedures to clean fine jewelry, we’d like to share some straightforward guidance from our specialists 

• Avoid going near chemicals like hairspray, lotion, sunscreen, insect repellent, and perfume since they can seriously harm precious metals.
• The best way to clean fine jewelry involves warm water, dish soap, and a soft brush.
• Remove your jewelry before performing daily activities like showering, swimming, or going to the gym.

Follow These Easy Steps to Clean Your Jewelry at Home

Regarding jewel cleaning methods, we strongly believe that less is more. There is no need for expensive or hard-to-use tools or chemicals that could eventually affect the quality of the materials. In fact, the best way to clean your fine jewelry is right in the comfort of your home, with stuff you already have available.

Consider that the quality of the materials will impact the jewelry’s durability and how it should ideally be cleaned and maintained. For instance, the technique for cleaning fine gold jewelry differs from that for cleaning pearl jewelry or cleaning a diamond.

The Ingredients You Need to Clean Jewelry at Home

• A soft brush or polishing cloth
• Warm water or lukewarm water
• Mild dish soap 
• Baking soda

Extra tip: Make sure you are working in a sanitary and safe environment to avoid the accidental leaking of any liquids.

Let’s Dive Deeper Into Some Fine Jewelry Cleaning Solutions

Now that you prepared a special place destined to clean your jewels, you can start with this easy cleaning procedure.

1. First, combine a drop of dish soap and lukewarm water or hot water in a bowl.
2. Soak the jewelry in the mixture for a few minutes (make sure not to exceed 5 min).
3. Then, gently scrub away any dirt and residue with a toothbrush.
4. Clean and dry the jewelry using some paper towels or soft cloth.
5. Allow it to dry entirely in the air.
6. Finally, carefully put it back into a jewelry box.

Et voila!

Now You Are Ready to Clean and Maintain Nice Quality Jewels

Furthermore, maintaining jewelry entails regular cleaning to keep it in good condition and avoiding contact with harsh jewelry cleaners and chemicals that could harm its quality.

If you neglect cleaning them regularly, your gemstones, engagement rings, and bracelets will likely seem worn and deteriorated, ruining a valuable investment and a beauty item.

Do you have questions about how to care for your fine jewelry? Are you looking for the right place to buy a dreamy fine jewelry piece? We are here to help!

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You love to look your best. Dressing nice and adding sparkle or glam is a fantastic way to boost your self-esteem. Nothing does this as well as walking into the room wearing fine jewelry.

Before buying jewelry for any future special occasions, you should first learn about fine jewelry, which jewelry houses make the best pieces, which questions to ask yourself as you shop, and more. 

Table of Contents

• What is Fine Jewelry?
• Where to Buy Fine Jewelry
• How do I Care for my Fine Jewelry?
• 3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying Jewelry
• What Does 925 Mean on Jewelry?
• How to Organize Fine Jewelry
• What Does 585 Mean on Jewelry?
• How to Pack Fine Jewelry for Travel
• What Does “Gold Filled” Mean in Jewelry?
• How to Tell if Jewelry is Real Gold?
• What Jewelry Can You Wear in the Shower?

What is Fine Jewelry?

In our modern language, we use “fine” to mean something that is okay but not great. If you ask your partner how they are doing and they say “fine,” you know you’re about to talk about how they’re not doing very well!

While “fine” may not be good enough for a vacation or a mood, it’s more than just okay for jewelry. “Fine jewelry” is used for any jewelry made from precious metals such as platinum, gold, and silver. It’s more than the metal itself. Fine jewelry often uses genuine gemstones like diamonds, sapphires, rubies, or emeralds. Because it’s made from such high-quality pieces, fine jewelry is durable and made to last. These are timeless pieces! 

That’s not to say fine jewelry must stay in your jewelry box and only come out for big events. They can be worn daily, especially beautiful bracelets, rings, and watches that match various outfits. Of course, if you wear these pieces a lot, you will need to take special care of them. This leads us to our next question.

Where to Buy Fine Jewelry

This one is easy! The best place to buy affordable fine jewelry is online. Wait- affordable? Yes! When you shop online, it is not only possible but quite easy to find affordably priced jewelry that is just as fine as anything you’d find in an expensive jewelry store. Why spend all day being pressured by salespeople when you can shop for luxury watches from the privacy of your own home and get an even better deal? The choice is clear!

Even if you have a price point that is less than what could get you fine jewelry in a retail environment, shopping online offers you many more possibilities. Beyond the advantages of shopping online, purchasing pre-owned fine jewelry drops the price of a piece even further. The details you will find listed on True Facet are extremely high-quality, although they have had a previous owner. Many have never even been worn!

How do I Care for my Fine Jewelry?

It can feel like a lot of pressure to purchase a piece from one of the top jewelry designers and then care for it so that it lasts in top-quality condition for many years. Don’t worry about yourself! Caring for fine gold jewelry is as simple as following a few pieces of expert advice: 

Avoid Damaging Chemicals

Hairspray, lotion, sunscreen, bug spray, and perfume can damage precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum. They are susceptible to discoloration from these products. Do not put jewelry on, and then get yourself ready. Instead, leave your jewelry in its case until you’re ready to wear it.

Use Mild Cleaners 

You don’t need anything fancy or special to clean your pieces. One of the best jewelry cleaning methods involves warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft brush. You can also use a rag made for this purpose. Ultrasonic cleaning may be tempting, but this can sometimes shake gems loose or chip gemstones. Organic gemstones, like pearls, opal, and turquoise, should not be cleaned ultrasonically. 

Take it Off Whenever There’s a Doubt

You don’t want to wear your fine jewelry in the swimming pool when cleaning if you’re cooking a messy meal or working out at the gym. Not only will this protect your fine jewelry pieces from the harsh chemicals and debris buildup mentioned above, but it will also help you avoid losing your jewelry.

3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying Jewelry

Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves, though. Now that you’re better prepared to care for your new pieces when they arrive, you can confidently shop for something special to add to your jewelry collection. Before doing so, you’ll want to ask yourself a few questions. These include:

Do I Have a Brand Preference?

Whether you’re talking about necklaces, earrings, watches, or anything else- many people have certain fine jewelry brands they prefer. While Rolex watches are known to be some of the best on Earth, some people prefer Cartier instead and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that!

What Color of Fine Jewelry Should I Wear?

Even if you don’t care much about the brand name, nearly everyone has a preference. What color is your wedding band? What color earrings do you typically wear? Do you often wear a designer watch you want to match? If you like to wear silver, you can also get white gold or platinum.

We could go on and on about which metals look best with certain skin tones or for certain occasions, but it all boils down to one big question- which do you like better? You’re the one wearing it, no one else!

Is There a Special Occasion I am Buying for?

Obviously, if this is a wedding ring you’re probably going to settle on a diamond ring or band made of precious metal. What about another big event, though, like a holiday, birthday, anniversary, date night, vacation, reunion, or retirement? Whatever the occasion, consider what would make the most appropriate fine jewelry to wear. Going to your niece’s 14th birthday probably doesn’t require something as special as your own 50th wedding anniversary celebration. 

What Does 925 Mean on Jewelry?

As you begin shopping, you’ll notice small letters and numbers scrawled on the pieces. Is this bad? On the contrary! These little notes are telling you something very important about your fine designer jewelry.

If a piece in question is silver, you may see a 925 stamp. This is all about purity and means that for every 1000 parts of the material in the jewelry piece, 925 parts must be made of silver. No more than 75 parts can be a different metal. In percentages, this breaks down into 92.5% silver and 7.5% of other metals.

How to Organize Fine Jewelry

It’s best to keep your jewelry in a fabric-lined case that has compartments and dividers for your pieces. If there are only a few sections, put your fine rings with rings, bracelets with bracelets, and so on. If possible, wrap each piece of jewelry in soft tissue or paper before placing it in its designated place. This will prevent scratching and tangling. 

What Does 585 Mean on Jewelry?

You probably already have a good idea of what 585 means now! If a 14K gold product bears the mark of “585,” it means the piece has been tested and classed as 14 karats or 58.5% pure. The remaining 41.5% of the item is composed of different metals. This could be anything from a nickel to copper to even silver.

How to Pack Fine Jewelry for Travel

Many times, the purchase of fine jewelry predates another very special event- going on vacation. After all, you want to look your best and feel your best too. Imagine flashing a Women’s Rolex in your new Instagram photos! This means you’ll want to learn how to travel with your new pieces or pieces.

For one thing, you’re going to want to bring a hard-sided jewelry case. This looks a lot like an old-fashioned briefcase you may have seen your father or grandfather use. Unlike a briefcase, they have foam cushioning inside and smaller compartments for tiny pieces like earrings. This type of case will fully protect your items. 

Be sure to also bring along anything and everything you need to care for your pieces. A vacation often means additional sunscreen or lotions being worn, and you’re not going to want to wait days or weeks until you return to clean them.

What Does “Gold Filled” Mean in Jewelry?

If you’re not familiar with the fine jewelry industry, you may hear the term “gold filled” and think this means the piece in question is less than good quality. Why not just say gold? Does this mean the piece is bad or cheap?

In fact, the opposite is true! Gold filling is one of the most valuable and tarnish-resistant processes for creating gold jewelry. If properly cared for, your gold-filled fine jewelry pieces can last a lifetime, and thanks to their durability, there’s no need to worry about wear.

What you want to avoid is “gold plated.” The similarity between the two terms may be what has led to some confusion. You want real gold, after all. Speaking of real gold

How to Tell if Jewelry is Real Gold?

When shopping at a fine jewelry sale, it can be somewhat tempting to assume a piece priced low is simply too low. Could the piece be fake? How do you know if it’s real gold anyway?

For one thing, shopping for top designer name brands like Bulgari, Gucci, Cartier, and Tiffany’s means you never have to question whether a piece is a real gold or not. These luxury jewelry brands do not make anything less than the best, which means real gold.

There are other ways to know besides the name brand. Remember the hallmarks mentioned above with little letters and numbers. Valid purity numbers under the Karat system are 10k, 14k, 24k, and so on. Any gold that is marked less than 10k means it has less than 41.7% purity and is considered fake.

What Jewelry Can You Wear in the Shower?

You can wear genuine gemstones and precious metals in the shower. They will not rust or tarnish. Many people do not take off their wedding bands ever, after all, even in the shower. You could also wear a special gold necklace all of the time and not need to take it off for the shower. Feel free to wear stud earrings without worrying about the shower as well.

That being said, don’t keep your fine jewelry pieces on for the shower just because you’re feeling a bit lazy. As a general rule, it is recommended to remove all your jewelry before you get wet. Remember that keeping it in a safe, dry place will help preserve its beauty and integrity for many years to come. This goes double for designer watches!

As far back as you want to go in history, gold has been sought after. Gold jewelry has been a symbol of wealth and status for thousands of years, and in many different cultures that span the entire Earth. Have you ever wondered why? Why is gold used in jewelry? What is so great about gold? What does gold filled mean in fine jewelry? We have the answers you’re looking for!

Learn Why Gold Is Used in Jewelry

Of all the minerals mined from the Earth, none is more useful than gold. Gold is the standard for genuine, luxury jewelry. In fact, you may want to call it the gold standard! 

Hundreds of years ago when Spanish explorers first arrived in the “New World” they met the native people of South America. These two very different cultures had been separated by a massive ocean. They had never seen one another, they spoke different languages, and lived entirely different lives. You would think they would have nothing in common, but they did. Both the native people of South America and the Europeans had one thing in common. They both held gold in high esteem in their culture. These two are not the only ones. Throughout the history of our planet, nearly every established culture has used gold to symbolize everything from power, to beauty, to purity, to even special accomplishments. But, why?

In fact, there’s quite a few reasons why. Gold is used to make jewelry mainly because of the attractiveness of its luster as well as its rarity. It looks shiny and beautiful, and it’s so rare that not everyone can wear it. That in and of itself makes it quite valuable. Due to the fact that gold is highly valued and in very limited supply, it has long been used as as money. Long before people understood the chemical properties of gold, they used it in coins to trade for goods and services. Gold even conducts electricity! There’s more, though. It also doesn’t tarnish and doesn’t react with air the way a metal like iron does. 

All of this explains why gold is valuable, but that alone doesn’t make it perfect for crafting jewelry with. That distinction comes from understanding gold as the material. You see, gold is soft. Gold is malleable, which means it can be beaten into very thin sheets. It’s also ductile, which means it can be stretched out into thin wire as in the findings of earrings. You won’t find many other ores that have this feature. 

What Does Gold-Filled Mean in Jewelry?

Because of the popularity and status that comes with gold jewelry, less expensive alternatives have been created for more accessibility. One of these alternatives is gold-filled jewelry.

What is gold-filled jewelry? Gold-filled jewelry is that which is made of a base metal and then covered with 2 to 3 layers of real gold. The gold layers are mechanically bonded to the base metal, which can be copper, aluminum, zinc, or others. 

Gold vs Gold-Filled Jewelry

Gold jewelry is fully made of pure gold, which makes it more expensive, more desirable, and better quality. In turn, gold-filled pieces refer to jewelry which only contains a top layer of gold yet is mostly made of a base metal. Gold-filled jewelry is a less expensive and lower quality alternative to real gold.

What Is the Difference Between Gold-Filled and Gold-Plated?

As mentioned before, gold-filled items contain various layers of gold content mixed bonded to a base metal, which makes up most of the piece. Gold-plated jewelry on the other hand refers to pieces that are mostly made up of base metals and contain a single, thin layer of gold over it. 

Gold-plated is the cheapest alternative to gold pieces. Aside from being very low quality, gold-plated pieces are also known to cause allergic reactions, stains, and tend to break easily. 

Gold is King

Although there are cheaper alternatives to gold, none of them compare in quality, luxury, and price to solid gold jewelry. Gold has long been the go-to material for fine jewelry that makes a statement.

Why is gold used in jewelry? What is gold-filled and gold-plated jewelry? Which one is better? Now you have the answer and it’s quite interesting to learn! When you’re wearing your favorite piece of luxury jewelry, you can use this information as an interesting topic of conversation. Your friends and family will not only adore your piece of luxury jewelry, but be fascinated with its history as well.

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It’s difficult to imagine a life before watches. What an amazing invention these must have been for people who suddenly went from needing to keep an eye on the giant clock in the townsquare to having their very own clock with them at all times.

What time period did this happen in? When were watches invented? It’s a fascinating story! Let’s go over it as quickly and thoroughly as possible.

When Were Watches Invented?

The answer to this question is a little more complicated than you may realize at first. For one, it’s tough to get experts to even agree on what constitutes a watch in the first place. Is a watch simply a small clock? Does it need to be carried on a person’s body? Before you can say when watches were invented, you must answer these questions first. 

You will find that many sources define a watch as a portable timepiece. This definition is insufficient, because portable clocks also exist. Some consider the regulating organ to be the differentiator. Would it be true to say that watches use a balance wheel/spring where clocks employ a pendulum system? Again, this is not universal. 

For our purposes today, we will follow the Wikipedia definition that a watch is a portable timepiece intended to be carried or worn by a person. If we look at this as what qualifies a timepiece as a watch, then we must credit its invention to German locksmith Peter Henlein. In 1505, he created what is regarded by many as the first watch. It is a small, egg-shaped timepiece with a power reserve of 12 hours. It used a mainspring. A mainspring is a wound up piece of metal ribbon that functions as the power source in mechanical watches and mechanical clocks. Robert Hooke and Christian Huygens improved upon this concept in the 17th century with a hairspring.

For the next couple of hundred years, these pocket watches dangled from a person’s clothing. While this was certainly an incredible convenience for people of the time, the concept of watches took an incredible leap forward with the invention of the wristwatch. In 1810,  Abraham Louis Breguet created a wristwatch for the Queen of Naples. This was a true luxury watch.

A somewhat interesting factoid is that at first, only women wore wristwatches. Men considered these wristwatches to be feminine novelty pieces, preferring to stick to the classic and “manly” pocket watch. In 1904, Cartier created one of the most famous and enduring models. The First World War made the usefulness of wearing a watch on one’s wrist instead of letting it dangle around very obvious. At this point, men’s wrist watches were finally accepted. 

Now, both men and women wear watches for convenience, usefulness, fashion, style, and luxury. As you can see, asking “When were watches invented?” if only the first part of a very interesting history.