Jewelry auctions—with their staggering price tags, hot bidding wars and impressive bejeweled lots from royalty like Wallis Simpson and big-name celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor—seem very private and removed from the average person.

However, we’re also fascinated and curious to know what exactly goes on at one of these dazzling jewelry auctions. Here we share five surprising things you may not know about fine jewelry auctions.

1. Anyone can attend an auction. For free.
Surprisingly, auctions—even auctions at ritzy auction houses like Christie’s, Sotheby’s and Phillips—are entirely open to the public and free. However, there are certain high-profile and evening auctions that do require a paid ticket.

If you plan on bidding at the auction, you will need to register, sometimes a day or two in advance of the auction. Registration fees and proof of ID vary from auction house to auction house with some requiring a financial reference or a deposit as a condition of allowing you to bid.

2. It’s really hard to become an auctioneer.
Being a live auctioneer is stressful and demanding work, and, because of the job’s intensity, the pool of working auctioneers is rather small.

To get your foot in the door, there are local auctioneering schools. But big auction houses like Christie’s offer an exclusive auctioneering school that invites only 41 potential auctioneers every two years to join their program. Ultimately only two to three students graduate from the rigorous program.

At auctioneering schools, students are groomed to be compelling masters of ceremonies and perfect their bid-calling, which is their keen ability to get bids rolling in, get the crowd involved, and speak clearly while keeping up the high energy of a live auction.

Most auctioneers are paid on commission based upon how much a collection brings in. However, other auctioneers charge a flat-rate for their services. The National Auctioneers Association (NAA) estimates the average part-time auctioneer makes $46,000 a year.

3. Each lot sells in 2-3 minutes on average.
Given how much money bidders are about to drop on a piece of jewelry, you would think the lot would spend a bit more time gradually working up to that final winning bid. But, surprisingly enough, each lot is on the auction block for 2-3 minutes before it’s sold or bought in. (Thanks in large part to the speed-talking auctioneers who rapid-fire repeat bids to keep the event lively and engaging.)

In fact, the longest bidding war in auction history lasted a mere 16 minutes. Two bidders fought over Andy Warhol’s Self-Portrait painting at a 2011 Christie’s auction, which was ultimately sold to a European caller who bought the piece for a cool $38 million.

4. Bids usually increase in 10% increments.
Although it’s up to the auctioneer’s discretion, most auctions prompt bids in 10% increments. It’s crucial for a good auctioneer to quickly calculate those percentages and increases in bids while keeping up the energy and urgency.

5. If you win, you’ll pay more than the “hammer price.”
We’re all usually left reeling thinking about the Cartier Tutti Frutti bracelet that sold for $2.1 million dollars (double its high estimate) or the rare Oppenheimer Blue Diamond that went for a staggering $57.5 million.

That is a big chunk of change—but that’s not all the winner will have to spend.

Atop the “hammer price,” auction winners will have to pay a hefty “buyer’s premium,” a commission paid to the auction house. Commission rates are calculated per lot, but average to 20-25% of the “hammer price,” with a sliding scale for lower commission rates for lots that sell for $100,000 or more. Oh, and let’s not forget about local sales tax, too. In total, winners will shell out even more than the impressive dollar amounts published in the headlines.

Learn more about some of the most expensive diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires to go up on the auction block in our post here.

As winter seems to be dragging on, we’re all feeling a little restless. So, to brighten up your spirits—and your jewelry or watch collection—treat yourself to one of these fantastic finds under $1,000 from TrueFacet Brand Boutique.

Dana Rebecca Designs Lauren Joy Rings, $495
The “everyday diamonds” trend is on the rise, taking the stuffiness and preciousness out of fine jewelry so you can enjoy your glittering gemstone jewelry with even a t-shirt and jeans. Get ahead of the trend with these fashion-forward rings by Dana Rebecca Designs.

Frederique Constant Classics Quartz Watch, $650-$750
Frederique Constant has been steadily pushing against the luxury watch industry norms, namely that you need to spend thousands for Swiss-made quality watches. We love their Classics Quartz watches that are impeccably crafted with a distinctly modern, minimalist design, all at an affordable price.

Misahara Unity Eternal Ring, $550
Misahara’s textural and geometric Unity Eternal ring is a fresh update to the classic metal band. Wear this style solo or stacked up with other rings and bands to further personalize your look.

NANIS Dancing in the Rain Ring, $840-$880
NANIS incorporates unique stones (like these Dancing in the Rain rings that feature center stones made of moonstone and yellow rutilated quartz) and a centuries-old goldsmithing technique that heightens the personal feeling of each piece.

Phillips House hero Leverback Earrings, $550
Shake up your jewelry collection with this octagonal riff on the quintessential gold hoop earrings. Plus, because they’re from Phillips House, which is renowned for its functional fit, you know these earrings are going to be ultra-lightweight and super comfortable.

Raymond Weil Toccata Watch, $895
The family-owned Swiss watch brand Raymond Weil has a reputation for designing luxuriously pared down watches. Their signature Toccata watch is perfect if you want a reliable and ageless watch design that always looks on point.

Traser Outdoor Pioneer Watch, $225-$250
Traser is known for their durable and robust watches, specially built for the outdoor adventurer. If you’re a globetrotting thrill-seeker, treat yourself to one of these hardy watches.

Van der Bauwede Geneve Soho Watch, $310
The vintage-inspired tonneau (or barrel shaped) watch case makes this classically-styled Van der Bauwede timepiece an interesting conversation piece. Elevate your office attire with one of these elegant watches.

With so much information available on the internet, it’s sometimes hard to distinguish what’s true, what’s false, what’s right, and what’s wrong, and trying to figure out the proper way to clean your jewelry is no exception. There is a plethora of websites that will tell you what to do and what not to do, but in reality, the rules are pretty simple and don’t require a whole lot more than some good, old-fashioned common sense. However, there are some things that you should really never do when it comes to cleaning and storing your prized possessions. We rounded up all the practices you should avoid in order to keep your jewelry in top shape.

Ditch the Abrasives
Harsh cleaning agents that come in powder or paste form might be great for materials like porcelain, but when it comes to precious metals, they’re not the best option. Substances like a standard toothpaste or even Comet cleanser can dry and cake inside of the undercarriages or prongs of your jewelry, specifically if the pieces contain diamonds or other gemstones. That not only looks bad, but it also dulls what should be a bright and shiny look.

Soaking most jewelry in warm water for a few hours with a mild, grease-cutting soap or glass cleaner and then using a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean the piece is a smart way to go.

Avoid the Dish
Many people will take off their jewelry at night and place their rings, earrings, necklaces, etc. on what some refer to as a “ring dish.” And while, in theory, this seems like it would be a good idea, the reality is that you could be scratching up your jewelry by doing so.

Keeping your jewelry separated – even at night as you sleep – is the best thing for its longevity. Whether the metal is high-polished or satin-finished, chances are, it could scratch from constantly being placed on top of other metals or gemstones, so use separate dishes for your items or even portable jewelry boxes by your bedside if possible. (Or you can check out our roundup of our favorite jewelry organizers to elevate your jewelry storage! Read the post here.)

Don’t Procrastinate
Paying a visit to your local jewelry store to have your jewelry professionally cleaned, checked, and even polished is pretty essential for both the life of your jewels as well as your insurance policy, so whatever you do, don’t put it off for too long. Items you wear every day, like an engagement ring or diamond earrings, need a good soaking in an ultrasonic machine and a solid steam cleaning in order to get them looking new again, so don’t avoid the trip, no matter how painful you feel it may be.

Never Store Chains Together
Unless you have a great pair of pliers handy and a good hour to spare trying to separate them, you should never store two or more chains together in one bag. This is an absolute no-no for any jewelry lover and most have learned this lesson the hard way. (If you’ve already made that mistake, we have a guide to untangling your necklaces and chains for you here!)

Most jewelry cases – either standard or travel size – have loops that you can separate your chains with. If you need to travel and don’t own a case, you can always wrap the chain, stretched out, in tissue paper, then store each one in their own small-sized sandwich baggie to keep them from tangling. Just make sure you keep all baggies together so that you don’t lose the chains you’re bringing with you on your journey. For more tips on how to pack jewelry for travel, visit our post about it here.

The primary birthstone for the month of March is a blueish-colored form of the mineral beryl that goes by the name aquamarine.

The Origins and Cultural Significance of Aquamarine
The name aquamarine stems from the Latin words aqua (meaning “water”), and marina or marīnus (meaning “of the sea”). Often found in deposits that follow river and stream beds, the gem was believed by the ancient Greeks and Romans to have protective abilities. Fishermen and sailors often carried it on their journeys to ensure a safe voyage. According to lore, the Roman author and naval commander Pliny the Elder believed that the gemstone once belonged to the treasures of the mermaids because of its rumored healing powers.

Noteworthy Aquamarine Jewels
The gemstone has also found various places with which to make itself famous throughout history. For example, aquamarine was used in a perfectly-matched necklace and earring set gifted to Queen Elizabeth II for her coronation in 1953 by the president and people of Brazil, who also eventually gifted her with a matching bracelet. In 1957, Queen Elizabeth II ordered royal jeweler Garrard to complete the set through the creation of a tiara, which used an aquamarine at its highest center point. She eventually had the tiara redesigned in 1971 so that it would take four scroll ornaments from an aquamarine and diamond head jewel given to the Queen by the governor of São Paulo in 1968.

Another famous aquamarine is the roughly 100-pound Dom Pedro Aquamarine which was cut by Bernd Munsteiner out of a stone mined in 1980 in Pedra Azul in the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil. The obelisk-shaped gem is a 10,363-carat masterpiece with dimensions measuring roughly 14 inches tall by 4 inches wide and is currently on display at the National Museum of Natural History’s Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology after being donated to the Smithsonian by its owners, Jane Mitchell and Jeffery Bland.

The Properties and Hardness of Aquamarine
The gemstone – one of the many varieties of the mineral beryl – is a pale blue, almost the color of the sea. It’s not to be confused with maxixe, the darker, more intensely blue version of aquamarine. As with any colored gemstone, the purer and more vivid the color of the stone is, the more valuable it turns out to be. The gem is primarily found in a handful of mines in Brazil but has also been mined in Nigeria, Kenya, Madagascar, Zambia, Colombia, Pakistan, Malawi, Mozambique, and parts of the United States.

Aquamarine’s composition is beryllium aluminum silicate and its chemical formula is Be3Al2Si6O18. The gemstone falls between 7.5 and 8.0 on the Mohs hardness scale, and its rock type is igneous. It is a beautifully hued gem that can have its color altered by using heat treatments, but that often doesn’t occur unless the stone has more of a greenish hue. In higher qualities (inclusion-free and deep blue in color), the gem alone can be quite expensive, but on the market, the stone will likely be found mounted in platinum or other white metals and accompanied by diamond accents in pieces such as pendants, earrings, rings, and bracelets.

We rounded up our 10 favorite ways to create a cool, fashion-forward look by stacking, mixing and matching your jewelry.

And remember: while these are some general guidelines, layering jewelry is meant to be a way for you to express your style. So experiment with what looks you like—loads of bangles and tangles of pearls—and go from there!

1. Pair a collar necklace with a long pendant.
Whether you opt for a statement collar or a delicate chain, we love the high-and-low mix of necklaces.

2. Stack up delicate rings…
Create a statement ring by piling your daintiest rings on one finger.

3. … Or spread them all out.
Alternatively, wear a delicate ring on each finger for a new different kind of statement.

4. Mix in different textures and materials.
Throw together different textures (think chains of varying widths or a leather wrap-around bracelet) to add dimension to your stacks of bracelets, rings or even necklaces.

5. Add a watch to your mix of bangles.
Treat your watch as another stack-friendly bracelet. To make it easier to match, keep the metals all the same.

6. Choose all-thin bracelets…
The more bangles you pile one, the thinner the styles should be.

7. … Or a few heavy-duty bangles.
Another option is to pile two substantial cuffs together for a standout, super hero look.

8. Layer delicate chain necklaces that fall an inch or two apart in length.
To round out your look, add a third (or fourth) extra-long necklace that falls three to six inches below the other necklaces.

9. Bring in a splash of color.
Incorporate gemstone pendants and other colorful pieces into your look. The easiest way to work color in is to pick one color or match the accent colors (i.e., pick two colors that are complementary on the color wheel) and keep the metals the same (think: all yellow gold or all silver).

10. Make a large cocktail ring a focal point.
Slip on one standout ring and then a handful of thinner bands across your other fingers.

Sketches by Elle Diaz.

Daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 11th, 2018 at 2AM and ends onSunday, November 4th, 2018 at 2AM EST. Here’s how to roll your mechanical watch ahead an hour—and some fun facts about daylight saving time and why the US implements it.

What is daylight saving time?
Daylight saving time (DST) is the practice of adjusting your clocks—an hour ahead in the summer and then an hour back in the fall– to take better advantage of summer’s daylight hours.

Is it daylight savings or daylight saving?
It’s daylight saving, singular. Daylight savings is a misnomer.

When is daylight saving time for 2018?
Daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 11th, 2018 at 2AM EST and ends on Sunday, November 4th, 2018 at 2AM EST.

When and why was daylight saving time invented?
Daylight saving time was proposed by Benjamin Franklin in 1784. While serving as the ambassador to France, Franklin woke at 6AM to many people still in bed with their shutters closed tight to block out the blinding sunlight. In turn, Franklin penned a satirical article and floated the idea of adjusting schedules to take advantage of the sunlight and long summer days.

However, Franklin didn’t exactly suggest the “spring ahead, fall back” time changes we’re familiar with today; instead, he suggested using a booming cannon to rouse the city at an appointed time.

It wasn’t until 1895 that New Zealand entomologist George Hudson saw the practical benefit in Franklin’s humorous article. Englishmen William Willett also became an advocate for DST and wrote his pamphlet “The Waste of Daylight” in 1907. But neither Hudson nor Willett’s proposals were able to gain significant traction.

Then, amidst World War I in 1916, Germany adopted DST in an effort to preserve coal supplies and cut down energy costs. England similarly introduced British summer time and 31 other nations (US included) implemented DST during wartime to take advantage of the summer daylight hours. These countries adjusted their clocks back to standard time once the war ended.

When World War II broke out in 1939, the US adopted year-round DST for three years when it became optional for states to opt-in to DST. Because some states implemented year-round DST and others didn’t, the US introduced the Uniform Time Act in 1966 that set the start and end of DST.

How do I roll my automatic or mechanical watch ahead an hour?
To set your watch’s time, simply pull the crown out to the furthest position from the watch base. When the crown is in this last position, the second hand stops to help you accurately set the time.

Gently turn the crown clockwise (or away from you) until you set the correct time. If you overshoot your desired time, do not turn the crown counter-clockwise to go back. Turning the crown counter-clockwise will force and damage the watch’s movement. Instead you will have to continue winding clockwise until you come back around to the correct time again.

Once you have the time correctly set, press the crown back into its “zero” position near the base of the watch. Then screw the crown down to ensure that it is pressurized and watertight.

But these directions vary slightly from model to model, brand to brand. To help you update the time, here are the official user guides and steps to set the time for the most popular watches and watch models:

• Rolex (All Models)
• Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 
• Breitling (All Models)
• Omega (All Models) 
• Cartier (All Models) 

Oops, I overshot the time and now need to change the date on my automatic or mechanical watch.
Mechanical watches typically have three positions for the crown, each designated for a different winding functionality. The first is for winding your watch but the second position allows you to quickly change the watch’s date. Pull the crown out to the second position and turn the crown clockwise until you reach the correct date.

To learn more about how to wind your watch, read our post, “How to Set Your Watch” here.

At the 90th Annual Academy Awards, all that glittered was diamonds– more than $30 million worth, to be exact. Red carpet regulars Bulgari, Cartier, and Harry Winston made their annual appearances, with an ever-present honor to Chopard. Sparkling drop earrings in white metal and Montblanc cufflinks made a striking arrival, as well, among others.

We’ve rounded up just a few of the best Oscar-worthy jewelry moments from the 90th Annual Academy Awards.

Gal Gadot

“Wonder Woman” star Gal Gadot donned Tiffany & Co. pieces from the Tiffany Blue Book Collection, comprising of a 61 carat diamond and aquamarine necklace dubbed the ‘Blue Ice,’ stud platinum and diamond earrings, and an aquamarine ring.

Jennifer Garner

Jennifer Garner wore Piaget 18k white gold set ‘Sunny Side of Life’ diamond and blue sapphire earrings with Piaget rings.

Salma Hayek

Salma Hayek wore $4.2 million worth of Harry Winston diamonds, including diamond platinum-set earrings and an oval-shaped diamond ring.

Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt wore Chopard Chandelier earrings and a teardrop ring that complimented the crystal blue hue of her Schiaparelli Haute Couture gown.

Zendaya Coleman

Zendaya was decked out in a romantic Giambattista Valli gown with added Bulgari platinum and diamond jewelry, including vintage 1930’s Art Deco pendant earrings, bracelets, and rings.

Meryl Streep

(20th time) Academy Award nominee Meryl Streep wore a Fred Leighton 19th Century diamond and gold bangle bracelet, with matching diamond and gold dart earrings.

Andra Day

Andra Day, singer and activist, wore pink and nude Lorraine Schwartz diamonds to match her fairy-tale Zac Posen gown.

Lupita Nyong’o

“Black Panther” star Lupita Nyong’o wore a Rwandan-inspired strand of gold thread braided through her hair, a nod to her gold Atelier Versace gown. She topped off the look with diamond spiral earrings from Niwaka that sparkled from every angle.

Allison Janney

Best Supporting Actress nominee, Allison Janney, dazzled us with 128 carats worth of jewels from Forevermark, totaling over $4 million. The actress sported diamond earrings, an 18k white gold diamond bracelet, an 18k ring, and solitaire round-diamond earrings.

Sally Hawkins

Lead actress nominee, Sally Hawkins, wore Chopard pink quartz earrings from the “Temptations Collection,” and an 18k rose gold and platinum-set pink diamond ring from the “High Jewelry Collection.”

Omega endears itself very quickly to fans of horology thanks to its one-two combo of beautifully crafted timepieces and an illustrious history lined with a dose of grandeur. With timepieces that have seen outer space, timed Olympic games, and helped James Bond ice some bad guys, Omega boasts an impressive collection tied to groundbreaking moments in history. While some of the brand’s pieces have all the bells and whistles that attract veterans of horology (for example, this DeVille Co-Axial Rattrapante), new collectors will be drawn more to signature Omega timepieces without the high-priced accoutrement. We’ve rounded up the 5 Omega models that won’t break the bank for new collectors who want their own essential Omega.

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M
For new watch collectors who are intimidated by a mechanical movement, the quartz movement in the Seamaster Aqua Terra is perfect. This model’s classic, nautical design is a perfect representative of the Seamaster line in general without the lofty price point. The Aqua Terra collection is quite new, having been released in 2002, but it has retained the subtle dressiness of vintage Omega timepieces that has faded into the background with their newer, sportier models in other collections. Its sleek formality and understated sporty edge has a practical sensibility that new horologists will appreciate.

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Omega Seamaster Diver Co-Axial 300M
The Omega Seamaster Diver, unlike its Aqua Terra cousin, falls closer in step with the other sporty watches that the brand offers. This model has a more significant presence on the wrist, with a ceramic bezel and a helium escape valve at 10 o’clock that lends to its striking design. Built for professional divers, this watch is resistant to 300 meters. For new collectors who are up for the maintenance of a mechanical watch, this model is the natural choice. The Seamaster Diver has a mechanical movement with a 48-hour power reserve at a price point that won’t break the bank.

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Omega Speedmaster Professional Chronograph
First introduced in 1957, the Omega Speedmaster is one of the most iconic watches on the market. This is the model that accompanied Buzz Aldrin during the Apollo 11 mission and became the first watch to operate on the surface of the moon. Surely, with such impressive credentials, this classic would bring any collection to new heights. Featuring a tachymeter bezel that the wearer can use to measure speed and a chronograph function for measuring time, this functional watch comes at an excellent price point for new collectors who are attracted to the pioneering spirit that made Omega famous.

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Omega DeVille Prestige
Omega’s DeVille collection is made to appeal to horologists with more formal tastes: it features dress watches with all manner of accoutrement, from tourbillon mechanisms to chronographs. Each different iteration of the DeVille is unique and presents its own prim dash of charm, and the DeVille Prestige is no different. The Prestige line offers a clean, uncluttered face with classic, pointed hands and unobtrusive markers. This affordable model has a timeless, dressy look that will complement any formal ensemble.

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Omega Constellation
For the collector interested in sleek, versatile pieces, the Constellation collection from Omega would serve the purpose of understated dress watch and impeccable everyday timepiece. Its low-key bracelet blends in seamlessly with the body of the watch, giving it an air of elegance without seeming too flashy. The design’s incorporation of thin lines, roman numerals, and a clean dial brings a retro feel to this simple watch. This timepiece has a price point that matches its modesty, but it never sacrifices the signature look of an Omega or the brand’s excellent timekeeping technology.

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Learn more about the fascinating history fo the Omega Seamaster and how it grew in popularity to become the watch-of-choice for James Bond here.