Why Not Recycle? The Art of Restyling Your Jewelry In these times, every fashion (and environmentally) conscious girl is looking for savvy solutions to keep her jewelry current! So, why not recycle? Or, as we say in the jewelry business, "restyle." Just check your jewelry box and look at all those "old" jewelry pieces: A brooch given to you by your mother with beautiful cabochon corals but a broken clasp. A cocktail ring with a large emerald inherited from your grandmother that feels outdated. Those cluster pearl earrings you used to love "back in the day." Some of these pieces are deeply sentimental; they are part of your life and your memories. Others contain valuable metals and stones that are simply too precious to sell. What do you do with them? "The answer is quite simple: restyle. Bring those unused and unworn pieces back to life." Most often, people restyle their jewelry for two reasons: sentimental and financial. The truth is, both are the best reasons! A jewelry designer can advise you on the best path forward. Sometimes, a simple fix and a professional polish will make a piece sparkle with new life. In other cases, the old piece may be taken apart to create a brand-new design using your original metals and stones. You’d be surprised what a little fashion redesigning can do. Best of all, it is a relatively inexpensive way to spruce up your wardrobe and make those "old" fashions feel brand new again.

How do you increase your chances of receiving exactly the right piece of jewelry from your significant other? It's not as hard as you think. Yes, he may not know much about jewelry, and he might not have your taste. You can, however, give him help along the way that will aid him tremendously. One great idea is to purchase most of your jewelry at the same store so that the sales associates can look up what you've bought there in the past. That information will enable them to make suggestions as to how to fill in the gaps in your jewelry wardrobe or to show new pieces from the same lines that you liked in the past. Another good idea is to "casually" roam around the store with him on occasion to point out pieces that you like. Or, create a "wish list" at the jewelers, and you will have no problem receiving your dream piece!

Are pearls for everyday wear? You bet they are. No longer do we associate those beautiful, lustrous gems only with getting "all dressed up." A strand of pearls can even be worn with jeans and a crisp white shirt. Pearls that are spaced out on a strand with gold chain between the pearls would be another modern interpretation. A pearl stud earring is a great alternative to a diamond stud . There are so many sizes and hues available. And what could be more brilliant and flattering than a pearl pendant with a diamond accent framing a woman's face? Pearls can also be surprisingly affordable since there are so many varieties. What a unique, organic gem!

To me, luxury is the best of everything. When it comes to jewelry, it is the level of pride and craftsmanship that the jeweler puts into every piece of jewelry he or she makes. It feels absolutely wonderful even to hold that piece of jewelry where every little detail is carefully attended to. You are special and so should your jewelry be.

Never since the dawn of the 20th century has this icy white metal been so hot - and it's a trend that shows no signs of slowing down. Thanks to the new technological advances in jewelry manufacturingthat are being used today, more and more designers are working with platinum. The new high-tech manufacturing allows the designers to create pieces that previously were impossible. Platinum is the world's strongest precious metal. It is simply whispering to the jewelers, "I am the metal of strength and beauty. I am the perfect choice for delicate, lacy designs that are nevertheless strong and durable."And the designers are listening.

That is exactly what the South Sea Pearls are called - the Queen of Pearls. Didyou know that before the science of pearl culturing was developed by Mikimoto in 1893, pearls of any kind were so exceedingly rare that thousands of oysters could be opened before one natural pearl was revealed? Did you know that even today it could take years to assemble a harmoniously matched strand of high-quality South Sea pearl necklace? Whether you desire a pair of luminous earrings or a simple elegant strand of pearls, enjoy these sumptuous gems.

Platinum is a rare metal with unique characteristics that make it an irresistible jewelry choice. Due to platinum's pure nature, it is naturally hypoallergenic, which makes it the perfect option for those with sensitive skin. Best of all, its brilliant shine makes diamonds pop. This makes platinum the ultimate preference for engagement and wedding rings. Purer than both gold and silver, it never fades, and never tarnishes. Your platinum jewelry will undoubtedly become a most envied heirloom.

Gold and platinum are among the word's most tarnish-resistant metals. Then why is it that sometimes the gold jewelry leaves a black smudge on the skin? What is going on? Actually, it is not the gold that leaves that black smudge. It is the skin's oil and cosmetics reacting with the gold alloys. What is the solution? Simple: clean your jewelry often and switch the brand of your lotion and cosmetics. Silver does tarnish because it reacts to particles in the air (sulphur, in particular). This tarnish is a micro-thin coating and not deterioration of silver, and can be easily wiped away. Higher end silver jewelry is coated with a tarnish-resistant thin layer of rhodium which prevents silver from tarnishing.

I do hope so. Platinum is strong, does not tarnish (however, develops a distinct patina), and doesn't turn yellow as white gold does. In fact, when used in jewelry, platinum is 95% pure (unlike 18K gold, which is 75% pure), and that is why platinum does not fade or change color. Platinum is certainly a star among the precious metals used in jewelry today. Since it was first used to create practical objects for the court of Louis XVI in the 1780s, the most remarkable jewelry were later made using platinum by Cartier, Tiffany, Faberge', and many other jewelers. Platinum is here to stay and so is your jewelry made out of one of the most rare and durable metals.