Tips On Choosing Jewelry Gifts

Ironically, studies have shown that the better we know someone, the harder it is to find them that perfect gift. Common knowledge would dictate that gift giving should be easier for those whom we know well, but unfortunately this isn’t the case. So what is a well-meaning gift giver to do in this conundrum? While good gifting is a practiced art, the upside is that a few simple tips and tricks based on the findings from this study can help us become better gifters.

Tip 1: Take a Step Back to Analyze

The reason a stranger can choose better gifts for our loved ones than we can is because they are able to analyze the person from a clearer perspective. When we know someone intimately, all of our feelings and experiences shared with this person tend to cloud our perspective of what they like. To find some clarity on the gift recipient’s likes and dislikes, take a step back and analyze them from an outsider’s perspective.

Tip 2: Make a List

In the study, strangers were given a list of activities the intended gift recipient enjoys as well as a list of their personality traits. Making such a list can give you a more abstract view of the person you know, and will inevitably allow you to choose the perfect piece of jewelry based on their personality, personal style and hobbies.

Tip 3: Do Some Sleuthing

If your list has not given you enough insight, put on your detective hat and take the investigation one step further with some subtle sleuthing. When strolling about town together, be sure to stop by jewelry store windows and gauge the person’s reaction to the display. What pieces does he or she seem to be drawn towards? Big, bold fashion-forward rings? Dainty, delicate earrings? Simple, modern necklace pendants?  Take notes, and then seek out jewelry pieces that fit his or her taste. You just might be surprised to find that the jewelry she loves is the opposite of what you originally thought!

Once you’ve figured out the right style of jewelry to give your loved one, be sure to check out Apples of Gold’s selection of beautiful and affordably priced pieces, perfect for gifting and meant to last a lifetime.

How To Keep Sterling Silver Looking Beautiful

The addition of our beautiful new David Tishbi jewelry collection to Apples of Gold has introduced a new precious metal to our site: fine sterling silver. Before adding this line we offered our customers lovely gold, platinum and titanium jewelry, and we are very excited to now also offer handmade, solid sterling silver jewelry at fantastic prices.

Since sterling silver has become a part of our precious metal family, we have created a simple guide to keeping sterling silver looking beautiful and new. If you haven’t already, check out our article detailing the Top Four Ways to Keep Gold Looking Great; a must-read for gold jewelry lovers. Without further ado, here is our list of ways to keep sterling silver jewelry looking like new:

1. Regularly Clean Sterling Silver with a Mild Cleanser

To create a mild cleanser, mix one pump of a mild liquid soap with a cup of warm water. Allow your sterling silver jewelry to soak in the solution for a few minutes, then rinse off and polish with a soft cloth. Clean sterling silver gently using this method about once a month to keep tarnish at bay.

2. Sterling Silver Cleaning Methods to Avoid

Though some sites will advise scrubbing your sterling silver with a toothbrush and toothpaste, this can permanently dull and scratch your jewelry. Avoid using abrasives whenever possible to keep sterling silver’s smooth, shiny surface.

Though ultrasonic jewelry cleaners made for sterling silver are a great option for solid sterling silver (like David Tishbi’s solid sterling LOVE ring, shown at top),  it should not be used with sterling silver jewelry that also has a gemstone.

Gemstone jewelry, like our lovely smoky quartz and sterling silver ring (seen at right), can be forever damaged in an ultrasonic cleaner. For sterling silver jewelry with gemstones, simply clean with a mild cleanser and a cloth, as discussed in Tip #1.

3. How to Prevent & Remove Tarnish on your Sterling Silver Jewelry

Jewelry tarnishes thanks to contact with air, and tarnish can build up quite a bit on jewelry that is rarely worn. First and foremost, you can prevent tarnish buildup by wearing your jewelry regularly and storing it in an airtight container or bag.

However, once your jewelry has tarnished it is necessary to clean it as soon as you notice the tarnish for best removal. Many hardware and grocery stores carry a paste specifically formulated to remove tarnish on sterling silver.

4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Finally, keep your sterling silver jewelry looking great by avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals. Household cleaners, detergent, and even beauty products like hairspray and shampoo can deteriorate your silver jewelry. Remember to remove sterling silver items when swimming as well, since chlorine can permanently damage the beautiful shiny finish.

Now that you know how to take care of a fine piece of sterling silver jewelry, check out our brand new selection of modern, eclectic pieces from David Tishbi. His cutting edge designs include a mix of precious metals, namely sterling silver and solid gold. We love his triple knot sterling silver ring with solid 14k yellow gold accent (above left),  as well as the beveled globe smoky quartz ring in sterling silver (at right).
If you adore modern, stylish sterling silver jewelry, be sure to check out the other exciting pieces in his collection as well.

Important Jewelry Shopping Tips

When you are in the market for a new piece of jewelry, it’s important to be aware of a few key factors. First and foremost, getting beautiful jewelry at a great price requires knowledge. But what knowledge, exactly? In a nutshell, always do research on the item you are looking for before buying. We’ll delve into the kind of research you need to accomplish, as well as other critical jewelry shopping tips all consumers should be aware of. Simply read on, and consider yourself a jewelry shopping pro.

Doing Your Research

Though many shoppers would agree that research is important, they often don’t even know where to begin. Here are the three main things you need to know before purchasing jewelry:

1. Price:

Price comparisons are easy to do. Go online and type in the name of the item you are looking for. Then, visit a few different websites to get a good idea of what constitutes a reasonable price range for the jewelry you are interested in purchasing. Heading to a few local jewelers can also help gauge what the item is retailing for, though it takes much more time than a simple online search.

2. Details:

Now that you have a good idea of the price range, examine the exact details of the jewelry you are considering. Though one price may seem much lower than another, it’s not necessarily a bargain – with jewelry, you usually get what you pay for. Always pay attention to the exact weight of gold, the karat of the gold, and the quality of the stones if there are gemstones. The price of a gold ring, for example, can vary greatly depending on the weight of the ring. This is something that isn’t easily determined by the naked eye, but will make a big difference in the quality and worth of the ring. Keep in mind that:

- Gold and platinum jewelry prices are based on the weight of the item, and the current market prices. You are likely to get a better deal on the same ring online when gold and platinum prices are low, since they adjust pricing quicker to stay competitive. At regular retailers, the only price cuts you will receive are during sales or liquidations. Even then, check pricing to ensure that the 50% discount they are offering actually brings the price of the jewelry below market.

- Gold is not created equal, and purity of gold is measured in karats. The higher the karat, the more pure the gold and the more expensive the jewelry should be.

- With diamonds, always consider the 4 C’s (cut, clarity, color, carat), which combine to determine the value of a diamond. You might be able to buy a large diamond of poor clarity for the same amount as a small diamond that is near-flawless, so don‘t get drawn in by size alone. Many other types of gemstones have a preferred shade or color; take the color of the gems you are comparing into consideration when evaluating prices.

3. Quality & Craftsmanship:

Quality and craftsmanship is the most intangible factor in jewelry buying, but it’s no less important than price comparisons and paying attention to details. Shoppers can determine quality by paying attention to the way the jewelry is crafted – make sure there aren’t any flaws or ridges in gold pieces of jewelry. If the jewelry has a design on it, make sure that the design is seamless and doesn’t begin and end awkwardly or misaligned.

If possible, find ratings and feedback on the jeweler you are buying from. Find out who is actually making the jewelry they are selling, and ensure that it is coming from a reputable jeweler. A quick Google search can give incredible insight about past consumer experience with a particular jeweler, and is worth the five minutes it takes.

As always, Apples of Gold jewelry meets and exceeds the factors necessary for quality jewelry at an incredible value. Prices are adjusted quickly to reflect the market, allowing buyers to get much better deals than in stores. We also work with customers to create special custom pieces, and have a proven track record of customer satisfaction. Finally, our beautiful jewelry is backed by a 100% guarantee and stellar return policy to allow our clients to rest easy.