* Amethyst jewelry should be stored out of direct sunlight. Why? Believe it or not, this beautiful gemstone can actually fade if exposed to the sun for long periods of time. Therefore, it’s advisable that you store your amethyst jewelry in a gift box, jewelry case or other dark space in order to help retain its vibrant coloration.

* When cleaning gemstone jewelry, consider a homemade remedy to help keep your accessories shining. A combination of soap and water can cleanse most gemstones safely, and may be less harsh than commercial jewelry cleaners.

* As you clean your gemstone jewelry, pay close attention to the utensil(s) that you choose. Avoid any brush or other product that features bristles, which may scratch the surface of your gemstone. Instead, use a soft cloth that has no rough areas which could potentially damage the stone.

* Before using any type of commercial jewelry cleaning product, always pay close attention to the directions. The reason is because not all cleaners are safe for all gemstones and, in order to maintain the beauty of your jewelry, it’s important to carefully read the instructions. Whether you are removing tarnish from your sterling silver gemstone jewelry or simply adding a little shine to your collection, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consider alternative methods for cleaning your jewelry if necessary.

* When storing gemstone jewelry, make sure to place it in such a way that it will not easily come into contact with other pieces from your collection. Why? If your jewelry were to get tumbled around, the gemstones could be scratched or even broken. Many natural gemstones are durable, but they can still be scratched and even damaged if not properly cared for. If you want to ensure the protection of your jewelry, store each piece in a small zip-tight jewelry bag when it is not being worn. If you are a wearer of sterling silver, this storage method will also help to slow the tarnishing process.

Now that you know how to care for your gemstone jewelry, it’s important to know where to find the greatest deals. Many fantastic bargains can be found online, and especially if you know where to shop. Online retailers often grant coupons, shipping discounts and even sale prices to virtual visitors who browse their internet shop. If you’re in the market for a new piece of gemstone jewelry, consider choosing a retailer who specializes in your metal of choice.

There are many kinds of gemstones, the five most popular are the diamonds, pearls, emerald, ruby, and sapphire. Before going out and purchasing gemstone jewelry, you must be able to determine if one is fake or real. Know the difference between a glass or a diamond, and faux pearls from real ones. Know what color is a ruby, an emerald or a sapphire.

Diamonds are valued according to their color, clarity, cutting, and carat. If a diamond is more colorless, with lesser or no marks, is beautifully cut, and is larger in size, chances are, it is of best quality and probably would be very expensive.

There are still a lot of other kinds of gemstones. Prices could range from very expensive ones to prices which you can generally afford without putting too much dent on your wallet or your credit card. Choose, therefore, according to the size of your wallet or your bank account. Whatever you intend to choose and purchase, the important thing to remember is that the gemstone must be lasting and enduring.

If the gemstone needs special care, accordingly, the same care should be given. Exposure to chemicals or sunlight could harm these stones and reduce the value which you highly paid for. Gemstones would always make you feel as beautiful as they are, and that is what you would be paying for.

Sacred Earth Jewelry’s goal is to make reasonably priced, well-made, quality keepsake jewelry – jewelry that is artistic, unique and versatile. Sacred Earth Jewelry is both casual and elegant. Most pieces are one of a kind.

Pearl Shapes

Round – Traditional round cultured pearls are often used for pearl bridal jewelry, the traditional pearl necklace, and other cultured pearl jewelry, like pearl stud earrings.

Rice – Rice pearls are small and shaped irregularly, and have crinkled surfaces.

Potato – As its name implies, potato-shaped cultured pearls have irregular oblong shapes.

Oval – Shaped like an egg, these saltwater or freshwater pearls are usually white.

Mabe – This pearl is flat on one side, giving it a dome shape.

Keshi – Also known as poppy seed pearls, these are tiny freshwater pearls.

Button – This round freshwater pearl is flat on one side.

Coin – Like the button pearl, except it is flat on both sides.

Baroque – These freshwater pearls are completely free form, having no pre-determined shape.

Circle – Also called the ring pearl, this saltwater pearl has concave, concentric lines.

Pearl Colors

Freshwater pearls, which are often used for fashion pearl jewelry, grow in virtually every color of the rainbow. They are an affordable – though no less beautiful – alternative to traditional white, round saltwater Akoya pearls. Black Tahitian pearls, which are also saltwater cultured pearls, have overtones of peacock and silver and are most often have semi-round, baroque, and circle shapes.

Pearl Fashion Jewelry – What’s Hot Now

Freshwater pearl jewelry offers women an incredible variety of accessory options. This season, look for multi-strand keshi (seed) pearl necklaces that combine different colored pearls, such as pink, peach, hazel, and brown for a stunning fashion statement. For formal occasions, multi-strand necklaces featuring a single color of keshi pearls – such as gray or black – are the perfect accessories.

Black Tahitian pearl bracelets and shimmering oval freshwater pearl bracelets are adorning the wrists of fashionistas this season, while brides are selecting classic Akoya pearl stud earrings as well as fashion forward freshwater pearl wedding jewelry that incorporates light pink or golden pearls.

The next time you treat yourself – or someone special – to the gift of pearl jewelry, remember that the beauty of pearls comes in many shapes and colors.