by | Dec 17, 2015 | Accessories, Fashion |
Antique jewellery has been growing in popularity for a number of years and for very good reasons. Part of the appeal is that fashions are cyclic and the styles of a bygone era inevitably reappear. For many though, the charm of antique jewellery is rooted in a deep appreciation for quality, design, and craftsmanship that is difficult to replicate today. These antique pieces are unlike anything currently available in stores, which make them unique and highly valuable. It is crucial when purchasing antique jewellery to know that what is being offered is the genuine article. Jewellery valuation is a highly skilled profession but there are a number of ways for a layperson to discern the truly valuable from an inferior look-alike.
Image by K.giftedhands via Flickr
HALLMARKS
The most obvious place to begin is to look for any hallmarks imprinted upon the piece in question. These standardised imprints denote the purity of the metal but there may also be other marks indicating the maker or company who fashioned the jewellery, as well as the time period in which it was crafted. Finding out the markings meaning is a complex matter but the fact that the markings exist is a reassuring first step to legitimising the authenticity of a piece.
PATINA
Patina is the gentle wear and sheen on the surface of metals that gradually builds over time and should be well evident in a genuinely antique piece. Be automatically suspicious if the piece looks flawless or shows no signs of aging or prior use. Very few pieces of jewellery remain completely untouched by the ravages of time. By contrast, Kalmar Antiques jewellery for sale online offers fine examples of how authentic antique jewellery should look.
TESTING DIAMONDS
While it may be overkill for infrequent jewellery purchases, there is a handy tool available for under $100 that can test and authenticate diamonds. This pen-like device shoots a beam of light through the stone and is able to discern by how quickly it is transmitted, whether the diamond is real or fake, or even whether it is a natural or synthetic diamond. Such a tool can certainly come in handy for serious jewellery collectors and for those who like to purchase at estate auctions.
WEIGHT AND LAYERED WEAR
As most people are aware, gold is a very heavy metal. Having a piece of jewellery of equivalent size to compare can be immensely helpful. The difference may seem slight but placing each item in one’s hand and comparing the weight is quite noticeable. Also, look closely at the edges of the jewellery and notice if there is any wearing or discolouration. If there is a different coloured metal beneath the gold then it is like the piece is merely gold-plated rather than solid gold.
HISTORY, REPUTATION AND FEEDBACK
With ever more people choosing to sell and purchase jewellery online, it has become harder to make comparisons and get a good hands-on feel for the item in question. Whether buying or looking for ways to sell your jewellery at the best price, it is important to take time to thoroughly research the merchant’s reputation and history, particularly when spending large sums of money or making online purchases.
Consider the following:
* Does the seller have a physical outlet such as a jewellery or antique store in addition to their online presence?
* Are they licensed to sell used goods?
* Are they a registered trader and can they provide an ABN or other documentation that may legitimise their enterprise?
* How long have they been established and how experienced are they?
The number of merchants that only sell online is increasing so it is important to use a search engine to check for feedback of other buyers and to verify any information provided by the seller. A legitimate seller will be happy to tell you of the history of the jewellery, the maker and the time period from which it came. Double check everything, trust your instincts and be sure that the merchant uses a platform that allows refunds if using a credit card. As always, being prepared in advance and knowing what to look for is the best strategy for ensuring the antique jewellery you purchase will be the genuine article. There are many great bargains to be had and the satisfaction of finding a beautiful piece will be even greater when you have used your newly found skills to select it.
by | Dec 15, 2015 | Accessories, Fashion |
Hello Elegant Readers!
If it’s dark and dreary outside, it can only mean one thing – winter is here. Thankfully, you can remain cheery by investing in a new winter wardrobe and choose from fashion accessories such as scarves, gloves, and hats.
Here are the top 5 fashion accessories this winter.
1. Scarf
A simple scarf can keep your neck warm in winter weather without jeopardizing your ensemble. Choose a chunky winter scarf that complements the rest of your clothing and steer clear of bold designs that catch the eye and create a color clash. Although patterned scarfs can look great, they can be difficult when mixing and matching different styles so keep things simple.
JT styling one of her winters scarves!
2. Gloves
Invest in a good pair of gloves this winter and receive the benefits of warm hands! Leather gloves are among the most popular fashion accessories this year and can be worn with a wide range of winter coats. Looking for a decent pair of gloves? Look no further than home shopping catalogs, where you can find products from big-name brands and new designers all in one place. You’ll be able to have your order delivered direct to your door and spread the cost of your purchase over a period of time by paying in affordable installments.
3. Hats
Here’s a quick tip: wearing a hat will probably leave your hair looking frizzy so don’t wear this accessory on a night out! However, a good hat can be used to conceal a bad hair day quickly – saving you a lot of time and hassle. Brightly-colored bobble hats can be a nice touch on a dark, winter’s morning, and you’ll have plenty of styles and designs to choose from.
4. Winter socks
Once you’ve purchased a new pair of gloves for your hands, you’ll want to keep your feet warm too! Knee-length socks are a great way to provide your body with extra insulation during the morning commute, and because they are worn under trousers, you can be a little more experimental when it comes to design choices. Choose a design that incorporates stars, stripes, patterns or shapes!
5. Bracelets
Winter clothing is often made up of various shades blacks, browns and greys but it doesn’t have to be this way. Inject some colour into your wardrobe by wearing large, chunky bracelets that look great in any weather. The great thing about these fashion accessories is that they’re so flexible, and they can be worn with any winter coat to work or when out at a social function. Choose styles that reflect your personality!
Bracelets – more is better!
*promotional content*
by | Dec 7, 2015 | Food, Inspirations |
The holidays are just around the corner so soon it will be the new year. Who likes setting goals and resolutions? They are great to do, and we always start off so well, right? By the end of March, though, sometimes our good intentions for change have fizzled out. Here are just a few tips that should help you to stick to those goals that you have. The start of a new year is the perfect time for a change.
Eat Little & Often
A lot of us make goals of weight loss right after the holidays, and it does make complete sense. We may have indulged over Christmas and want to feel fresh and less sluggish. Starving yourself or skipping meals is not the answer, though!
Eating smaller meals more often, will help control blood sugar levels. This will keep your energy up and stop you reaching for some sugar. You will feel so much more energized! Smaller meals more often will also help you to control your portion sizes. That is a great way to help shift a few pounds.
String beans and potatoes make a great meal option!
Make Some Changes
Sometimes, goals like running a marathon, or losing 20lbs, can take a long time. Sometimes we feel that we need some more immediate results. Making a change or two can help you feel like a new person. How about getting a new hairstyle or dye your hair a colour that you’ve always wanted to try? It could be as simple as getting a new outfit. A change can help you feel good until longer changes like weight loss, happen.
You could even consider a form of cosmetic surgery if you felt that was appropriate for you. As a woman, if you feel anxious about talking to a male surgeon, you could request a consultation with a female plastic surgeon instead.
Keep a Food Journal
A food journal is a great way to monitor what you eat and drink. You should make a note of your exercise too. When you are accountable and have to read through what you have eaten that day, it will help you to use control. It can also help you to stop over snacking or from eating just because you’re bored.
Another great thing to include in the food journal is how you felt. If you wrote that you weren’t particularly hungry, it could stop you eating out of habit. Sometimes you might grab a candy bar at the gas station out of habit. You probably aren’t even hungry when you buy it. Writing it all down will help you to realize this and help you become healthier.
Drink More Water
It may sound easier said than done, but it is so important. One way to help you improve how much water you drink is always to have a filled water bottle with you. Have it by you at work, or in the car or your bag. If you always see the bottle, you will remember to drink from it.
All the best to you and your new goals to a better you!
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