Cleaning and correctly storing your jewelry will help it keep sparkling, increase the longevity of the piece and enhance its wearing pleasure.

Let's first take a look at how to effectively and safely clean various types of jewelry.

Gold Jewelry

One of the simplest and economical ways to clean gold jewelry is to take a bowl of lukewarm to warm water, mix in a little mild detergent soap, immerse the jewelry piece and let it sit for a few minutes which will help dislodge residue and grime. Then use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the piece. Put the piece under running water to wash of the soapy solution, then pat dry with a soft lint free cloth.

You can also use commercial jewelry liquids at most jewelry stores. Please follow the user instructions when using these.

Silver Jewelry

Silver jewelry should be cleaned using the least abrasive silver polish. Apply the polish with a soft cloth and gently rub the piece, wipe away any excess polish. You can also use spray polish.

Diamond Jewelry

To clean diamond jewelry use a mix of 1 cup water and ¼ cup of ammonia. Immerse the piece for about 20 to 30 minutes. Then brush gently with a soft toothbrush, taking special care to brush the back mounting and the culet (tip of the diamond) as that is where most of the grime sticks reducing the amount of light passing through the stone thus reducing its luster.

Rinse the piece under running water and dry using a soft chamois skin cloth or a soft lint free cloth.

You can also use commercial jewelry liquids at most jewelry stores. Please follow the user instructions when using these.

Porous stones

Porous stones such as Emeralds, Jade, Onyx etc. use water and a very mild detergent to gently clean with a toothbrush, rinse under running water then pat dry with a soft lint free cloth.

Organic Stones

To clean organic stones such as Pearls, Amber, Coral, Jet etc. use only a soft damp cloth to wipe.

Never use any cleaning liquids or solutions on these stones.

Pearls can also be cleaned using a soft cloth with a little olive oil and then buffing with a dry soft cloth. This will improve the sheen and luster of the Pearl.

Antique and Ethnic jewelry

Antique jewelry and ethnic jewelry such a Kundan and Polki (Jewelry of India)
should not be cleaned at home as they are very delicate and liable to break and discolor easily.

These pieces should be taken to a trusted jewelry professional for periodic cleaning.

Note

Before starting the cleaning process of mounted and set stones please check the prongs, bail, earring posts, hooks and clasps for damage or wear and tear. If they are loose or missing please take the piece to a jewelry professional to get it fixed as the stone may dislodge during the cleaning process.

When rinsing under a tap, keep a sieve under the tap to trap a stone if it dislodges during cleaning.

Storing your jewelry

Correctly storing your jewelry is one of the most important things you can do to ensure the longevity of your cherished jewelry.

Try to store your jewelry in individual hard boxes lined with soft cloth.

You can also wrap your jewelry in polishing paper or soft tissues and put them in plastic zip lock pouches.

Porous gemstones and organic gemstones such as Emerald, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, Pearls, Coral, and Amber etc. should not be stored in direct sunlight.

Store your jewelry in dark and cool place away from extreme heat or cold.

Always store your jewelry away from chemicals and cosmetics.

Don't put any heavy objects on top of your jewelry boxes or pouches.

Links and clasps of chains, bracelets and strings should be closed to avoid entanglement and breakage.

Always insure that your jewelry is completely dry before storing them.

The above mentioned cleaning and storage tips will ensure that you enjoy for years your favorite and often expensive jewelry.

For more articles about jewelry reviews, news and resources visit Jagmala's blog Jewelry Reviews

Each year, on fashion runways from New York to Paris, Milan, and Toyko, sterling silver is "new again" as designers interpret it in new and exciting ways. What makes sterling silver a fashion perennial? The answer is clear: when it comes to beauty, versatility, durability, and affordability, sterling silver jewelry is unsurpassed.

In the hands of talented artists and designers, sterling silver is constantly "reinvented" to suit the evolving tastes of the women who wear it. But whether as a ring, a necklace, or bracelet, standing alone or presented in combination with gemstones and other precious metals…sterling silver is always in fashion.

Here's a look at what's "hot" this year:

Peace of Silver

In 2004, many Oscar presenters and recipients wore gracefully and simply designed "Dove of Peace." pin. Embraced by such Hollywood luminaries as Meryl Streep, Susan Sarandon, Drew Barrymore, and Leonardo DiCaprio, it has also been seen on the Dali Lama and Nobel Peace Laureates Oscar Aria Sanchez, Betty Williams, Mairead Corrigan Maguire, and former UN Assistant Secretary-General Gillian Sorrensom.

Now non-celebrities may purchase the pin in sterling silver pin to demonstrate both their commitment to peace and their fashion sense. The 2005 sterling silver interpretation was designed by award-winning American jewelry artist Henry Dunay to resonate the energy of Picasso's "Dove Of Peace."

Silver Screen

With the enormous popularity of the "Lord of the Rings" series, it comes as no surprise that designers have created jewelry based on the elaborately crafted pieces in the films. Based on the actual pendant worn in the Lord of the Rings film, the Arwen Evenstar Pendant is crafted in sterling silver and comes in a wooden gift box. Measuring 2-1/2 inches in length with a 18" sterling silver chain and a Swarovski crystal stone, each piece is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, adding long-term value to its other charms.

Works Like A Charm

Charm bracelets are both wonderfully retro and extremely cutting edge. Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Avril Levigne, Hilary Duff, and other high-visibility high-fashion celebrities are wrapping their wrists in silver bracelets with the hip L.A. brand "Eldorado Club."

The "Girlie Charm Bracelet" is adorned with charming femme-friendly charms including a cat, a cocktail glass, and a kitty.

Sterling Silver - Always In Style for Your 25th Anniversary
No matter what list you consult -- traditional, modern or the now popular "ultra-modern" (which includes items like clocks and appliances) -- silver is the 21st Century gift of choice for a 25th wedding anniversary. Whether it's silver's durability, its strength, its flexibility or its unparalleled beauty, sterling silver is an exquisite memento of 25 years of loving commitment between a couple.

Topping the list of this year's "What's Hot" in silver wedding anniversary gifts, women say they want charm bracelets, hoop earrings, and hair ornaments. For wives who would like to present their husbands with sterling silver tokens, the "top of the charts" picks are cufflinks, tie clips, money clips, neck chains, and I.D. bracelets.

But #1 for him AND her -- a classic sterling silver Tiffany keyring.

For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick-up your FREE copy of “How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped-Off.” This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at http://www.morninglightjewelry.com

Silver is one of the most popular metals for creating jewelry, such as pendants. It comes in nearly every style and design imaginable. Silver pendants is the most obvious and has many use, there are a number of ways that you can flaunt your sterling silver pendants with the touch of your little creativity. Silver jewelry such pendant is an incredibly versatile jewelry.

Generally, your sterling silver is a precious metal. It's durable, hard-wearing and this means you can maximize your wear without compromising the quality of your jewelry. They can be worn in many ways. Silver pendants are suitable for combination with silver chains, silver necklace, silver bracelets as well as laces and ribbons. With silver pendants you can create different and unique style of jewelries that can make you look elegant and charming. A silver pendant combined with a short velvet ribbon looks feminine and sexy. For a more contemporary, cutting edge look try a bold silver pendant on leather or suede. This gives you an updated look that's sure to be on trend and in style.

Combining silver pendant with different styles of bracelets is another way to flaunt your pendant to public. Bracelets are just about the most versatile item of jewelry available. Combining silver pendants with bracelet you will have the instant look of a charm bracelet. Best of all, you can easily remove the pendant and place it back on your necklace and this maximizes your jewelry wardrobe in a way that's truly charming. It can be an ideal gift for 18th birthday or 21st for men. They are best suited with black evening dress. Or a simple jeans and shirt.

With hoop earrings, silver pendants can also be used to charm the earring. Just make sure that the pendant is not so heavy that they pull the earring down or cause you discomfort. For this approach, a lightweight pendant is the best idea and will give you the best results.

Furthermore silver jewelry pendants can be combined with anklets, It can you an updated look that complements on the fashion trend. They are best combined with a two piece while on beach and with shorts and a simple shirt or with a once piece Hawaiian dress with your flip flops on.

Thus, silver jewelry-pendant can provide you with a stunning look whether it is worn with necklace, bracelet, or anklets. It can provide you number of looks with a little creativity. They are versatile when it comes to uses of silver jewelry items and are charming to look. With proper care, your fine quality silver jewelry pendant will last a lifetime.

Sim Capillo is the writer of Silver.Ag/en and finds great fulfillment in writing article for Silver.Ag/en. Silver.Ag/en is engage in producing fine and elegant silver jewelry such as silver rings and has been tested silver jewellery maker for over 15 years.

American Silver Dollars have been around almost since the beginning of time - or at least back to the 1700s! Each time a different coin was struck, it was usually symbolic for some part of our country or to commemorate someone or something special. Coin collectors can have a field day looking for the numerous different silver dollars that have been designed through the years. Although it would be great if we could get our hands on a collection of all the American Silver Dollars ever made but this would be very difficult if not impossible. However, knowing what some of the more popular American Silver Dollars are can give new collectors a general idea of what they can look for.

American Silver Dollar Eagle

This coin is an official silver bullion coin that has been seen throughout the United States for many years. It was first released to the public in 1986. It is a denomination of one Silver dollar and struck with 1 troy ounce, guaranteeing the coin to be .999 pure silver. The creation of this coin came from the authorization of the United States Congress. This coin has been produced in San Francisco, Philadelphia and West Point, New York. The front of this coin has Liberty walking while the back displays a huge eagle with a shield in front of it and thirteen stars above its head. The American Silver Dollar Eagle is used to fund Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA).

Morgan Silver Dollar

Few coins have been as popular and highly valued by the public and coin collectors as the Morgan Silver Dollar. From 1878 to 1904, the Morgan Silver Dollars could be seen in the hands of many. Several years went by until they resumed minting the Morgan for one year in 1921. This beautiful coin earned its name from George T. Morgan, the designer responsible for the front and back of the coin. In fact, his monogram is on the back side of the coin near Liberty's neck. Morgan silver dollars are made with 0,77344 troy ounces of silver per dollar. Although there were many Morgan silver dollars floating around, few of them were from Carson City, making them somewhat rare and very much sought after. When it comes to American Silver Dollars, the Morgan Silver Dollar still is the dollar that seems to interest the public the most.

Peace Silver Dollar

The Peace Silver Dollar is another of the popular American Silver dollars that have interested collectors and the public in general since it first was introduced in 1921. The Peace Silver Dollar took over for the Morgan Silver Dollar when its production was halted. What made this dollar special to the world was that it was a commemorative coin to celebrate the end of World War I. The designer of this coin was Anthony de Francisci. The Peace Dollar was minted from 1921 to 1928, then again in 1934 and 1935 and for a short time in 1965. The front of this coin has the bust of Lady Liberty with an eagle on the back. The words PEACE are on the bottom of the reverse of the coin.