I've been making reasonable sums from spread betting on silver and other metals such as platinum, mainly to get the practice - starting from a very small position I've quadrupled my money, but have 'lost' a good few £ on downswings in the process. I'm now considering taking a large position.

Narrating my Strategy - Spread Betting Silver

In the early days I opened a few positions...things went well. Then I increased my positions, and having read up a little more, I put stops in place. Then two things happened:

1. A few markets I was invested in moved against me, losing me money.
2. Some of my stops tripped during swings, losing me money.

At one point, having been smugly sitting on about £1000 of profit, I was over £4000 in the red. I received margin calls - and rapidly had to shovel several thousand pounds into my accounts to keep my positions open. And that's the key - keeping them open.

You really have to stand back and think "am I confident my predictions are right?" ... if you are, then you MUST NOT sell on the falls. You'll only kick yourself when you walk away saying 'spread betting is dangerous' only to then see the price go through the roof over the coming months.

Since then, I've adopted this approach and to-date it's working very well:

1. Open positions to a level at which you're comfortable.
2. Don't use stops. Especially in a market as volatile as silver, selling on dips is a bad move and you'll get shaken out quite often.
3. Instead, set up limit orders to BUY small amounts when the price drops significantly. I do this so that IG Index send me a text and it alerts me to the drop. I can then log in and make a decision on what to do.
4. When the price then rises above its previous average, sell a few of those positions that you bought on the dip. If your long-term view is correct, this method WORKS.
5. Remain professional and unemotional in your dealing. Don't monitor the market too closely or you'll have days when you see your "net worth" drop by several thousand pounds in a day. It can also affect your job if you're constantly logged into your account wheeling and dealing.
6. In general, I'm convinced that a "hands-off" approach is generally better than a "hands-on" one. Follow the same approach that the long-term physical holders use. You don't hear of Goldfinger sloping off to sell his bullion if the price dips, so why should you do the same? You're using financial instruments instead of physical because it's easier and has less margin, however you should adopt the same strategy. As I say: avoid stops.

I'm aware that this system will be absolutely useless in the event that my predictions are wrong. If you follow this system to the letter and the price consistently falls you'll end up chasing the market down and burn all your cash faster than Bernanke's been burning the dollar. Similar to today's young bankers who've only ever worked in a credit-fueled bull market, you need to spare a thought for what might happen. However, as long as you're convinced that the price WILL rise, hold onto those positions.

Silver and Platinum are quite volatile and you can make good money playing the moves. But honestly I've made far more from my long gold and short GBP positions - with next-to-zero (daytime trading) effort.

Financial-spread-betting.com monitors and reviews spread betting sites like ETX Capital and CityIndex so you know which sites offer the best experience for you to spread bet at.

Silver is an incredibly versatile metal. As a result, the range of Silver Jewelery available on the market today is almost limitless. The best way to choose the right piece is to set a budget and choose a type and then get online and see what the web has to offer. Some of the options worth considering are:

Mix 'n' Match Chokers and Pendants

The great thing about pendants is that they can be worn in so many different ways. By combining them with solid Silver Chokers, simple chains, leather laces or ribbons, you can create an ever changing set of jewellery that matches every outfit. A silver & crystal pendant on a short velvet ribbon looks sexy and feminine, then swap to a fine silver choker and the look changes to something much more contemporary. Hang a chunky silver pendant on a simple leather lace to go from feminine to masculine. With half a dozen different coloured ribbons you have an almost limitless array of looks to coordinate with every outfit. Mix and match your Silver pendants to suit your mood, or even wear 2 together to create your own unique look.

Silver Bracelets and Solid Silver Bangles

Bracelets are just about the most versatile item of jewellery available. They come in every shape & size possible from dainty silver bangles ideal for an 18th or 21st birthday present to chunky silver bracelets in bold designs perfect to wear with an evening dress. A silver bracelet looks great worn with a pair of jeans or a little black dress. Use one to dress up a suit or hit the pool with your bikini and a solid silver bangle for that classic 50's Grace Kelly look. When buying any bracelet, there are 2 things to consider. Firstly do you want a bangle (a bracelet made from a solid piece of silver)? Or do you want a bracelet (usually a silver chain or set of silver links or beads)? Secondly, be sure to measure your wrist. Wrist size does not reflect dress. The key to choosing the right bracelet is to look at the size of your wrist & decide how small or large a piece will suit you best. When you have decided which design will work best, then measure your wrist and make sure the silver bracelet you order will fit comfortably.

Solid Silver Chokers and Handmade Silver Necklaces

Silver necklaces add sparkle to any outfit. For a classic look, go for a simple silver choker or chain. Wear your silver choker alone or mix & match with interchangeable chunky silver pendants and charms to change your look to match your mood. For a more contemporary, cutting edge look try a bold silver pendant on leather or suede. When buying a necklace, think about the length that suits you best. Many necklaces come in different lengths or can be tailored to your specific requirements. Wear it up against your collarbone for a sophisticated look, or low on the breastbone for a more traditional look. Finally think about scale. Silver necklaces come in an almost unlimited number of designs. If you are a dainty size 8, stick to dainty pieces that won't swamp you. If you are taller or bigger boned, you can get away with a bolder silver necklace with more detail, and heavier silver pendants.

Handmade Silver Earrings

Silver earrings are a great choice for women of every age. They add sparkle to any outfit, and look great worn alone or as a set with a matching silver necklace. Silver is a very strong metal, which allows silversmiths to create beautiful earrings in a huge variety of shapes & sizes. In addition, unlike costume jewellery, which can cause allergic reactions when worn in pierced ears, there are no common allergies to silver. Sterling silver earrings do not contain nickel, the most common allergy causing white metal. So by buying sterling silver, you are choosing not only a beautiful, but also a safe piece of jewellery.

Catherine D'Arcy is the founder of Corazon Latino, an online retailer specializing in handmade silver jewellery. To see their exclusive range of designs, visit Corazon Latino

Looking for a men's silver chain, but not sure what style is best? The silver curb chain is the timeless and classic design that has sold more than any other mens chain in history. Silver curb chains are an epitome of luxury and work wonders by making your neck appear slim and long. Not only does a silver curb chain enhance your neckline, it adds that missing glamour to your otherwise dull jewelry. A silver curb chain has all one needs to make a lasting fashion statement and if you feel the need to associate yourself with the latest in fashion, you simply need to equip yourself with an elegant curb chain.

Elegance Personified

The need to look good and appear elite has given rise to the demand for suitable accessories. Well, we all have the desire to be 'dressed for the occasion' and in order to achieve our goal; we make optimum use jewelry to enhance our looks. Silver curb chains from the house of sterling silver, are a perfect example for looking and appearing elegant.

Perfect Gift Items

An occasion often demands a gift and if you need to be recognized as the most generous giver of all times, you need to purchase an authentic silver curb necklace and present it on to your beloved as a token of remembrance. The necklaces from sterling silver can also be gift wrapped in suitable packs and dispatched accordingly. In a nutshell, these necklaces make perfect gift items for various occasions.

Silver Curb Chains are easy to find

Even before gifting a silver curb chain, you need to ensure that you purchase it from a suitable location. Well, of the various locations, including the traditional brick and mortar jewelry stores, the most sought after place to purchase an authentic necklace is through an online store. The advantage is fairly clear-you save precious time and you also get a chance to purchase the latest designs and styles. Likewise, the transactions are foolproof and hence you needn't worry about the purchase. The secured site is sure to safeguard your personal details.

Silver Curb Chains Are Affordable

As compared to other, more expensive varieties, such as a diamond necklace or a gold chain, silver curb chains are less expensive and accommodating to even the most stringent budgets. Hence, silver sterling chains can be bought without burning a hole in your wallet.

These Chains Are Virtually Maintenance Free

If you thought that silver curb chains needed a lot of care, you need to reconsider your thoughts. These chains are hardy and are made to withstand even the toughest situations with ease. You also needn't take care of them and can use them for your everyday use. Likewise, you also have the privilege of keeping them in a casual manner without bothering to tarnish their luster or dull their shine.

Sarah Carnagie is head of product development for Dreamland Jewelry. For more information on imported silver chains, or to find one of the largest internet selections of sterling silver curb chains please visit http://www.dreamlandjewelry.com today!

How to Care For Your Jewellery

Storage of Your Jewellery

Keep silver jewellery out of the air and light when stored to prevent tarnishing. A protective jewellery pouch, a lined box or just wrapping in tissue or soft cloth are all suitable.

Each piece of jewellery should be stored in a separate compartment to prevent scratching as a result of pieces knocking together. Gem-set jewellery will undoubtedly contain gemstones which are harder than silver and will therefore scratch the surface of the silver if allowed to jangle together. This holds true for gold as well.

General Care in Wear

Treat your jewellery with loving care and respect and it will stay young looking – like most women.

Washing Up, Spring Cleaning or DIY?

Remove your jewellery when carrying out cleaning or other chores. Cleaning fluids can damage both the metal and the gemstones. A miss-hit with the hammer could end a beautiful relationship with not just your engagement ring.

Going out?

Remember to put your jewellery on after applying make-up and the hairspray and avoid contact with perfume.

Going swimming?

Remove all jewellery before entering a chlorinated pool. If you’re contemplating a sauna, remove all jewellery as it will burn you when it heats up. Many gemstones are damaged by prolonged exposure to heat.

Going on holiday?

Most of us come off the beach on the first day with the 3 s’s all achieved - rings caked in sand, sea-salt and suntan lotion.
Nude sunbathing, as far as silver and gold jewellery is concerned, is a must!
Remember also that sand will scratch the surface of precious metals.

Tour de France or Running the Marathon?

Sweat will not enhance your jewellery and no-one will be looking at it anyway.

What is Silver?

Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and is sometimes referred to as “pure silver”. The remaining 7.5% is usually copper but can be other metal and is used to give this precious metal strength and durability. Silver which is 99.9% silver is too soft to be practical for most day to day uses.

Generally, the higher the silver content the brighter or whiter the metal but beware of antiquing effects that can make a piece of sterling silver jewellery or decorative silverware look dark.

Sterling silver will tarnish over time but with care and regular cleaning can be restored to its “good as new” sparkling condition.

How Do I Clean Silver?

Natural body oils, soap and regular daily dust can build up on your jewellery.

A mild soap in water is usually enough to clean it. If gem-set, use a soft toothbrush to gently clean the surfaces of the gemstones. Remember the backs!

Gently pat the jewellery dry. Do not use tissue or anything other than a jewellery cleaning cloth to polish your jewellery as unseen tiny hard fibres will scratch the surface.

If more serious cleaning is required, then use a good jeweller’s rouge or jewellery cleaning dip. However, if your silver is gem-set see below for advice on specific gemstones to be sure what is safe to use. Some cleaners which are ideal for sterling silver may be too harsh for the set gemstone.

Ultrasonic cleaners are not recommended. They can damage pearls and gem-set jewellery.

How Durable is My Gemstone Jewellery?

First of all a note about the hardness and therefore relative durability of gemstones.

To measure hardness, the jewellery industry uses the Mohs scale. This gem-trade standard, conceived by Friedrich Mohs in 1812, measures the ability of a gem or mineral to resist abrasion damage. Diamond at 10 is the hardest whereas talc at 1 is the softest. Popular gemstones like amethyst and citrine register 7 whereas rubies and sapphires register 9.

Most substances your jewellery is likely to come into contact with will be around 7 on Mohs scale so any gemstone with a hardness higher than 7 is unlikely to scratch.

Precious metals (silver, gold and platinum) are quite low on the Mohs scale – less than 4.5 – and will scratch.

How Do I Clean Semi-Precious Gemstones?

Turquoise

Mohs scale 5-6
Turquoise is chalky in texture and is to be treated as fragile.
Always store carefully in a separate compartment to avoid scratching and chipping.

It will scratch easily and chip if subjected to rough treatment. It does not like to be immersed in water and does not respond well to chemical contact. Either can cause it to change colour – usually turning more green.

To clean, use a damp cloth to wipe the surface.
Never use jewellery dip.
Never use an ultrasonic cleaner.

Lapis Lazuli

Mohs scale 5-6
Lapis lazuli is a soft stone and like turquoise will chip easily.
Always store carefully in a separate compartment.

To clean, use a damp cloth to wipe the surface. Do not immerse in water as this can remove the protective coating.

Avoid contact with all chemicals.
Never use jewellery dip.
Never use an ultrasonic cleaner.

Coral

Mohs scale 3.5 - 4
Coral is a soft organic gemstone and porous.
Always store carefully in a separate compartment as it will easily scratch or chip.

Avoid large variations in temperature and prolonged exposure to sunlight.

To clean, use a damp cloth to wipe the surface.
Never use jewellery dip.
Never use an ultrasonic cleaner.

Pearl

Mohs scale 2.5 - 4.5
Pearls are less durable than most gems. They are sensitive to acids, dryness, and humidity.

Avoid contact with any chemicals such as hairspray and perfume and wipe them clean with a soft cloth after wearing as natural body oils can discolour them.

Store them carefully, preferably in a pearl necklace box, a chamois bag or in tissue. Don’t throw them in a box with other jewellery as harder gemstones will scratch a pearl’s surface.

Cultured pearls can be washed carefully in mild soapy water.
Do not soak.
Do not dry in heat. Wipe dry with a soft cloth.

If worn often, restring every 2 years.

Larimar

Mohs scale 5 - 7
Store larimar carefully, preferably in a separate jewellery compartment, a chamois bag or in tissue.
Avoid contact with any chemicals such as hairspray and perfume and wipe clean with a soft cloth after wearing as natural body oils can dull the surface.
Avoid prolonged exposure to bright sunshine as this may cause colour fading.

Clean in mildly soapy water with a tiny drop of ammonia and use a soft brush. Rinse well and dry with a soft jewellery cloth.
Any cleaning preparation recommended for pearls is suitable for larimar.

Moonstone and Labradorite

Mohs scale 6
Moonstone gemstones are stored in oil before use in jewellery. This prevents the stone drying out and cracking.

It can be easily scratched and should be stored in a separate compartment

To clean, use a damp cloth to wipe the surface.
Never use jewellery dip.
Never use an ultrasonic cleaner.

Chalcedony and Onyx

Mohs scale 7
Avoid harsh chemicals.
Always store carefully in a separate jewellery compartment to avoid scratching and chipping.

Clean in mildly soapy water with a soft brush. Rinse well.

Rose Quartz

Mohs scale 7
Always store carefully in a separate jewellery compartment as despite its Mohs’ rating, rose quartz can chip and scratch easily.
Avoid prolonged exposure to bright sunshine as this may cause colour fading.

Clean in mildly soapy water with a soft brush. Rinse well.
Do not soak.
Do not steam clean

Topaz

Mohs scale 8
A durable gemstone unlikely to scratch or chip easily. However, always store in a separate jewellery compartment as it may scratch a softer gemstone or precious metal.
Avoid harsh chemicals and exposure to heat.

Clean in mildly soapy water with a soft brush. Rinse well.
Do not soak.
Do not steam clean
Never use an ultrasonic cleaner.

Amethyst, Citrine, Ametrine and Smokey Quartz

Mohs scale 7
Avoid harsh chemicals and long exposure to heat.
Always store carefully in a separate jewellery compartment to avoid scratching and chipping.

Clean in mildly soapy water with a soft brush. Rinse well.
Do not soak.
Do not steam clean
Should survive an ultrasonic cleaning.

Garnet

Mohs scale 6.5 – 7.5
Always store carefully in a separate jewellery compartment as garnet is brittle and despite its Mohs’ rating, can chip and scratch easily.
Avoid harsh chemicals.

Clean in mildly soapy water with a soft brush. Rinse well.
Do not soak.
Do not steam clean
All garnets except andradite (demantoid) should survive an ultrasonic cleaning.

Peridot

Mohs scale 6.5 – 7
Avoid harsh chemicals.
Avoid rapid changes in temperature and exposure to heat.
Always store carefully in a separate jewellery compartment to avoid scratching and chipping.

Clean in mildly soapy water with a soft brush. Rinse well.
Do not soak.
Do not steam clean
Never use an ultrasonic cleaner.

To see examples of jewellery featuring all the gemstones mentioned above visit the author’s web site http://www.BoothandBooth.co.uk

Joan Booth has spent over 20 years as a Fashion Buyer for some of the UK's most illustrious department stores. She now owns and runs http://www.BoothandBooth.co.uk where you will find a unique range of gem set sterling silver jewellery.