Buying antique or estate jewelry can be a risk…and for obvious reasons. Most people cannot authenticate jewelry with the naked eye. But with some due diligence, you can get closer to the bottom line.

First and foremost, buy from a reputable dealer. (Major auction houses like Sotheby’s and Christie’s stand behind the authenticity of their pieces and usually provide gemological certifications.)

And just like any work of art, the signature means everything.

According to a recent article in Forbes:

In the world of antique, vintage, and estate jewelry, signed pieces by the maker can mean the difference between a lovely item and an appreciating asset. A signed object also makes it harder to knock off. The blue-chip makers remain the standard-bearers: Bulgari, Cartier, and Van Cleef & Arpels continue to be coveted by savvy collectors.

So if you’re a serious estate jewelry shopper, bring the needed equipment, like magnifying glass or jewelry loupe, Examine each item for valuable identifying signatures and other related marks.

When buying estate jewelry, be your own detective!

The “real deal.” Étourdissant Cartier brooch in platinum, emerald, rock crystal, onyx, and diamonds.

As more of us move toward ordering jewelry online, we run particular risks. Of course, its critical to find a trustworthy jeweler with an impeccable reputation (have you seen our reviews lately?).

Also important? Finding a piece of jewelry that fits properly. Sure, you can work with most jewelers to adjust the size but isn’t it great when you get it right the first time? It saves you time, money and hassle.

This great little article in Sundrop Jewelry details the perfect way to size your wrist:

1. Measure your wrist: Take a flexible measuring tape, strip of paper, or piece of string, and wrap it around your wrist below the wrist bone where you would normally wear a bracelet.
2. If you used a strip of paper or string, mark it where the end meets.  Then measure it with a ruler.  (If you don’t have a ruler, print out your own at printable-ruler.net)
3. This is your wrist size.  But don’t order just yet!  If you bought a bracelet that was exactly the same length as your wrist size it would be too small – you need a little slack to account for the thickness of the beads, and to fasten the clasp.
4. To find your bracelet size, you have to add a little more length.  Depending on the fit you desire, add this to your wrist size:
   • Snug fit – add 1/4” to 1/2″
   • Comfort fit – add 3/4” to 1″
   • Loose fit – add 1” to 1 1/4″

It’s that time of year again, where we don our summer best, looking fashionable and trying to stay cool. And this is no easy feat. Some jewelry is particularly vulnerable to the effects of summer (salt water, chlorine, etc). By taking a few simple precautions, you can have your summer fun without it taking a toll on your fine jewelry.

The biggest piece of advice?

Take it off!

When it comes to summer activities, most do not require a statement necklace. Whether it’s swimming, hiking, gardening or camping, you risk losing your jewelry during a physical activity…and we don’t want that! We suggest bringing a special case for your jewelry pre-activity or better yet, leave it at home and look smashing at night!

Remember: chlorine, saltwater, sunscreen, direct sunlight and even sweat can affect gems and metals.

If you do expose your jewelry to summer’s hazardous material, remember that cleaning your jewelry doesn’t require special accessories. A bowl of water with a few drops of dish detergent usually does the trick. Dry gently using a soft cloth.

We love pearls and we carry them for one good reason: they can be worn with just about anything, all the while maintaining their “classic fashion” status (meaning you can’t go wrong giving them as a gift, right?).

But like other jewelry, there are some loose rules to follow when donning them. This video tutorial gives great (and simple) pointers to follow (or not, because we love you fashion rule breakers out there too!)

Freshwater Cultured Pearl Necklace Freshwater Cultured Pearl Necklace, 10mm-11mm, 18″ long with a sterling silver clasp. Available in: White Black Multi Color (dyed color) Chocolate (dyed color)

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Ten thousand people every month Google “Am I ugly?” What a sad statistic.

Even though we’re in business of beautification, we understand that feeling good about yourself is an “inside out” job. Girls and young women in particular are particularly vulnerable to attacks to their self-esteem on several fronts. How can we find beauty in ourselves when we’re not feeling it? What can we do as a culture to change the messaging?

This TED Talk provides illuminating information. Share with others who may need some help in this department.

Our studio staff keep up on fashion advice videos on YouTube. Some are amazingly helpful, some could stand some serious editing…some even contain bad jewelry wearing advice!

But there are definitely gems out there.

While the music is a bit grating (suggestion: turn the audio off,), we think an all visual video relays pointers more quickly and effectively…don’t you agree?

Your ring is going to be close to you for a long time. Why not make sure its a perfect fit for your skin type? Each ring metal has its own specific composition, meaning the metal may or may not irritate your skin.

First, what to  avoid (according to moissanite.com):

• If you are allergic to nickel, brass, or copper avoid jewelry that is most commonly made with this type of metal, including costume/fashion jewelry. Opt for higher quality fine jewelry instead. Fine jewelry has higher price tags, but it is made to last!

• Avoid metal alloys (which contain a mixture of two or more metallic elements) as they may trigger a similar reaction. Metal alloys include stainless steel, rose-gold, and to the surprise of many people – white gold! Plated jewelry also involves the use of mixed metals, so make sure to check the label thoroughly before purchasing.

We always like platinum for its naturally hypoallergenic properties but here are some other metal suggestions if you have sensitive skin:

We’ve shared countless tips on how to match your jewelry with your outfit…but what about visa versa? Why not choose your favorite jewelry and build out an outfit instead?

Ready to think outside of the box?

Rachel Zoe Studio shows vlogger Sona Gasparian from Simply Sona the chicest ways to wear statement jewelry as well as what to wear to make sure your accessories shine!

Getting engaged may be one of the most important decisions of your life. And why wouldn’t it? Your life is about to change in a beautifully dramatic and most romantic way!

But…but…!

What if you don’t like your engagement ring?

Well first off, you’re in good company. Many women have had mixed feelings about their engagement rings. And while he may be the man of your dreams, he may be a little off when choosing your dream engagement ring. That’s okay; he can’t be Mr. Right 100% of the time, right?

Here are some pointers when you’re less than pleased with your ring:

First off, bask in the moment. Your engagement ring matters because of what it symbolizes, not what it looks like.

Second, you have options. Most women dislike elements of their rings, not the entire ring. So before you make the next move, define exactly what is you do and don’t like.

Third, understand your ring. The three major parts of a ring are the setting, the metal and the gemstone. Often, there’s only one of these elements that doesn’t work for you and can be changed to make the ring more closely suited to your tastes (yet still contain aspects of your fiance’s initial choice).

Take for example the metal. Luckily, the metal portion of a ring can be traded out relatively easily so it pairs more nicely with the gemstone. The same hold true with the cut of the gemstone, which can be replaced with a preferable cut (or a different color of diamond or a different stone).

If the ring doesn’t fit you, breathe a sigh of relief. That’s an issue that can often be easily rectified by a trusted jeweler.

As the wearer, you just need to be creative and specific. A reputable jeweler is happy to make adjustments so you’re pleased with the end result.

Just like your marriage, often a ring is a work-in-progress!

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Did you know that the makers of Lucky Charms cereal were inspired by charm bracelets? It’s true! While General Mills may use blue moons, orange shooting stars, purple horseshoes and green leprechaun hats as cereal “charms”, more traditional charms consist of hearts, keys, stars, crosses, infinity circles and a wide array of other symbols.

Take some soulful time to go through your jewelry box and see what “symbols” resonate with you. Or think of a piece of jewelry that you wore to a “lucky” event, where the stars seemed perfectly aligned and everything went just your way. Don’t pick too many pieces–try to find just one. Then hold it in your hand for a while and infuse it with your wildest wishes, dreams and hopes. Light a candle and leave the “lucky charm” near it, infusing the magic even more.

The next time you put on the piece of jewelry, put it on consciously, knowing you’re also wearing your dreams charged and ready to come true!

Below, an arrow charm indicating direction in life.

• Heart – You’ll find true love soon!
• High-heeld shoe – You’ll have a life of style and glamour.
• Star – Your wishes will be granted.
• Suitcase – Travel and adventure await you!
• Cross – Your life will be blessed.