In all fairness, no one intentionally sets out to ruin his or her vintage jewelry. On the other hand, numerous people engage in faulty practices when caring for their antiques and collectibles every day, simply because they don’t know how to maintain them. Following are some of the blunders you can avoid committing when caring for your jewelry, mistakes that you will surely live to regret, particularly if you intend to sell the pieces sometime in the future.

A fashion statement, a gift for a loved one or a family heirloom bridging the gaps between generations are the most common things people associate jewelry with nowadays. However, what few realize is that jewelry made from precious metals can also constitute a good investment and represent a safe option in terms of diversifying your portfolio.

From Eastern Europe to the Middle East and the tombs of the Egyptian Pharaohs, people have been decorating with gold since at least four millennia ago. While humankind is still fascinated with gold’s shiny appearance and scarcity, in the past few decades scientists have discovered the numerous properties and features of this precious metal. Even though the metal has gone high-tech these days, the truth is that gold jewelry also continues to be appreciated and valued. Following are some interesting things everyone passionate about gold jewelry should know.

Because platinum is a naturally white metal and hence, it doesn’t fade or change color, it’s becoming an increasingly popular choice for bridal rings. In fact, as the price disparity between this metal and gold is narrowing, some jewelers report that consumers are shifting their loyalties to platinum. If you’re considering a platinum wedding band, then remember that the metal’s density works best with a solitaire diamond. Before you rush out to the local jewelry store, here are 5 tips to know about.

Even though some pieces of vintage jewelry are extremely appealing, the downside of being a collector is not being able to wear them all at once. Although you might be able to turn heads at a party when you’re wearing them, did you know you can also display all your beautiful jewels by integrating them in your home décor? Regardless of whether you plan to exhibit your full sets, place them conveniently so they are ready to wear or convert them into permanent accessories, here are the best ways to put your vintage jewels in the spotlight.

The art of designing cameos dates back hundreds, perhaps thousands of years. For those who are unfamiliar with cameos, they constitute wearable portraits sculpted in a wide variety of precious and semiprecious stones encircled by settings or filigrees. The settings are typically fashioned from precious materials – particularly gold and silver – but there are certain highly valuable cameos enclosed in bronze frameworks.