Fine Jewelry is Just a Click Away

With Americans spending over $50 billion each year on jewelry and watches, it's no wonder that online fine jewelry purchases are increasing by leaps and bounds. Instead of traipsing through malls in search of the perfect ear pins, belly rings, and necklaces, consumers can shop for fine jewelry from the comfort of their own homes.

When shopping for fine jewelry - whether you're looking for earrings, ear cuffs, necklaces, or body jewelry - it's important to have an understanding of the basic materials and stones that are used in the making of fine jewelry.

Materials:

Yellow Gold - Pure gold (24 kt. gold) is too soft to use in jewelry, so it's typically combined with silver to form a metal alloy consisting of 14 kt. gold.

White Gold - White gold is colorless, like silver, but won't ever tarnish, and is typically a combination of gold and nickel.

Sterling Silver - Like gold, fine silver is too soft for use in jewelry, so silver is combined with 7.5% of other metals (typically copper) to produce sterling silver.

Platinum - A beautiful silver-white color, platinum occurs as an alloy in nature. It's tarnish-resistant qualities and durability make it a favorite material for fine jewelry.

Gemstones:

Jewelers incorporate a wide variety of gemstones into fine jewelry. From diamonds to pearls, from rubies to sapphires, gemstones can add sparkle and personality to earrings, ear pins, and ear cuffs. Today, many jewelers use simulated gemstones, which offer the sparkle of the "real thing" at a fraction of the cost.

Birthstones:

Fine jewelry that incorporates birthstones is a perennial favorite, especially when given as a gift on the recipient's special day. According to Solisa (www.solisa.com), the premiere online destination for fine jewelry, the following gemstones and colors are associated with each birth month:

January: Garnet (dark red)
February: Amethyst (purple)
March: Aquamarine (pale blue)
April: Diamond (starlight)
May: Emerald (light green)
June: Pearl, White (pearlescent)
July: Ruby (red)
August: Peridot (pale green)
September: Sapphire, Blue (deep blue)
October: Opal (moonlight)
November: Citrine (yellow)
December: Topaz, Blue (sky blue)

Trends

Knowing the latest jewelry trends is always helpful when buying fine jewelry for yourself or as a gift. This season, celebrities are wearing ear pins and ear cuffs both on and off the red carpet. Solisa (www.solisa.com) has the largest selection of ear pins on the Web, and they can be worn with either pierced or unpierced ears. Whether make from gold or silver, ear cuffs add the extra touch needed to make you stand out from the crowd.

When selecting earrings or necklaces with gemstones, the key this season is to combine colors for maximum effect. Pair a deep blue with garnet, or purple with medium green. With Solisa's (www.solisa.com) color key, it's easy to shop for specific gemstone colors to complement your wardrobe.

Belly rings are also given the once-over this season, with gemstones being key. Change your belly ring to reflect your mood, and show off the toned tummy you worked so hard to develop!

Online Shopping

When shopping for fine jewelry online, it's important to find a reputable site. Solisa (www.solisa.com) is the leading online retailer for unique fine jewelry. With a huge selection and an easy-to-use online catalog, you'll find the latest jewelry fashion without the hassle of mall shopping. Be sure to visit them today.