Since ancient times, both men and women have adorned themselves with jewelry. Jewelry is more than just pretty accessories to wear with your clothes. In addition to fashion purposes, people also wear jewelry for cultural, religious or medicinal reasons. The following article provides you with information on the different types of jewelry and why it’s so popular with people of all ages.

Jewelry is a nice accessory to any outfit. Jeans and a t-shirt can look so ordinary, but paired with a cute chunky bracelet, or a fun pair of earrings, even the dullest outfit can look unique. A colorful choker necklace can brighten up any look, and a uniquely beaded ankle bracelet can accompany any old skirt. Mix and match traditional looks with nontraditional jewelry pieces to create one-of-a-kind looks you’ll love.

You don’t have to settle with the traditional clear diamonds. Diamonds are available in practically every color in the rainbow. They come in blue, pink, red, yellow, brown, black, purple and many more colors. You can find pieces where colored diamonds are the focal point or you can find pieces where they act like accents.

When shopping for jewelry, you may need to check what kind of metal you’re buying. Everyone’s heard of a cheap necklace turning skin green, but you may also have a bad reaction to certain metals in earrings. For earrings, look for items labeled “sensitive skin” or for stainless steel, silver, or gold.

When you are deciding what type of jewelry to buy for a loved one, it is important that it is something that they will love passionately and adore for the rest of their lives. This is not something you want to decide hastily. If you do, they may very likely not like your gift.

To make a patterned outfit really stand out, pair it with a neutral necklace. A neutral piece in a complimentary tone will anchor your ensemble and make you look more coordinated. Try choosing a piece that offsets your outfit in some way. For example, if you’re wearing a vintage floral top, a modern neutral necklace can give your look some balance.

Nothing tells a woman you care like buying her jewelry with her birthstone. The fact that you took the time to research her birth date, and then her birthstone, will show her that you are willing to take the time to make her happy. No woman can turn that down!

If you are buying your jewelry from a pawn shop, check their qualifications. Find out if they have experience with jewels, certifications, or if they work with gemologists. A pawn shop that works with these items on a regular basis should be qualified to appraise and sell jewelry at proper costs.

To get additional usage out of your rope necklaces, try wearing them as bracelets. A rope necklace can easily be looped around your wrist to create a stylish layered bracelet. This is a great way to get extra utility out of a piece, and is especially effective if you want to change your look over the course of a day.

From fashionistas to newlyweds to the Pope, jewelry is worn by many different people for many different reasons. The above tips are a great guide for helping you decide which type of jewelry is right for you. As simple as it may seem, purchasing and caring for jewelry can be a confusing process, not to mention, figuring out how to wear it in a way that best reflects your personality and needs. Put these tips to use the next time you slip on a bracelet or start your search for the perfect ring.