How else could humans accessorize themselves aside from wearing clothes and shoes? Also through jewelry, right? However, did you know that jewelry is not only used as accessories? Here are the other reasons as to why many don't bother splurging some good dough over these often small yet grand in value items:

- as a sign of wealth and authority (crowns and tiaras)
- as a hobby (as with collectible antique jewelry)
- for symbolic purposes (crucifix, wedding bands, and mourning jewelry)
- for health reasons (as with medical alert jewelry)
- for amusement (as with puzzle jewelry)

Aside from the generic bracelets, earrings, necklaces, bangles and rings, jewels are now also in the forms of tiaras, anklets, studded belts, cufflinks, belly chains, armlets, thigh bands, toe rings and brooches. Surely, there's one kind of jewelry that will enthrall each and every gender and genre.

Jewelry may be made of any kind of material, from precious to semi-precious gems to metals and less valuable materials such as those used for costume jewelry. Here are the most commonly used materials in making jewelry:

1. Organic material - such as shells, pearls and other similar objects

2. Gemstones - these include rhinestones, diamonds, rubies, and other precious and semi-precious stones.

3. Metals - a wide array of metals are used in jewelry. Here are those that are widely-used:

a. gold or gold plated - a metal or alloy that is one of the most commonly used b. sterling silver - often used as body jewelry and is very popular among teenagers c. platinum - often used in wedding bands, more rare and expensive than gold d. titanium - stronger and yet light, those who are sensitive to other metals prefer this e. niobium - also for those with metal sensitivity f. Lucite and Plexiglas - usually used for earrings

4. Wood - ethnic-designed jewelry and bangles

5. Plastic, pounded copper and brass are also used in making jewelry and are fast gaining popularity.

Whether your jewelry is a valuable one or simply something that you got from the flea market, surely it won't hurt to take care of it properly for it to last and probably still be in good condition to be given as an heirloom. Jewelry is not only precious because of the material they are made of. Oftentimes, it is the sentimental value that makes these items more than just accessories. If you are considering giving more value to your jewelry, here are some tips on how to take care of your jewelry, particularly a metal jewelry:

1. Don't use it every so often. Using it only during special occasions makes your jewelry earns more attention because of its novelty.

2. Don't wear it when you are taking a bath, washing the dishes or whenever you have to submerge it to the water such as when you are swimming. Components of water and soap may diminish the sheen of your metal jewelry.

3. Clean it regularly with a soft cloth and jewelry cleaner.

4. When engaging into activities that would make you sweat, don't wear your metal jewelry. Perspiration may make it lose its shine.

5. Have a jewelry box. This way, you not only secure the safety of your jewelry from thieves but also from other harsh elements that may tarnish it.

With those jewelry information in mind, your jewelry may just gain more value.

David Arnold Livingston enjoys giving gifts to family and friends,
especially for holiday occasions. He recommends the resource:
Roxys Jewelry - Great Gifts