| A lot of people are a bit undecided when it comes | | | | bracelets appear whitish gray, silver pieces have |
| to buying white gold bracelets, and this is because | | | | more gray in them, while pieces made from other |
| the metal looks very close to silver, and | | | | materials are noticeably more radiant. These |
| compared to silver ones, these bracelets are of | | | | bracelets also won't tarnish even when you |
| course more expensive. So how would you know | | | | expose it to water or even as it ages. On the |
| if the piece you're buying is an authentic bracelet | | | | other hand, even the highest grade of silver will |
| and not just a silver one with an overly inflated | | | | tarnish with age after a few months. You will |
| price tag? Here are some tips. | | | | have to purchase a cleaning cloth or powder to |
| | | | maintain its sheen. |
| 1. Look at the markings. Stores don't put the | | | | While these bracelets are very valuable, other |
| markings on the jewelry they're selling. The | | | | "white" metals are even more expensive. These |
| Craftsmen do that. If the bracelet is made from | | | | include titanium and platinum. Most people prefer |
| silver and not white gold, the markings on the lock | | | | these two metals despite the bigger price tags. |
| would read "92.5" and "S.S". These stand for the | | | | Platinum bracelets, for example, are the only |
| grade of the silver and the words "sterling silver". | | | | bracelets which can be acquired in their purest |
| On the other hand, if you're looking at an | | | | form. When you buy platinum bracelets, you can |
| authentic piece, the lock should have the karat | | | | be sure that you're getting 100% platinum and |
| grade of the gold. This can be either 14k or 18k. | | | | not just an alloy. White gold is an alloy that's |
| 2. Look at the pricing. Naturally, a store wouldn't | | | | mixed with silver and another precious metal, |
| put an overly expensive price tag on a sterling | | | | which is why you can only get it in its impure |
| silver bracelet unless it's set with valuable precious | | | | form: either 14k or 18k. A piece that's 24k is |
| stone. If you're looking at a sterling silver piece, | | | | going to be too soft. This is not an ideal grade for |
| weigh it with your hand. If it's heavy and it costs | | | | jewelry pieces. |
| $200, don't be too impressed yet. It's definitely a | | | | Titanium, on the other hand, is the hardest |
| silver bracelet. Pricier silver bracelets are chunkier | | | | precious metal on earth. It's more scratch and |
| and heavier than other silver pieces. And if the | | | | dent resistant compared to most other bracelets. |
| piece of jewelry weighs that much and you | | | | However, because of the hardness of this metal, |
| expect it to be made from white gold, think again. | | | | it's also not versatile when it comes to design. |
| It's bound to cost a lot more than that. | | | | Titanium bracelets are great for men's jewelry, |
| 3. Look at the tint of the "whiteness". While both | | | | but not as impressive as women's bracelets. |