Crap

As we are moving, we are overwhelmed with the amount of crap we own. So, I'll take a time out to talk to you about some of the "crap" you may own.

Just kidding.

I'm going to take a time out to talk to you about the maintenance of your jewelry. In particular, answer some questions about prongs. I get a lot a of questions about how you know if your stone is secure. I found a picture diagram at work. This may help.

The dotted line is what the prong is supposed to look like. Be aware that many antique engagement rings are worn with a "non-fitted" band and could wear on your ring differently than a "fitted" wedding band. 

Also, if you have a larger center stone, say 2 carats or larger, you should probably get your prongs checked a little more often than smaller stones. The reason being, the prongs are "stretched out" more and is more taxing on your stone. 

Most jewelers do not charge to get your jewelry cleaned or stones checked, so go ahead and make sure your "crap" is maintained. 

In closing, I have two jewelry stories on this Saturday:

I found a quote by Athina Onassis, "the richest little girl in the world." Her mother died at a young age and jewelry was auctioned at Christie's. Athina didn't care much for her mother's old things. 

"Athina Onassis, the heiress once hailed as ‘the richest little girl in the world’, is on a move to auction off her millions of pounds of jewelry that she inherited from her mother Christina. The fortune worth is amounted at £1 billion but her call for auction is the result of her decision that she has no need of what she sees as the glittering paraphernalia of a departed era. "

Wow. It hurts to hear those words: "glittering paraphernalia of a departed era" but honestly, I am able to buy jewelry from those people who have no use for this "crap."

And as Andrew was packing at home today, I went out to get some pizza's for our packing, football watching, beer drinking, pizza eating - day. I turned on the radio and the preacher was on air saying the words that Jesus said, "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." 

Sure put things in perspective. The preacher stressed "treasures for yourself." It sounds selfish, but it's what we're called to do. I bet I can tell you more times that I've been selfish about the things of this life I'm living now. 

Those treasures, the treasures of heaven, are not crap. Those things are unimaginably wonderful. 

Tidbit

I promise I have new {old} jewelry to share; A.Lee has just been so busy to take the pics! Also, my header and blog layout is getting a much-needed update. If I could only find the time....please bear with.

In the meantime, I'll give you another "Ask an amateur" post/tip.

To recap:
1. Underdress when going to markets or antiquing.

2. When going to a jewelry store for engagement rings, or for a large purchase, or to look diligently for an item, and need the owners help, go early. 

I'll explain.

I didn't know this before working at a jewelry store, but all the big ticket items need to be picked up and put in the safe for the night. Most jewelry stores do this about 30 minutes before closing time. So if you want to see all the gems, go well before they close.

Hope that tidbit helps. It's practical, but it needs to be said.

Amateur knows best

I'm wanting to start a series called "Ask an expert." I have a few questions and a few people set up for a series of FAQ's in the world of jewelry.

But in the meantime, I have a few tips to share which I call "Stuff the amateur knows."

As I mentioned yesterday, the first rule of antiquing, bargaining, or shopping for deals is this: Underdress.

I personally wear only a gold wedding band on my left hand when I shop for deals. I got it for my anniversary because of bargaining purposes, and for the simple reason that some days I just want to be simple. Minimizing can be so chic. And that coming from a usual-gaudy jewelry wearing person.

But back to bargaining. Andrew often asks me how I do it. I know there are a few things in this world that I am good at, and this is one of them. I'm firm, yet polite. I know what I want, yet I stay around and think. And most importantly, I know when to walk away. I always have control because the ball is in my court, and I know it. But the easiest thing a person can do is dress the part. That goes for life in general: bargaining, job interviews, and the list goes on and on.

I'll try to put my bargaining techniques into words but in the meantime, that is my advice: look homeless. Just kidding.