With Earth Day around the corner it's time to start talking the talk and walking the eco-friendly walk. Did you know that recycling your jewelry not only reduces waste, but also has the ability to rake in some quick cash? Who said taking care of the planet isn't fun? 

When choosing a piece of jewelry, it is typical to want something with some sort of special meaning. Often we find certain symbols to be appealing as we feel connected to the meanings they convey. Whether it’s a cultural symbol or a specific gemstone, there are many reasons people wear the jewelry they wear.

A Diamond is a Girl’s Best Friend

Prior to jewelry company De Beers’ “A Diamond is Forever” campaign, it was not so readily assumed that engagements and marriages required the purchase of a flashy diamond ring. By equating the toughness of diamonds with the desire for a marriage to last forever, proposing with a diamond ring became absolutely mandatory, altering Western society forever. While this anomaly is widely acknowledged, it has yet to be combatted or swapped out for any better alternative.

It is a common misconception that the only way to propose is with a classic, white diamond ring. While the movies and media never seem to depict otherwise, this doesn’t mean that the world isn’t full of unique and creative brides-to-be, who aren’t interested in receiving anything classic -- ever.

АIt’s no secret that many jewelry owners do not know the value of their jewelry. It is frequently assumed that a silver chain or a gold ring are worth a lot more than they really are. Of course, this could go the other way as well. As clutter piles up and chains tangle and tarnish, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s fake. For example, when it comes to silver, many do not know the difference between silver and silver-plate. When selling silver, it’s important to be educated on this topic as sterling silver obviously has a much higher value than silver-plate.