What Makes a Quality Sterling Bracelet?

 Quick question.  What makes a quality Sterling Silver bracelet?  Is it the store that you purchased it in or the brand name stickered to it?  Well actually the answer depends partly on the person wearing it.  Indeed you have to wear the bracelet to determine if its comfortable.
1.   It shouldn't have any harsh edges to dig into your skin.
2.   The Sterling Silver should be polished all around and not just the outside.
3.  You shouldn't see a tag telling you it was made in China.
4.  It should be flexible enough to fit your wrist with ease.
5.  The Sterling Silver shouldn't tarnish after a few months.
6.  It should bring rounds of complements to you.
7.  If your man buys it for you, it should earn a kiss for him.

I came across these bracelets, made in Europe, sold at Sterling Canyon.  My wife deserves one for her upcoming birthday.  I hope I get a kiss from her.  I'm sure I will.

 

Real Lapis, Bad Lapis

Sterling Canyon learned last week from the widespread announcement that Afghanistan sits on top of a veritable fortune on minerals, perhaps $1 trillion worth of cobalt, copper, and gold.  The term Resource Curse again is used to describe when developing nations discover vast wealth in minerals under their feet.  Think Nigeria and oil, Sierra Leone and Angola for diamonds.  Afghanistan has always been known for its Lapis Lazuli, the extraordinary blue gemstone used in jewelry and art the world over.  It is found in other places around the globe, but it is Afghanistan the sets the world standard with its highly concentrated blue lazurite.  Bloodshed and wars breakout over gems.  Truly, the Lapis that is found in Afghanistan and Iran is no exception.  It is also very difficult and fairly expensive to get your hands on authentic Iranian Lapis.  If you do have a deep blue Lapis piece of jewelry, take great care of it.  Always use a clean cloth to wash it.  Never use detergent or chemical cleaners.  And the best thought of all is that U.S. soldiers are fighting for your privilege to wear that blue rock.