Shopping for Costume Jewelry Rings

Rings serve many purposes and can hold deep meanings. Promise rings serve as a long term assurance between sweethearts and lovers. Engagement rings serve as a pledge to marriage and wedding bands represent a lifetime commitment.

A ring compared to most other types of jewelry seem to also hold more importance when given as a gift from say, mother to daughter, grandmother to granddaughter or friend to friend.

A cocktail ring can enhance an evening gown, cocktail dress or your everyday working attire. Many women will even tell you that their hands seem to automatically move more elegantly when they have on a stunning ring.

Costume jewelry and sterling silver jewelry has evolved tremendously in the last few years and cocktail rings have grown in demand. Bold, bright and glitzy rings are not just worn by the rich and famous. Designer styles are inspiring costume jewelry and sterling silver jewelry manufacturers to step up their product lines, the materials they use and the styles they produce.

There are obvious cons to buying costume jewelry rings. The most prominent of all being, how long will it last? I'm sure most consumers would love to see an expiration date on the costume jewelry they purchase! Another con is skin discoloration. Chemical reactions from metals used to craft costume jewelry rings can sometimes leave a black or greenish-black discoloration on your skin, which can most often be rubbed off. Besides the obvious "pro" of being able to wear the latest styles in rings without breaking the bank, there are ways to prolong the life of your jewelry and avoid the "cons" just mentioned!

Storage is crucial. The absolute best place to store your costume jewelry ring is in a zip lock bag. Make sure your ring is dry though! Do not store your ring right after you've washed your hands or were perspiring. Moisture is public enemy #1 for costume jewelry rings. You should remove your ring when in direct contact with water, lotion, perfume and any other types of cosmetics.

Now, if you have a tendency to get that greenish-black ring around your finger from costume rings, there are two things you want to look out for when shopping. First, silver rings that have been plated in rhodium will provide a barrier from the underlying metals that create this reaction with your skin. The second thing to look out for when shopping for gold costume rings is to make sure that they were created using gold over a sterling silver base. Normally, these rings will be stamped with a sterling silver marking (e.g. SS925, 925 etc.).

At PortiaJewelry.com you will see a variety of costume jewelry rings and each description will tell you exactly what the ring was crafted out of. Many of Portia's silver rings are sterling silver and rhodium plated. Many of Portia's gold costume rings are created with gold over sterling silver. Don't be afraid to get that gold or silver tone ring you've been eyeing even though it is not made of sterling silver! With proper storage, our favorite being zip locks, and avoiding moisture, you can wear all costume jewelry rings without fear. Best of all, with the low cost of costume rings you can sport all different designs and colors to coordinate with all your outfits!