Fashion smart - distinguishing your quality jewelry

Distinguishing plastics & acrylics from glass, ceramics, and quality stones.
1. Weight- You can distinguish quality beads by the weight of the product. Glass, ceramics, and natural stones weigh more than plastics and acrylic.
2. Sound- Glass, Ceramics, stones, etc. I classify as quality materials in comparison to plastic and acrylic beads.  They have a destinctive sound when you tap it with a fingernail, key, etc. compared to plastics and acrylics.
3. Visual- Plastics and acrylics normally have a line of demarcation from the molding and is not smooth all the way around in comparison to glass and ceramic beads. May also have a sort of white discoloration on one end where the bead was separated from other beads in creation process.
Common Errors found with Defective Beads
1. No hole, multiple holes, or hole placement off.
2. Paint errors whether dip dyed or painted by hand, etc.
3. Distorted beads that are not correctly shaped. Example round bead actually oval.
4. Chipped beads
5. Variations in hole sizes * You will never find a perfect strand and natural stones are like feathers, no two will be exactly the same. Understand that with painted plastics eventually the entire coating willchip away and reveal the plastic so it is better to invest in jade or onyx, etc. The better quality material you use to create your jewelry, the longer the wear.
Distinguishing Metals Precious metals include silver gold and platinum -resist corrosion and non-reactive- must be solid and not plated to be fine jewelry; And includes titanium and tonxton (below precious). Costume jewelry combines base metal, gold and silver plated, combined with precious plated together with electrical current and electrolyte solution. Uses polished brass. Understand that when buying or creating custom jewelry, fine jewelry metals cost and the cost is incurred with the creation of the piece. Whether fine or costume, all metals turn. Be sure to check out my blog on how to clean your jewelry. Visit www.ingridzworld.com and click on Jeweled by Ingrid