In the 18th century, a French jeweler named George Frederic Stras had a brilliant entrepreneurial idea. He coated the backs of clear crystals with a metal, forcing the reflection out through the stone itself, creating the sparkly bit we know now as rhinestones. Later, Daniel Swarovski utilized a technique used in cutting gemstones, and the best crystals of today are often thought of as Swarovski crystal.

I personally have nothing against rhinestone jewelry; I think it is fun, and useful for everything from children’s ballet performances to the dancers in Las Vegas. No one today mistakes it for diamonds, and everyone has a right to sparkle!

But in some circles, you might have to be very careful about calling something a gemstone or a jewel.

My favorite place to view gemstones in their natural state? The Smithsonian in Washington D.C., of course. Have you ever been there? It is truly a jewelry/gemstone lover’s dream!

I think kids should have real jewelry. What I mean is, forget the plastic throw-away, non biodegradable junk that passes for little girl’s jewelry these days. Give your child something that she will be proud to wear, not just as a child, but when she is older as well. Of course a child’s pearl bracelet won’t fit an adult, but she can have it restrung at some point, with pearls added. And it will always have meaning for her.

You may say "What does Robert know, he’s not a dad!" And they would be right in that. But one thing I can say is that children are capable of taking care of quality things, and they will have more meaning for them than junk jewelry. So purchase children’s jewelry that is beautiful and long-lasting.

Now of course, every piece of jewelry has had the human touch applied to it in one way or another. But not all jewelry seems to carry forth the personality of the artist. This site I have linked to has always done that for me.

And over the years, the prices have remained in a range I have always been able to afford. Affordable jewelry? Ah yes. But so much more than that.

But unless you are choosing a "fun" necklace or pair of earrings for a child, try to get your intended "giftee" to tell you what he or she would prefer. Especially if you are spending over $50.00. An expensive jewelry gift hidden in a  drawer is worse than useless.

Consider an engraved piece of jewelry as something to give your closet family members the next time gift-giving time arrives.

A year ago a good friend of mine showed up at my doorstep practically in tears. It seems the Celtic knot ring her boyfriend had given her had turned  black! "No worries," I said, looking for my polishing cloth. So I rubbed. And I rubbed. Nothing. The black part just got shiny black. Great!

I said to her, sadly, "I’m afraid this may not be sterling silver after all." She was crestfallen. She replaced the ring on her finger and departed. The ring was a very special one to her. Her beloved was serving in Iraq, and it was an important physical connection to him.

Well, just a few days ago she called me. "Robert, you won’t believe this! But that ring of mine is sterling silver after all. I just decided to try out your suggestion with the baking soda, and lo and behold, it took off all the tarnish!"

It pays to pay attention to your own advice!

Of course when it’s time to put it on, you might want to give it a little polish, but it will be very easy to do since the tarnish you will have to remove will be so minimal.

Silver tarnishes because of sulfur in the air. And I have heard tell that because of all the pollution in our modern civilization, there is a lot more sulfur to be exposed to. Stands to reason. So keep those pretties protected from tarnish with this simple little hint!

And yes, you can use it to clean your silver jewelry as well. Once in a while I invest in a polishing cloth, but for the most part I use this tried and true old-fashioned method, and it works just fine. And you know what? It is biodegradable, and leaves no harmful byproducts in the environment.

I thought you might enjoy this little tip from "Uncle Robert!"

To protect your derriere as well as your pride, I suggest finding another way to pay the bills.

Your grandchildren will thank you for holding onto their heirlooms, and being man (or woman) enough to earn a living without selling off the family assets. I believe YOU should be the one to win if the price of gold goes through the roof someday, as many are predicting. And enjoy your gold earrings, pendants and brooches. They were made to be worn!