A month ago, I received a call for a job interview. I wanted it so bad I immediately looked in my closet to plan what I was going to wear. But lo and behold - I can’t find any appropriate clothes to wear! I had to shop for formal clothes on the eve of my interview and it wasn’t exactly therapeutic, because I was so anxious. Long story short, I got the job and learned some valuable lessons along the way regarding dressing for success. If you think that you fail at life for not knowing these scary adult things, find solace in the fact that you are not alone. Check out some of the tips below, they were really helpful to me. 

Know The Industry

This may probably be the most important for the guidelines of dressing up for an interview. Knowing the industry automatically gives you an idea of the nature of the job, as well as the culture. This way, you will be guided on how to dress up accordingly. Basically, you won’t come to a fashion house dressed up in your drab garb or in a construction firm in your sky-high heels and sheer blouse. Apart from that, doing your research will also prepare you for the interview itself, as I'm pretty sure you’ll come across facts about the company and the job that you’ll be interviewing for.

Don’t Lose Your Personality

Job interviews are done to assess the applicant’s capabilities in the short amount of time in the interview, so you aren’t sure if it is enough for them to know that you are perfect for the job. No matter how cliche this might seem, first impressions always last and we immediately pass judgment on what we see. There’s no better way to let them see that you’re up for the job by the way you dress. Wearing the generic black suit-white button down is okay, but it wouldn’t hurt if you add some of your personality in there.

Accessories are a smart choice by playing up your outfit, without going overboard. This love heart charm pendant with matching love heart stud earrings is a nice dainty contrast to a structured blazer. If you want to wear the thick chain that you’ve recently purchased, it’s best to use it in another occasion. Wearing flashy jewellery can be distracting to your interviewer. We want to stand out but, not in the wrong way.

Salvatore Ferragamo

You can also opt to bring a satchel or a nice handbag. It’s alright not to wear black shoes but avoid loud colours. Nude, brown and/or two-tone pumps are great alternatives. Also, keep the heel height modest. As a general rule, anything above 3 inches should be left at home.

Hygiene Is Important

If there’s one thing to remember apart from choosing the right clothes, it is good hygiene. You will not do your clothes justice if they are wrinkled or stained. Your hair should also be neatly styled. Put it in a ponytail or a low bun so it will be away from your face. Wear makeup that is appropriate for the industry you are interviewing for but generally, light makeup is a good idea. Also, avoid wearing overpowering scents since most of the time, an interview is done in a close room. We don’t want to suffocate our interviewers, do we?

Be Confident

We can’t help but become anxious during job interviews, but try to relax as much as possible and bring out that confidence in you. Dressing up is not just about the clothes, but it’s how you carry yourself which is why being confident is very important. I always tell myself that if I believe in myself enough, other people will too. However, don't get too over-confident. It's a deal breaker and most, if not all employers, get turned off with that attitude. With the preparations that you've done, pretty sure that you’ll bag the job. If you still feel the nerves, practice deep breathing prior to being called for your turn. It really helps. Now smile, you got this!

For more tips, here's an infographic by collegeatlas.org with statistics to back them up! 

     

Having sensitive skin is really difficult because you have to be mindful of a lot of things that come in contact with your, well, skin. This is not limited to skin care and makeup, but applies to jewellery too. If you have sensitive skin, there is a big chance that you might have metal allergies. This is such a pain especially to those who love to accessorise.

Monroe by Sebastian Barr for L'Edito Magazine

Aside from the fact that it gives you skin problems (itching, redness, rashes and etc.), it is also painful to the pockets because you have no choice but to buy expensive jewellery since they usually contain less reactive metals. This previous post talks about the health risks in buying cheap costume jewellery, and it appears that allergic reactions are the most common issue.

“I love my accessories and I have metal allergies. How can I have the best of both worlds?”

Don’t worry, we’re here to help!

First of all, you have to acknowledge that you have metal allergies. Fashion over comfort may be your motto but in this situation, you have to reconsider because your skin is your body’s first line of defence. A break in the skin is a room for bacteria and other harmful organisms to get into your system. We don’t want that!  Also, I'm pretty sure you don’t want to live with the itching, rashes and unsightly scabs that could leave ugly marks. If skin irritation begins to develop (usually starts with itching), remove the jewellery immediately. Prolonged contact on the skin will make it worse, especially when exposed to sweat and/or moisture because that is what makes the metals react. Have you noticed how itchy and painful that cheap necklace became when you were sweating or that ring after you repeatedly washed your hands? Also, it is important to note that increased exposure to these metals, especially nickel, makes you more prone to develop the allergy, even if you have never experienced it in the past. If you thought that constantly wearing these pieces of jewellery will make your skin get used to them, sadly you’re wrong. (I used to think the same way, too!)

So, what are the options?

Thanks to science and the advancements in technology, we can still enjoy accessorising despite having metal allergies without having to spend a fortune.

Photo from knowyourmeme.com

 The answer is hypoallergenic jewellery! There are a few options to consider and surgical steel hypoallergenic jewellery is one of them. It is used by medical professionals so we can say that it is safe. Though can not be promised as 100% hypoallergenic, the rate of allergic reaction from surgical steel is very low. If you're wondering where to buy surgical steel earrings, necklace and bracelets, look no further! Solace Jewellery is entirely dedicated to ensuring everyone can wear the jewellery they desire! Take a look at our collection and try them for yourself.

In addition, if you have a piece of jewellery and you are not sure if it contains metals that would cause irritation, a metal-testing kit will come in handy. It is very easy to use and it won't take too much of your time. Put some of the solution on a cotton ball, rub on the jewellery in question and check if there is a change in the solution's colour. If it does, the jewellery may have some metals that will cause a reaction. These kits are readily available and you can even purchase one online.

 We all want nice shiny things, but most of the time they don't come cheap. 

Jewellery is one of the best examples for that. In an attempt to make it available to everyone, manufacturers have resorted to making low-cost jewellery. These are widely available in major retail chains such as Claire's, Forever 21 and H&M among others. 

 Have you ever wondered what your costume jewellery is made up of? 

According to an article from Dailymail, most of the cheap costume jewellery that are easily bought in the market are packed with harmful chemicals that are toxic to the body. Below is an infographic of the most prominent chemicals found by the non-profit environmental safety organisation, The Ecology Center when they tested 99 items from different fashion and retail stores. 

I was surprised to learn that serious health risks may arise over a tiny piece of jewellery, thinking that contact dermatitis and allergic reactions are the greatest concerns that I would have buying cheap jewellery, but I guess I was wrong! This may explain why it's so cheap.

Most costume jewellery is especially harmful when ingested, you are probably thinking why on earth would I want to eat a piece of jewellery anyway? Well, how many time do you see people putting their necklace in their mouth whilst day dreaming of thinking of the proposal for that next meeting (you may gnaw on your necklace when you're deep in thought, admit it). Cheap jewellery can easily chip off, and you have unknowingly ingested some bits of the costume jewellery that you have been wearing. However, the scariest part is when your kid may swallow a piece or bite off a part of what they're wearing. Children have a habit of placing things in their mouth and the percentage of them ingesting foreign objects are quite high. You wouldn't believe the things that hospitals have to deal with over children eating things other than food, but I digress. Now, I guarantee you wouldn't even want your child to suffer from a mosquito bite, never mind allowing them to wear jewellery that could pose serious health risks.

It's a good thing that we now have alternatives that won't break the bank. I, myself, have sensitive skin and have always been irritated by cheap earrings. As much as I want to buy the fancy stuff, my pockets furiously say no. I found out that one of the best earrings for allergies is surgical steel earrings. This post appropriately explains why it is preferred since it's also being used by medical professionals. While it may not work for the entire population, various researches have backed its claim of having a low reaction rate. Personally, I am not allergic to surgical steel and I hope it works for you as well. After learning about the health risks of buying cheap jewellery, I will probably stick to my surgical steel jewellery now. There aren't a lot of retailers which offer surgical steel jewellery especially in the UK but if you want to try them, check out our collection. Other metals that are also thought to be hypoallergenic are platinum and titanium but they can still be relatively expensive. 

I know it is very rare that you hear about people suffering from this stuff, but make sure you know what you are buying the next time you are browsing in those high street retail stores!

Valentine’s Day is that time in the month of February when couples become extra appreciative of each other. It has become an informal holiday of sorts for lovers. Since Christmas was barely two months ago, the challenge of finding that perfect gift for her becomes increasingly difficult, especially if you've been together for quite some time. As cliche as it may seem, the things that aren’t tangible (love, time, affection and etc) are those that are mostly appreciated. However, it won’t hurt if you give her something that will make her remember your Valentine’s Day celebration even more. It doesn’t have to be grand, as the simple gestures will be better than most of the frivolous presents when well thought out. If she’s always talked about those pair of gold love heart stud earrings, the ones with the huge diamonds, then you know what to do. But if those are out of your budget, we’re here for you.

Jewellery

Jewellery is a go-to gift for most men on special days, especially Valentine's Day and anniversaries, but it has rather become ordinary. We don't want that to happen so the goal is to find that piece of jewellery that represents her and her personality. You don't have to shell out a lot of money to make her happy. For instance, you can give her these 6mm Emerald Square Hypoallergenic Earrings, because she was born in the month of May and her birthstone is emerald. Include a heartfelt written note on how you became a new person when she came into your life (since emerald is a symbol of rebirth).  If you're not much of a romantic, she may be pleasantly surprised by the poem you just penned by knowing the meaning of her birthstone. Be creative, Google is your friend!

 Spa Kit

Image from www.sephora.com

For days when she wants to be pampered and relaxed at home, this gift will make her love you tenfold. A well-curated spa kit suggests that you know what she wants, at the same time showing you want her well taken care of. Sephora has a selection of bath gift sets that can make life a bit easier for you. Throw in her favourite La Mer hand creme for good measure. To make things even better, schedule a spa day for her with you giving the treatments. Make her feel like a queen! Don't forget the aromatic candles to make the atmosphere more relaxed and the ambiance romantic. If things go well, she might be in the mood for romance for the rest of the day. Win-win situation!

 Workout Clothes

 Image from shop.lululemon.com

It's the start of the year so your girl must have sworn that she'll drop off that holiday weight by going to the gym or the yoga studio. Be extra supportive by giving her cute but functional workout clothes. You can never go wrong with Lululemon. They can be steep but know that her happiness is priceless, so your call. Also, pretty sure these clothes will be on Instagram because you know, pics or the workout didn't happen so be a good "Instagram husband" and help her out. 

 Recipe Box Subscription 

Image from mindfulchef.com

If she likes cooking, but does not have the convenience of time to go shopping or prepare all of the ingredients, this is the best present for her (which you can also benefit from). These boxes contain pre-measured ingredients along with recipe cards. The best part? It is delivered at her doorstep! There are plenty of services to choose ranging from organic to paleo. If she's been telling you about going paleo for some time now, this is the time for her to try. You can also cook one of the recipes together for your dinner date to serve as extra bonding time. 

A Good Book

Image from amazon.com

A book from her favourite author will be one of the best gifts she will ever receive from her partner. This means that apart from wanting her to look and feel great, you also want her to stay mentally sharp. How's that for holistic caring, huh? If she doesn't have a favourite author, take a look at her reading list or casually ask her about the genre that she's into. Otherwise, buy her a book that you feel may inspire her. According to Vanity Fair, Binary Star by Sarah Gerard is one of the best books to give to your best friend. Makes sense because aside from her being your partner, she's also your best friend, right? If she's not the type to dwell on books, buy her a subscription of her favourite magazine instead! 

Honourable mention:

Flowers and Chocolates 

 Image from debenhamsflowers.com

Though very common, these can always mark the occasion special. No matter how much women say they would rather receive this or that, flowers and chocolates have a way of tugging at the heartstrings. So along with the gift ideas mentioned above, be a gentleman and bring her a bouquet of her favourite flowers with a box of chocolates.  

From hypoallergenic earrings to recipe box subscriptions, we hope you already have an idea on what to give to make her Valentine's Day celebration extra memorable. If the effort is there, she will notice and you will easily become her favourite out of all her favourite things that you've given her. 

The jewellery trend for 2015 has been more about minimalism with skinny cuffs, stud earrings and slim necklaces dominating the scene. However, designers decided to do away with all of that and showcased big, beautiful statement pieces for their 2016 Spring jewellery collections. If you would love to try out statement pieces but don’t know how to incorporate them in your wardrobe, check out our tips below! To not break the bank, we at Solace Jewellery, will also be providing you with fantastic hypoallergenic jewellery alternatives.

Earrings

L-R: Salvatore Ferragamo, Sacai, Balenciaga and Chanel

Image from en.vogue.fr

Earrings have particularly been given special attention with some very interesting pieces from different fashion houses. Geometric patterns, tribal-inspired, chandeliers, ear cuffs and large hoops - you name it! However, what caught our fancy are the twists on the classic pearl earrings on the runways of Salvatore Ferragamo, Sacai and Balenciaga among others.

How to wear them

Though our maximalist spirits are high, it is best to have a focal point on one piece at a time. We don’t want to look like our jewellery box spilled on us, do we? If you choose to wear large/shoulder duster earrings (long earrings that reach the shoulders, hence the term), pull your hair back to show off the wonderful pieces of art. Skip the necklace and let them shine on their own. Also, be mindful of the dress code especially at work, some workplaces don’t allow extravagant accessories.

Our take

If you are accustomed to wearing minimal jewellery, this Oval Pearl Bead Drop hypoallergenic earrings might be perfect for the transition. These affordable pieces are high quality surgical steel earrings so the chance of having allergic reactions is close to zero. This pair is also muted enough to be worn at work without appearing boring.

Necklace

Christian Dior

Image from harpersbazaar.com

Long and slim necklaces were all the rage last year as with layering but recent trends are heading out in the direction of focusing on the collar which is why chokers are getting a lot of attention as well as scarves, ribbons and bow ties. Stones and crystals decided to be back on trend as well. This might be the best time to wear your birthstone without looking too cheesy.

How to wear them

My favorite thing to do with statement necklaces are pairing it with solids. That way, the focus is on the necklace and not on the print of my dress/top. Another idea is to wear your button-downs by buttoning it all the way up and placing the necklace under the collar. The necklace peeks out and may appear to be a part of your top too. Instant wardrobe update, right? If you want to wear a printed top, make sure it isn’t too busy or the print isn’t large, then it shouldn’t clash with your neck piece.  

Our take

Our Prong-set Round Charm Necklace with Violet Cubic Zirconia stud may not be the loudest piece of statement jewellery you’ll own, but it is a great option as a collar necklace. To make it a bit more edgy, replace the chain with a chunkier one. The industrial revolution vibe also appears to be hot right now as showcased in the Spring runways of Chanel, Balenciaga, Emilio Pucci and Alexander Wang.

Bracelets and Cuffs

Tods

Image from harpersbazaar.com

I have noticed that Tribal and the Industrial revolution are two of the major influences on arm pieces for the 2016 Spring runways. Tropical and colorful in stark contrast to chains, hardware and buckles. Though these styles are showcased individually by different designers, both these aesthetics are translated to bejeweled arm chains as shown on the models of Rodarte.

How to wear them

I used to believe that cuffs and bracelets are the easiest to wear because they are not that noticeable as opposed to necklace and earrings. Boy, was I wrong. Apart from thinking of how to do a stylish stack, I also needed to match it with what I’m wearing. It was very confusing to be honest. The first thing I learned is to make my outfit a reference point. If I’m wearing something feminine, I try to balance it with a couple of edgy pieces. A mix of textures and materials is always a good idea so don’t be afraid to mix metals with pearls.

Our take

This Solace Jewellery Black Crystal Bead Ball bracelet has a nod on industrial revolution with its links and chains. Pair it with some of your other colourful tribal bracelets and you have the season’s trends on your arms.

Trends come and go so you don’t have to try everything all at once. If you are not comfortable wearing big, statement pieces, then this may be the perfect time to go out of your comfort zone and try. Mix them with your classic pieces for balance.

For 2016, Pantone has introduced two as colours of the year, Serenity (icy blue) and Rose Quartz (pale pink)!

Since we will be expecting this colour scheme to be all over next year, let’s get on with the trend as early as now by incorporating them in our winter fashion. If you’ve always been wondering how to dress up for winter without the risk of looking like a snowman, this post is for you! Whip out those scarves, hats and star drop earrings because you’ll be needing them.

Rose Quartz and Serenity

Accessories are key

On some of the coldest days, the urge to wear your comfiest (but ugly) sweater is highly appealing. But you won’t care, you just want to survive the cold. I mean, it’s hard enough to feel warm and cozy - never mind warm, cozy and fashionable. The answer to this dilemma? Accessories!

Scarves

Image from oldnavy.gap.com

Scarves can help combat the cold but at the same time make your outfit amazing. I like to call them functional accessories. Choose a scarf with an interesting print to complement your outfit or a bright one for a pop of colour. This is the perfect time to incorporate Rose Quartz and/or Serenity to your ensemble by choosing scarves with this colour scheme. Also, material is very important. Alpaca, wool and cashmere are great for when the temperature drops, and can last for years when properly handled. These can get expensive, but bear in mind the feeling of warmth is priceless.

The possibilities of styling with a scarf is endless, as you can play up with different ties and knots too. Look for tutorials online and see which goes with a particular outfit. Share this scarf-knotting knowledge with the bff for an instant bonding session.

Hats

Image from shop.nordstrom.com

Choosing a hat might be a bit tricky, especially if you aren’t the hat-wearing type. There are a lot of things to consider such as your face shape, head size, material, etc, but you know what I do? I ignore most of them (except the size). Yes, that’s right.  Fashion is meant to be enjoyed and if you feel confident wearing that beanie, then by all means do it. However, keep in mind that choosing the right size is important not only for it to look good but for you to feel comfortable too. An ill-fitting hat might feel too constricting on your head or will keep falling to your eyes.

If you are wearing neutral coloured clothes, try putting on a colored hat. It attracts attention to your face and makes it more alive. Pastel colours such as the one above can help balance a somewhat dark ensemble.

If you have spent time styling your hair and don’t want it to be messed up, pick a style that would complement it. For instance, I love to wear berets when sporting loose waves or a fedora when in a ponytail. However, I’ve always been partial to beanies when I’m lazy because I can just let my hair run wild and it would still look good.

Jewellery

I remember my friend once remarked that she can’t survive without earrings because she would feel ugly. Now this friend is quite the drama queen but what she said stuck to me. I noticed that jewellery can make any look well put together, no matter how simple. For example, a pair of classic pearl earrings can add class to a simple shirt and jeans combo. This versatile pair of Turquoise star drop earrings might not be exactly be the shade of Pantone’s Serenity, but this pair is great for a touch of colour when you want to keep it neutral on clothes. Also, our beautiful Rose Gold plated drop hypoallergenic earrings would be a nice warm contrast to your pale pink knits. If you wish to keep it simple, you can choose from our hypoallergenic stud earrings collection.  

Necklaces are also great accessories especially when wearing layers. This Prong-set Teardrop charm necklace with aquamarine cubic zirconia stud would look very pretty over a turtleneck. This statement necklace is already a beauty on its own but you can also layer it with delicate chains and other styles for added edge.  

In the past, I avoided wearing jewellery especially when it’s snowing because I might lose it and have to shovel through snow to find it. It also doesn’t help that my skin gets easily irritated with  jewellery so I have to wear the real ones (which can get expensive). If you were like me and have wondered where to buy surgical steel earrings and hypoallergenic jewellery, you my friend, have come to the perfect page. You can now fully accessories without having to worry about losing the pair of gold earrings your grandma passed on to you as a family heirloom in the snow.

Gloves

Image from shop.nordstrom.com

The criteria for choosing which gloves to wear has increased with the arrival of smartphones and social media. Does this keep my hand from falling off from the cold? Are they good quality? Will they match most of my clothes? Are they comfortable? Can I use my smartphone with them? Is this Instagram-worthy? Wait..what? Don’t even deny, you thought about it! While there are plenty of styles and colours to choose from, I always believe that black leather gloves are a classic and must be present in a girl’s closet (unless she lives in a tropical country). However, it can get boring to be sporting all black everything. The Kate Spade pair above are a dainty shade of pink and have a ribbon detail that would look lovely in contrast to your dark coat, plus it is so on point with Pantone’s rose quartz.

Gift Guide for Her

Wow, it’s already the last month of the year. How did the year go so fast?

While you may wonder what you’ve been doing for the past 11 months, let it sink in that it’s already December which means that, the holidays are here! One of the things I look forward to is Christmas because I get to spend it with the people who are most important to me. Other than that, I am most excited about the gifts and the food, especially the food. While Christmas started as a celebration for Christians to commemorate the birth of the child Jesus, it has evolved into a time for everyone to gather and exchange presents. I love how people are extra generous during the Christmas season. Those Christmas carols must have been doing their job, huh? Though gift-giving is fun, it’s sometimes difficult to find that perfect gift especially to the people who matter. We at Solace Jewellery are here to help you with fantastic, not-so-common ideas on what to give as presents. Let’s start with the ladies of your life. May it be for your mum, wife, sister, girlfriend or co-worker, we have something for everyone.

Jewellery

What do they say about diamonds? Right, that they are a girl’s best friend. If you have the extra cash to part ways with, get your mum those pair of diamond stud earrings that she’s always been checking. This may not be enough to thank her for all the years she spent and sacrifices made in taking care of you (not to mention the whole 9 months she carried you), but the bling will surely put a wide smile on her face. Not everyone has a lot of cash to spare though and we are with you on that. A great alternative would be a pair of hypoallergenic earrings such as this clear Cubic Zirconia surgical steel earrings.

Let’s not forget grandma! You can get her a pair of classic pearl hypoallergenic earrings, too. It looks timeless just like her. These are elegant enough but won’t break the bank. However, the downside of some cheap jewellery is that it may irritate the skin due to the metals used, so look for our products that are made of surgical stainless steel as they reduce the chance of her getting allergies.

If she is not too keen on a pair of earrings, you can give her a necklace or a bracelet. Charm bracelets are great as friendship bracelets for you and the best friend. It’s not corny, it’s actually really cute. The important thing is for you to know her sense of style so you can choose something that she would in fact, wear. I always get secretly thrilled whenever I see mum or grandma wear something that I personally picked out for her. It makes me feel appreciated.

Bathrobe

 You might ask..Really, a bathrobe? Why?

Well, why not? Bathrobes are the perfect loungewear especially in cold winter days. There’s nothing like melting into a soft, cozy robe on lazy days..or when all of your clothes are in the laundry. You see, the uses of a bathrobe are endless but let’s discuss that in another time.

For your partner, give her a plush fleece robe especially since the holidays can be very cold. To make it extra special, get her one of those aromatherapy candles and some bubble bath for some home spa sessions. Who knows, she might ask you to share the tub with her.

As for your BFF, get matching satin robes monogrammed with your names so you can all pretend to be VS Angels in your next sleepover. Decide among you who gets to be Gigi and Kendall. Better yet, just be yourselves!

Plant(s)

I am not kidding on this one so hear me out. Indoor plants such as succulents have been gaining popularity thanks to Instagram and other social media sites. It is a perfect accessory to a flatlay and makes a space more pleasing to the eyes. One doesn’t have to be a green thumb as it is also relatively easy to take care of, too! This is great as a present to co-workers and friends who can’t seem to make up their minds on what to receive for Christmas, aside from your sister who genuinely loves plants of course.  To make it more personal, transfer the succulents to planters that you feel would best represent the person you are giving it to. No need for fancy things since you can use a mug or a bowl. Also, choose those that are very good air filters. Aloe vera, among other plants, is considered to be a good air purifier according to NASA. You are not only making their space pretty, you are also somewhat helping them to have a healthy environment.

Magazine Subscription

Pretty sure you have that friend who is an avid reader of Kinfolk (as evidenced by her Instagram feed) so it would be totally nifty to gift her  a subscription. A subscription of her favourite magazine or newspaper shows you pay attention to her interests, which is a big deal if you ask me. Most magazines or publications now have online subscriptions which tends to be cheaper and they also have an option for gift subscriptions on their websites. Also, this makes it easier for you because you don’t have to go to the  shopping centre anymore since you can do it in the comfort of your home (thank you, internet).

Shapewear

Shape..what? Yes, they exist. Body positivity is great and it’s a good thing but sometimes, women would want to wear clothes that are quite unforgiving in showing  those bumps they want to smooth out. Hey, even Beyonce wears them! Your significant other will love you even more because she can finally slip in that bandage dress that she’s been wanting to wear for your anniversary date. Happy wife (or girlfriend), happy life!

These are not your typical gift ideas, save maybe for the jewellery (but it’s a classic), so rest assured that your gifts will stand out from the rest. Also, if you insist on going the common and “traditional” route of giving perfumes, toiletries or picture frames as gifts, make it more personal at least by including a short note. Whatever you pick out for her, may it be the most affordable hypoallergenic earrings or the most expensive gold cuff, what’s important is that it is given wholeheartedly. After all what’s the point in giving if it’s forced, right?

Pick up your perfect gift here @SolaceJewellery

• Pain and swelling that extends beyond the hole
• Bleeding
• Yellow discharge or a crust around the hole
• The earring becomes stuck in your ear
• A fever above 100-degrees Fahrenheit

Use a saline solution to treat the infection. Most piercing infections are easily treated and don’t progress to anything harmful, so long as they aren’t left to run their course. To treat an infection, use the same saline solution as you would to clean your ear shortly after getting it pierced. Mix a solution of ¼-teaspoon non-iodized sea salt with 8-ounces (1 cup) of warm water. Pour this mixture into a small bowl or shot glass and soak your ear in it for 3-5 minutes. If using a cup is too difficult, soak sterile gauze in the solution and hold it to the infection for 3-5 minutes. Repeat this up to two times a day until the infection has cleared.

Use ice to reduce pain and swelling. Although holding ice to your infected piercing won’t reduce the infection, it will reduce the swelling and numb some of the pain. Hold an ice cube to your piercing for 5-10 minutes until the swelling has gone down. You can do this daily 2-3 times, or whenever you notice swelling.

Make an appointment with your doctor of the infection does not subside. If you’re dealing with a particularly tough infection that does not go away after 2-3 days of treatment, you may need to visit your doctor for a prescription antibiotic. If your earring is stuck in your infected ear or if it won’t stop bleeding, you should also make an appointment with your doctor.

This advice has been taken from wikihow to help you avoid further discomfort, and treat infections quickly. To find out more, visit http://www.wikihow.com/Take-Care-of-Pierced-Ears

Hopefully you have read our post on why allergies occur, and you are now an expert on which metals to avoid! 

If your skin is sensitive, just using a specific type of metal may work well, but you still run the risk of some discomfort if you do not look after your ears. I would like to share some helpful tips on keeping your ears free from irritation, allowing you to continue wearing your favourite accessories.

• Avoid metals which cause the aggravation and try to wear hypoallergenic earrings, surgical steel usually solves the problem.
• Wear post earrings for the first few months after your piercing, as they don't pull on your ears.
• Don't wear your earrings 24/7, although you love your earrings so much you do not want to part, limiting the exposure helps.
• This is also a good time to clean both your ears and the earrings, making sure there are no scratches in your jewellery that can collect dirt.
• It's an obvious one, but try to avoid getting hair and clothing caught in your earrings.
• Applying a powder will absorb any sweat and moisture, stopping the metal reacting. Make sure you test the powder first to make sure it does not cause your skin to react.
• Applying cream can actually cause infection, it seals over the hole therefore preventing air form getting to the skin, and it can also trap germs and dirt. 

Following these easy steps will help you avoid the pain of metal allergies. Our aim is to help provide the best allergy free, hypoallergenic earrings, and we have been helping people wear earrings again with great results.

There is a great descriptive blog on Wikihow with all the information you could possible need on pierced ears and keeping infection out, read it here.

Solace Jewellery

Have you had your eye on that special diamond ring, or a high quality branded necklace? Jewellery can be a significant and personal purchase, quality jewellery can last a lifetime and even be passed down for generations. Unfortunately, the market is saturated with fake or low quality copies, and it can turn a memorable investment into a traumatic experience.

To help you get what you pay for and not be fooled by fakery, here is a list of tips and things to look out for:

The seller 

If it seems to good to be true, it probably is! Quality jewellery will rarely be sold on a website you have never heard of for "80% off", it seems like an obvious point but according to the 2012/13 Intellectual Property Office Annual Report, around seven million people visit sites offering illegal content in the UK each and every month.

If you are buying online, does the company have a range of products, not just one particular brand or type? Check the images of the products they sell, they should be original and not stolen from another company. If they do not have any photos of the jewellery you wish to buy, do not purchase anything from them!

If you are looking to buy from eBay, be very careful who you chose to purchase from. It is the prime location for fake jewellery and counterfeits. Check the sellers history, if they have just sold 10 other similar items cheaply, they are probably fakes. However if the seller has sold other unwanted branded items that you are sure are real, they are probably genuine and selling off unwanted assets. Reviews and feedback are always a good indication to the quality of the person/company.

Location is also a giveaway, Asia is a hotspot for producing jewellery copies. Try to purchase from large chains or local businesses. 

The jewellery and packaging

If you can check your jewellery for a stamp or hallmark, look out for 9 Carat Gold, 14 Carat Gold, 18 Carat Gold, 22 Carat Gold, 950 Platinum, 950 Silver. There are only 4 assay offices in the UK, these are London, Birmingham, Sheffield and Edinburgh. Always check for these hallmarks, if you are unsure of what they look like, download this PDF.

Costume jewellery will use fake glass or plastic gemstones, not real diamonds or stones. They use metal alloys such as brass, nickel and various other combinations, sometimes covered in a thin gold plating to make them look good. These cheaper alternatives are prone to chips and corrosion, which inevitably leads to irritation, itchy skin and inflammation.

If you are buying a branded item, make sure you study the font and logo of the company and compare closely. Weldings points on links are also an important area, pay attention to any lumps that suggest poor spot welding, and it should feel weighty, solid and robust. Top companies will brand each item of jewellery with their own hallmarks, make sure you identify them.

Silver/White Gold:

To mimic silver or white gold, fake jewellery is sometimes plated with a very thin layer of the most expensive metal on earth, Rhodium. Once this thin layer is worn away, the shiny appearance will fade and the colour of the metal below will start to show. If you check the underside of a ring for a stamp, such as 14k or 10k it will signify what type of gold the ring is made of. If you see this stamp, and the ring is silver in colour, it’s rhodium plated.

Diamonds:

Real diamond rings come with a certificate, if they do not offer one be sure to ask for it. Also read over the other paper work that comes with your jewellery, it should be printed to a high quality and have information of the brand and the jewellery you have bought, with aftercare help.

Gold:

There are a few easy ways to test of the gold on your new jewellery is real:

• Check for the stamp: karat (10K, 14K, 18K, 22K or 24K).
• The magnet test. If your gold sticks to a magnet, its not real as gold is not magnetic.
• Gold is a soft metal, therefore you should be able to make a slight indent with your teeth.
• If you cannot be sure, take it to a local jeweller who can do further tests.

Packaging is a good gauge to the authenticity of jewellery, quality companies have just as high standards when it comes to the box. If it looks cheap, it may well be a fake. Do not base your judgement on just the packaging however, as it is easy to get hold of real packaging and box the fake jewellery inside!

Aftersales

Reputable companies will offer an aftercare service for quality jewellery, so be sure to dig further into the website if you are online. Ask in store for more information if you cannot do some research before hand.

If you buy from eBay, paypal will refund your money if you follow the correct procedures. Be sure to post the items back recorded to delivery to ensure they do not "lose" the jewellery.

If you’ve fallen foul of fakery, you should report it directly to the seller as well as reporting it to Trading Standards.

Have you bought a fake product, deliberately or accidentally? Did you try to return it and what happened when you did?