Jewelry–especially high-profile jewelry–has evolved over the ages. And the general public has always looked to the celebrities to define fashion. The silent movie era set the trend for heavy metal dangling earrings, but when sound came on, tighter fitting jewelry replaced the noisy ones. Hollywood played a major role in determining what’s fashionable… but nothing much has changed.

A 10–carat marquise diamond ring marked the engagement of Catherine Zeta-Jones to Michael Douglas. Ben Affleck adorned Jennifer Lopez’s finger with a glittering 6–carat pink diamond when he popped the question. Tom Cruise’s 5-carat engagement ring for Katie Holmes also made celebrity news highlights the world over.

Then it comes as no surprise that this year’s Oscar Awards function was also a showcase of fashionable–and inspiring–jewelry. No jewelry lover could have missed Cameron Diaz’s vibrant green earrings (emeralds?), Gwyneth Paltrow’s stacked bracelets, Maggie Gyllenhaal’s classic earrings and wrist bangle or Nicole Kidman’s wide bracelet.

Now, I believe that jewelry that inspires must be created inspired. So I put it on my research agenda to find original and inspiring creations that also offered value for money–I discovered overstock.com.

Overstock.com, that calls itself “Your Online Outlet”, reminded me of Aladdin’s cave of treasures with a glittering array of jewelry creations including rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets.

What really helps here is that you have the option of choosing your piece by the type you need, rather than by category. For example, if you’re looking for wedding jewelry, you can directly go to a page that lists varieties of engagement rings, bridal sets and diamond bands in assorted eye-catching designs.

Similarly, you have the pearl section with mind-bogging creations such as freshwater and cultured pearl earrings to Tahitian pearl rings, necklaces and pendants. Diamond jewelry is probably your best best for birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries, and at overstock.com, you can browse through a number of diamond bracelets, necklaces and earrings.

Then, of course, you can choose from their contemporary gold collection, which includes discount gold jewelry and gold jewelry sets. Choose from white gold, yellow gold, or black hills gold for earrings, rings, necklaces, and more.Looking for casual, everyday jewelry you can wear to spice up your looks for just about any occasion? The site offers Sterling silver jewelry ranging from everyday silver rings and bracelets to silver necklaces and earrings.

Men don’t need to lose heart, either. Men’s Jewelry section has men’s rings, wedding bands, bracelets, cuff links and pendants. The site also has an ‘other jewelry’ section, where you might be pleasantly surprised to see some fine jewelry at discount prices, gemstone jewelry, designer jewelry and elegant jewelry bozes as well as clearane offers.

And then you have a range of mesemerising range of diamond, pearl and and gemstone rings set in white and yellow gold, sterling silver, stainless steel and silver tone. These are rings that will never fail to impress–whether it’s the sparkling diamond ring or posh titanium ring. The gold rings and silver rings can feature your or your loved one’s favorite gemstone or pearl. On the other hand (pun unintended), you might find the eternity band diamond ring just the right gift to celebrate an anniversary.

In the bridal jewelry section, you’ll also find the perfect three-stone diamond ring. What’s more, overstock.com provides you with descriptions of the diamonds’ clarity, color and carats, so when you choose a stone, you buy with confidence. Unique fashion rings and colored diamond rings also form part of the affordable collection. you are getting a great deal on a beautiful stone. All are available in sizes to suit every one, from under 5 to 11+. 

Taking care of jewelry and gemstones

Buying a beautiful work of jewelry can be one thing, but to derive everlasting peasure from it, it does take some effort. Some folks complain that their jewelry changes color or becomes pale and void of any lustre. This has nothing to do with the quality of the jewelry– but rather points to the simple fact that it has not been maintained the right way.

What many fail to realize is the fact that jewelry needs constant care and cleaning to keep up its apeal. Daily wear jewelry can be cleaned efficiently by soap and warm water, preferably with a soft brush to clan the intricate parts. Remember that diamonds are the hardest of gemstones, and must be kept separately, while emeralds should not be exposed to extreme heat or to very cold or hot water. Pearls can be cleaned easily,without exposing them to heat.