What to ask before you buy your next piece of jewelry

For those not familiar with the beautiful designs of Millefiori jewelry, this introduction is likely to begin a life long appreciation for this beautiful jewelry style.

The term Millefiori literally translated from Italian means “thousand flowers” and the jewelry is so named for the painstaking precision and detail, not to mention the pattern that defines this style. Millefiori beads and jewelry are made from hand crafted glass canes or rods known as murrine, which are very plain on the outside but when sliced expose a pattern that appears like a flower, star, geometric design or other detailed pattern.

Keep reading to learn what to ask before you buy your next piece of jewelry:

Is this a natural stone or a synthetic stone?

Bear in mind that synthetic stones can legally be described as “genuine,” so don’t get confused. Natural stones are mined naturally and develop with little human intervention. Synthetic stones are typically grown or “enhanced” with chemicals.

Is the color all natural?

Some gemstones can be enhanced with dyes, heat treatments, radiation, oils or colored waxes. Before you buy, ask if the color has been enhanced. Be sure to protect yourself against buying dyed pieces that won’t retain their colorful brilliance over a long period.

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