Pendants are the poor relation of the jewellery world. Bracelets and bangles are the most popular choice when people shop for jewellery, then comes necklaces a close second, then earrings and pendants bring up the rear in a very slow fourth. Why is a mystery to me.

For me silver pendants are the ultimate piece of jewellery. Unlike a necklace which has a set length and style, pendants can be worn on a variety of chokers, chains and cords allowing you to create an ever changing variety of jewellery to match every outfit.

If you choose a classic silver pendant like our Cordelia silver rose pendant, or the ever popular Venus chunky silver heart, you can ring the changes from casual to formal, day to night, and fit it to any neckline.

For the most formal look, combine it with a thick silver choker (like our Elara Choker). For the ultimate in casual, almost masculine style, string it on a black leather lace. Got a dress with a plunging neckline in screaming pink? No problem. Buy a ribbon to match and hang your silver pendant as low as you dare… Looking for a more Boho Victorian look, fine. Wear it choker length on a thick black velvet ribbon. The options real are endless, all you need is a little imagination and 1 or 2 classic pendants to play with…

For Summer 2009, bangles are the fashion jewellery of choice. Whether they are disposable plastic, vintage costume or solid silver (gold tends to make VERY expensive bangles), make a statement with a chunky bangle.

No matter what you age, size, skin-tone or build, there is a bangle out there for you. At Corazon, we specialize in sterling silver jewellery, and all of our bangles are solid silver, but shop around on the web and you will find an amazing array of bangles to choose from.

I love silver because of its weight and its brilliant shine, and because it’s a classic. Choose the right bangle, treat it well and 20 years from now you will still be wearing it with pride. If you like things big and bold I don’t think there is a better silver bangle out there than our Pandora chunky silver bangle. It’s big, it’s bold and it is very, very different. Some people do find it a bit much so we are launching 2 simpler bangles, one smooth and one in beaten silver later this summer. In the meantime we also have some very pretty, much daintier bangles for a more subtle, delicate look, and if you want to take the middle ground our Castor bangle combines 2 slim bangles in a cross-over design to give you the impact of a big bangle without the weight.

If silver isn’t your thing, and gold is a non starter, try looking for bangles in Copper and brass. They will give you that lovely warm glow without the exorbitant price. For stunning colours that are a cut above plastic, search for glass bangles. For that ethnic, tribal look, try wood. There are some lovely chunky wooden bangles out there, plain, carved and even hand-painted.

So, will all that choice out there, if you buy one fashion item this season, make it a bangle.

From silver spoons to silver coins, mirrors to electrical conductors - silver surrounds us in our every day lives. This malleable metal is most commonly produced as a by-product when refining gold or copper. Perhaps silvers` most common (or at the very least, most recognised) use in today’s society is that of its place in fashion jewellery and accessories. Most silver jewellery items are made from sterling silver, which is a combination of silver and copper. However, since silver is harder than gold, it is normally used as a component of gold jewellery, and more obviously in gold-plated jewellery.

As Silver is so versatile, hard wearing and affordable, it is the ideal metal from which to craft beautiful fashion jewellery and accessories. Effortlessly remaining a staple from season to season, silver jewellery is one fashion accessory you can count on time and again. From hooped earrings to bangles, bracelets or necklaces, silver jewellery can be counted on to finish off any outfit. Additionally, whilst gold jewellery can easily be overdone and end up looking cheap, tacky, or worse – silver jewellery and accessories can contribute to a more elegant and classy look.

Once you have amassed a collection of silver jewellery and accessories it is worth knowing how to care for it. Knowing how to store silver jewellery, as well as how to clean it, will contribute to keeping your silver jewellery looking fabulous whilst avoiding tarnishing or staining.

The key to caring for silver jewellery is to keep it protected from the elements. For example, when bathing or showering remove jewellery that will come in to contact with the water, shower gel or soap. Jewellery exposed to detergent chemicals will become dull and lifeless. Likewise, if you are cooking and mixing ingredients with your hands, or peeling fruit or vegetables (especially potatoes) then remove rings or bracelets as appropriate. Fruit and vegetables can be particularly acidic and may prove corrosive to jewellery.

Jewellery boxes are not just a great stocking filler at Christmas, they are actually a worthy investment if you want to protect your favourite items! Jewellery boxes needn’t be expensive, but if you really do not want to splash out on one, then at the very least, you should store your jewellery in the box it came in.

Regularly clean your silver jewellery to prevent tarnishing build-up. You can purchase jewellery cleaning solutions from most supermarkets or jewellers or you can attempt your own home made solution. One option is to combine salt and baking soda in an aluminium plate (or on some tin foil) with a little warm water. However, this method should not be used for jewellery that contains precious stones or for oxidised silver. Always refer to manufacturers recommendations before cleaning your jewellery.

Finally, remember when buying silver jewellery or accessories to shop around to get the best deals. Search online, in local store, even flea markets! If in doubt of the quality, rememer to look out for the hallmark.