Finding unique jewelry pieces in the thrift stores of New Mexico - from antique turquoise to modern designs from major retailers is easier than you think. One of the most consistently trendy metals to sport is gold. This timeless metal never goes out of style and is versatile enough to wear everyday, so it is no surprise that it is one of the most exciting things to discover in the jewelry case of your local thrift store. Goodwill Industries of New Mexico receives donated treasures from around the state (country and even world!); with a constantly circulating selection of jewelry pieces. So finding a piece of gold jewelry that you absolutely love is always possible, but how can you tell that a piece of gold jewelry is real? Here’s some pro tips that will help you get the most bang for your buck as you thrift around town.

Check for a stamp Lots of items made of genuine gold will sport a stamp on the inner portion of the band in the case of a ring or bracelet, or on the back of the pendant in a necklace. These numbers indicate the carat quality of the piece. If you see the number “416,” you're holding a ten carat piece. “585” indicates a 14 carat piece of jewelry, while “750” is 18 carats.

Look for the tell tale signs of gold plating and filling Gold jewelry pieces that have been constructed with gold filling or plating can be just as beautiful as the real deal- but how to tell the difference? Often these items will showcase a stamp similar to the kind mentioned above, but in this case, you'll see a fraction that tells the purchaser the ratio of gold to other metals. For example, you may see a stamp that reads “1/20 14K,” which means that about five percent of the piece is 14 carat gold. Other indicators include stamps such as “GP” for gold plated or “HGE” for heavy gold electroplate.

Test with a jewelry cleaning cloth or magnet Vintage pieces of gold may be lacking the markings that often indicate its quality. In this case, you can simply apply a jewelry cleaning cloth and see if some of the coloring comes off indicating a fake. Don't have a jewelry cleaning cloth handy? Grab a magnet. Real gold won't be attracted to it.

No matter the treasure you're searching for, the wealth of items circulating through New Mexico's Goodwill locations means that you're bound to find something priceless - from vintage clothing to genuine gold. Getting lost in the aisles of your neighborhood thrift store isn't just a good time, but the opportunity to find real value for a small amount of dough. Happy shopping!

 About The Author
Maggie Grimason is a blog writer living in Albuquerque, NM. She grew up in a family of social servants and teachers in northern Indiana and finds that blogging for Goodwill Industries of New Mexico satisfies creative energies as well as her commitment to ethical living and community service.

So you've got the job skills and training you need to get into the profession you've been dreaming of, you've polished your resume and maybe you even have a job interview or two lined up. Once you've successfully completed all of these steps, you should take some time to reflect on how far you've come and assess where you're going. Of critical importance is this: is the job you're applying to or interviewing for the right fit for you? Your job should be more than just a paycheck. It should provide a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment too. So, how do you gauge whether or not you should accept that job offer and start down an exciting new path? Consider the following question as you navigate the employment process, and I’m certain you'll end up in the ideal work environment for you!


Do you click with your future boss and coworkers? 
The people that surround you in your place of work can lend office a feeling of a community in the office, or it can make your workday downright unpleasant. You will definitely meet your supervisor during the interview process. During that time pay attention to your interactions and make sure that your values are well aligned. Before accepting any job offer, ask to meet your future colleagues too. Though they don't say everything, first impressions can be very telling.

Does the work excite you?
I'd love to be movie star, but I'm not holding my breath. The simple fact is that not everyone can have their absolute dream job, but being enthusiastic about aspects of your work, or the skills you will acquire there and where they can take you in the future is essential for finding happiness in your employment. Being passionate about a job is a good thing, hating a job is a clear indication that it isn't a good fit long term.

What skills and traits does the job require? Do you possess them? 
Carefully examine your resume and skill sets, as well as those outlined in the job description. Then consider how well suited you truly are for the position. You may be able to convince an employer of your ability to a do the job, but that doesn't necessarily mean you'll be able to do it effectively. Do you, yourself, believe you can do the job well and happily with your personality traits,unique skills and experiences? Know what you're good at and what you bring to the table, and target a position that requires those talents- that's a sure bet to achieve success.

So, you're ready to pursue your dreams and achieve big in the professional world? Local charity organizations like Goodwill Industries of New Mexico are a great resource for those in pursuit of success. As you navigate the job searching and interview process ask yourself the above questions so that you can make the transition into your new career with ease, and be happy as you gain expertise and experience. Good luck out there!

About The Author
Maggie Grimason is a blog writer living in Albuquerque, NM. She grew up in a family of social servants and teachers in northern Indiana and finds that blogging for Goodwill Industries of New Mexico satisfies creative energies as well as her commitment to ethical living and community service.