Most people who try magnetic jewellery are true skeptics. "Well, it's only $20. I'll give it a try," some say. "I've tried every medication in the book to no avail," others complain. "I just like how the magnetic bracelets look," another person says. Regardless of your reasoning, there are a number of bracelets, necklaces, earrings and rings to choose from. Each year, Americans spend $300 million on magnetic therapy products, which is a rising trend for chronic pain relief.

Magnetic jewellery is said to stimulate the body to produce endorphins and improve circulation. In China, magnets are used to treat everything from high blood pressure to heart disease; although Western medicine isn't so accepting. Recently, the FDA approved a medical procedure known as trans-magnetic stimulation, which uses magnets to stimulate electrons in the brain for depression patients who've seen little reprieve from traditional medicine. While there have been no real scientific endorsements behind magnetic therapy products as healing agents, many people like the stylish designs and find this alternative healing to be cost-efficient anyway.

• Magnetic jewellery is said to stimulate the body to produce endorphins and improve circulation.
• Be aware that all magnetic jewelry is not created equal.
• It may take several weeks or months for you to begin to feel the effects.

Be aware that all magnetic jewelry is not created equal. Makers of magnetic therapy bracelets, necklaces, earrings and rings often say "You get what you pay for." Much of the advertised cheap jewelry includes the athlete "cuff," which is the c-shaped bracelet with two balls on each end. Magnet therapists say that each magnet only has 1,500 gauss each for a total of 3,000 gauss, which is nowhere near enough to provide relief. The average person needs about 7,500 gauss or higher to work, experts say. The high-quality, more expensive magnetic jewelry pieces usually come with magnets studded throughout. It may take several weeks or months for you to begin to feel the effects, although some people report overnight improvement.

While they used to be characteristic, cheap-looking items, magnetic jewellery has seen a dramatic increase in quality. As more people show interest in wearing their magnetic therapy products as fashionable accessories, developers have sought to create the designs people want. The coating materials have gone from plastic to stainless steel, magnetite, copper and more. Accent stones have added a splash of high-class sophistication to these items.