A gift of jewelry is one of the most classic means of telling another person that you love them, are proud of them and that you never want to forget them. Even seemingly small gestures will be treasured for years to come. Read this article to learn some tips about jewelry; whether it be your own or a gift to someone else.
You should always store your jewelry very carefully. Keep pieces separately by using compartments, boxes, hooks and holders. Jewelry should not be lumped together in a pile. This can damage fragile jewelry, and make it difficult to find the necklace you want because it’s tangled with other pieces.
Steer clear of ammonia, bleach or other strong chemical solvents when you need to clean these items. These chemicals can turn stones dull and even erode the enamel.
The metals in jewelry can tarnish if exposed to humid air, so you will want to store them in a way that protects them. A jewelry box or drawstring bag out of a humid area is ideal. Tarnish is a chemical reaction that happens when silver and other metals are exposed to moisture and air. Silver polishes work well to remove tarnish, but certain metals, such as bronze, may not polish well. The polish may remove the surface coating and then the metal underneath, such as copper, becomes visible.
Do they prefer to wear over-sized pieces or more delicate styles? Yellow gold or silver? This is a great place to start when picking out that special item.
When you are purchasing a new piece of jewelry, be aware of the gemstone that it contains and what it is made of. The types of gems available are synthetic, imitation and natural. Natural gems and synthetic gems are real gemstones, whereas imitation is just an item of plastic with gemstone colors. The difference here, however, is that synthetic is man-made in a laboratory while natural is found buried in the earth.
Make sure a piece of jewelry is still in style before you buy it. The only thing that can make picking out a fantastic piece of jewelry better is if you get it at a discount.
You should expect good jewelry to last the rest of your life, and possibly beyond. When buying jewelry, only buy from dealers with good reputations, so that you don’t buy a piece that seems durable, but really isn’t. Any high-quality jewelry will show superior craftsmanship, and will be well-made. A reputable jeweler will be able to provide you with a full background of the piece, including where the stones are from and who made it. You’ll create an heirloom tomorrow if you choose high-quality jewelry today.
Ask about any insurance a jeweler may offer when you are buying jewelry. Then, if something actually happens to the jewelry, you can return it or have it repaired. You should also think about getting additional insurance in cause of theft or loss.
Always ask the jeweler about an insurance policy before buying a new piece of jewelry. Look for a good policy that lets you return damaged items. Some jewelers will offer insurance on jewelry that might have been stolen or lost.
Keep your jewelry free of tarnish to make it look its best. For example, avoid taking your jewelry somewhere it can get wet. Some metals will tarnish, dull or rust when exposed to water or perspiration. Clear nail polish, applied in a thin coat, can give jewelry some added protection.
If you want to start a costume jewelry collection, it is important to be aware of the pieces’ condition. Many costume pieces are a great investment and can be quite costly, but costume jewelry that has too many signs of wear will not keep their value over time. A piece in good condition will be much more resourceful to you in the future.
Try wearing the item for a little while to see if it is comfortable and hangs correctly. This also helps you to see its durability.
Try on a few different stones when you are shopping for jewelry. Try to select stones that are an extension of your individuality and that enhance the tone of your skin. Neutral colored jewelry is nearly always a good buy, because they blend in well with any outfit. A piece that is hard to wear is not as useful as one that goes with everything.
Costume Jewelry
Costume jewelry requires specific care. A fair amount of costume pieces are set with glue. Do not dip your jewelery in chemicals that may harm them. To care for it best, wipe your jewelry with a damp, warm cloth and dry it with a different cloth. This will keep your costume jewelry clean and shiny.
Special care is required for costume jewelry. A lot of the stones in costume jewelery are glued in and not set in. Costume jewelry should never be submerged in liquid, nor cleaned with chemicals. For best results, use a warmed, damp cloth to wipe your jewelry and then use another cloth to dry it. This will help your costume jewelry to continue looking great.
For those creative, quirky people in your life, shop for handcrafted original pieces. Show your affection for the person by recognizing their unique qualities; put some thought into the purchase and be creative.
As previously stated above, jewelry makes a great gift for any occasion. Because it is such a thoughtful gift, even a small piece will please the person you give it to. There are many things to consider when wearing, storing and caring for jewelry, whether it is your own or someone else’s. Either way, take the advice contained here so as to enhance the enjoyment you feel about jewelry.
A brooch will accent your belt and will instantly add visual interest. Think about placing it near your hip or at waist level.