What does jewelry mean to you? Can you recognize quality pieces and are you aware of the different types of pieces? This article will help familiarize you with some of the intricacies associated with fine jewelry. Check out the following jewelry tips. They can help you buy, care for and wear the right jewelry.
Try using a simple polishing cloth on your jewelery collection. It will allow you to make your jewelry look as good as new without the use of chemicals. Use the dual-sided cloth to gently buff your jewelry as you would a delicate glass. First you should use the polish side, then use the shining side to really make your jewelry look stunning!
Harsh chemicals and solvents can damage the finish of your jewelry and should never be used to clean it. Doing so can damage the shine and luster of the stones on your favorite pieces.
A magnet is a useful tool when shopping for jewelry in sterling silver. If an item of jewelry is attracted by a magnet, it is not sterling silver! Only non-precious metals can be drawn to a magnet. Sterling silver should always bear a stamp that says Sterling, Ster. or .925. Be wary of pieces that lack any silver hallmarks, as this is an indication that they’re not genuine sterling silver.
When you buy jewelry, it should last the rest of your life. When you are shopping for your next piece, choose a reliable dealer. This can make all the difference in ensuring you get jewelry of the highest quality. High-quality jewelry items will have superior craftsmanship and pleasing, aesthetic designs. The jeweler should tell you about who made the piece and the origin of the stones. A quality item of jewelry will last a lifetime or more, so take the time to do your research.
Identify the kind of stone in every piece you consider. Three different kinds of gems are available for purchase: imitation, synthetic and natural. While natural and synthetic stones are the real deal, imitation stones are made to look like a real gemstone, but could be anything from colored glass to plastic. They make synthetic stones in a lab, whereas natural stones come from the ground.
Take note of whether they wear hoop earrings or studs, yellow gold or white gold, an ankle bracelet, etc. Noticing these things lets you choose jewelry more suited to their tastes.
When shopping for a diamond, it’s crucial that you do comparisons. Look at what you like close up, and compare them to other pieces you have seen. Be careful of tricks that jewelers use to make a diamond look bigger or better.
Make sure that you learn about the jeweler’s insurance policy prior to making any purchases. Many stores offer a policy where you can bring broken or damaged jewelry back to the original jeweler for repair at little to no cost. You can even find insurance on jewelry pieces that were stolen or misplaced.
Make sure you take precautions to stop your jewelery from losing its shine. Try to keep your jewelry away from water. Many pieces can become rusty, tarnished or dull when they are exposed to water. Use a thinner coat of your clear nail polish on your jewelry for extra protection.
When buying jewelry for a one-of-a-kind person, buy them something equally unique. Look for something that fits their personality. Besides affection and admiration, an ideal jewelry gift expresses creativity and thoughtfulness. A custom-made piece selected to suit the recipient’s personality is an excellent way for you to demonstrate these feelings.
If you are wanting to collect costume jewelry, you should ensure you are aware of its condition. Well-done costume jewelry is often worth the price, but if it’s worn out or visibly damaged, it won’t be worth the effort it takes to restore it. Compare pieces for quality, because good ones stay high or even grow in value over time.
When photographing a jewelry piece to sell online, aim to present it attractively, in a well-lit, close-up and clear photograph. An online buyer doesn’t get the opportunity to handle the jewelry, so photos of the piece have to speak for themselves. Take pictures of jewelry in an environment that will put the focus on just the piece, not the background.
Wear the jewelry piece for a day so that you can get an idea of how comfortable it is and if it hangs right. This will also help you to determine if the piece is sufficiently durable.
Many times, the cut and clarity of a diamond outshines its actual carat weight. Also, keep in mind the personality of the person you are giving the diamond to.
You need to know how to care for each piece in your jewelry collection. Not all types of jewelry can be cleaned in the same manner. What is beneficial to one stone or setting may hurt another. Speak with a knowlegeable jeweler if you do not know the best way to take care of your jewels.
A jewelry set makes an excellent present for that special someone. You may be able to find some really great deals when you purchase sets of jewelry. You can even divide the pieces and give them to multiple recipients or on multiple occasions. It is an awesome way to be sure that the gift that you give them on the following occasions is something that they will love.
If the person you are shopping for is a unique individual, consider choosing a one-of-a-kind piece crafted specifically for them. Show your affection for the person by recognizing their unique qualities; put some thought into the purchase and be creative.
Avoid the debacle of twisted and tangled necklaces by utilizing decorative hooks like those used for hanging robes. You can keep your necklaces organized by length, color or material when you install a row of robe hooks on a wall or right on the inside of your closet door. If done right, this will have a nice appearance and prevent the jewelry box tangles necklaces are prone to.
A brooch will add an interesting aspect to the belt. Try pinning it at the center of your waist or near your hip.
You don’t need to focus too much on the brand when you purchase jewelry. Few people can identify jewelry brands on sight. A jeweler who convinces you that a brand is worth paying more for is probably just out to get as much of your money as possible. There are several high quality brands.
You can untangle delicate necklaces that have become knotted. If you are about to give up, get some baby oil and plastic wrap. After placing the necklace on the wrap, coat it with mineral or baby oil. Use small needles to untangle the necklaces. Wash it gently with a bit of dish soap and then pat it dry.
If you want to spend a lot of money on some jewelry, then make sure to buy a piece that will last a very long time. Most expensive pieces are of good quality so you don’t have to worry too much about that. You should keep the style in mind, however. Something that is trendy right now might look ridiculous in a few years. Try and find something that is timeless.
Before you purchase a diamond ring, necklace or bracelet, shop around and compare your options. Every diamond is unique in both its beauty and imperfections. When you see the diamond in person, the flaws, of course, can become much less important. In addition, different stores will price slightly different. The price is often dependent on the imperfections. Don’t just look at one jewelry shop. Take the time to really look around until you find the best deal possible.
Onyx jewelry is unique and makes a bold impact, while crystal is a delicate and wonderful touch to any classy outfit. You may find that saving money and finding great jewelry go hand in hand.
Think about getting a set of jewelry rather than a single piece. You can often find great deals on jewelry sets. You can easily make that one purchase into two gifts for different occasions by breaking the set up and presenting it to them on the different days. It will not only ensure you will always have a gift ready, it will also show the person that you care a lot about them.
Many people wear gold and silver jewelry pieces together. To do this, have one piece that has both metals in it. If not, you’ll have a mismatched appearance.
Every necklace, bracelet or anklet can benefit from a quality clasp. Without a decent clasp, you risk losing your expensive stones or chains. For particularly expensive or sentimental pieces of jewelry, it is recommended you have a safety clasp installed. There are those who add one or two extra clasps to their expensive jewelry items to be certain of their safety.
Illusion Setting
Don’t buy a piece of jewelry based solely on the brand. Many designer pieces are of the same quality than other, more affordable baubles. For example, if you opt for a ring from Cartier, you are actually paying more for the name than you are for the piece itself. Quality jewelry can be found across a variety of brands.
If you want your diamond to appear large and shiny, consider an illusion setting. An illusion setting is created by using a mirrored plate placed on your ring prior to the diamond being set. When viewed against your skin, the diamond appears considerably larger and more brilliant. Repairs can be complicated for this kind of setting, so keep that in mind when making your choice.
It may be tough to figure out how to best present jewelry that you are selling at informal events like craft fairs and flea markets. Use the same creativity you employ on your jewelry to come up with notable, memorable displays for it. You can turn baskets, cigar boxes, racks or even wig stands into jewelry displays by being creative.
While toothpaste is not the perfect product for polishing silver jewelry, you can make it work when it’s your only option. Apply a small dollop of toothpaste onto a microfiber cloth. Use the cloth to buff your jewelry with the toothpaste, then rinse the remaining residue off. Your piece will not look brand new, but you should still notice an improvement.
Alexandrite is a unique stone, which many often forget to consider. The stone’s color can change from shades of green to purple, depending on the light. It is common in many types of jewelry, like rings or earrings.
At times, purchasing jewelry that was previously owned can save you a lot of money. Their reasonable pricing may give a buyer a better item for the money, and the quality will be as nice as new items.
You may have necklaces that you wore as a child that you’d still like to use. They’ll look more mature and less dated if you layer them with newer and larger pieces. A simple pendant will add some flare to a grouping of several necklaces when they are all in the same style.
If you wear lots of rings, your hands will be noticed, so try to keep them looking good. Keep your nails trimmed and buffed, or indulge in manicures that will set rings off nicely.
For a radiant and striking look, opt for diamonds in an illusion setting. An illusion setting is created by placing a reflective plate on the ring below where the diamond will be set. This will give the diamond a mirror effect on your hand and make the diamond look much larger and more shiny. It might be harder to make any needed repairs to this style however.
Make sure you follow these tips the next time you want to buy jewelry for yourelf or for someone else. You might find yourself making more stylish jewelry selections, or even saving big money by recognizing good deals. Having an eye for jewelry is about understanding the art and acquiring some knowledge.
Before you start looking for the perfect engagement ring, research a little about how much diamonds actually cost. Shopping for a diamond can be an emotional experience. You can easily get distracted by it all and forget your planned budget.