What jewelry represents is almost as interesting as actually wearing it. Jewelry captures happy occasions and special events, giving tribute to relationships between those that buy the jewelry and those that receive it. When you understand how jewelry works, it makes the whole process more memorable.
Try using a simple polishing cloth on your jewelery collection. This is a fairly simple way to achieve shine without dealing with solvents and chemicals. Use the two-sided cloth to polish your jewelry as if you were cleaning glass. Use the side of the cloth that is designed for polishing to remove fingerprints, dust and other surface imperfections, and then use the opposite side to buff the jewelry and make it gleam.
Before dealing with harsh chemicals, try a polishing cloth to bring back the luster of your jewelry. This will give your jewelry shine and luster without the use of potentially harmful chemicals. Use the dual-sided cloth on your jewelry just as you would clean a glass. Use one side for polishing and the other for improving its shine.
If you want to buy sterling silver pieces, use a magnet and examine the jewelry very carefully. You can detect fake sterling silver with the magnet, since non-precious metals are drawn to magnets. If your silver is sterling, you will also notice a mark on the piece. This mark might state .925, sterling, or ster. If a particular piece is not stamped, you should be cautious of its authenticity.
Jewelry is best stored in an area with low humidity. A box designed especially for jewelry gives the best protection, but a cloth bag can also work. Metals will become tarnished when exposed to air and humidity. Precious metal jewelry can be polished to fix tarnish, but non-precious metals coated with a finish will never get back to their previous state.
Do some shopping around when you are looking to buy some diamonds. Take a close look at a truly top notch diamond, and then hold everything else you consider to that standard. Keep an eye out for deceptive tricks to cause you to think a diamond is better than it actually is.
Sterling Silver
Study current jewelry trends prior to shopping for a piece. You will enjoy your jewelery even more if you can get it on sale.
If you are shopping unmarked sterling silver jewelry, then by all means bring a magnet. By using the magnet you can quickly determine if the jewelry item is made of a cheaper metal and not sterling silver. Another way to tell if a metal is sterling silver is to check for a hallmark stamp, for example .sterling, .ster, or .925. If the piece of presumed silver is not marked, be skeptical that is real silver. It could very well be a fake.
When you are buying jewelery for someone who is very different or eccentric, try going to a jeweler that will make you a piece that will fit their personality and add to their flair! A unique piece like this that matches their personality appears creative and thoughtful, and it shows them that you care about them enough to buy them something that they’ll wear.
Compare lots of diamonds before you settle on one to buy. Compare the jewelery you like with others that are similar; make sure to examine the pieces closely. With diamonds, you need to have a keen eye because of the many tricks people will use to enhance it.
See if your gem has had any treatments prior to buying, and if so, which treatments. Different treatments come with different requirements for cleaning and storage. If you use the wrong cleanser because you are uneducated about the gem, you could strip off the treatment and even damage the stone.
What color gold do they seem to favor – white or yellow? Do they normally wear a bracelet? What type of earrings do they prefer – drop and dangle or studs? Take a mental note of this important information. This will help you get started in your search for the perfect item of jewelry for your loved one.
The diamond cut and clarity can make the stone more appealing than the size. The personal preferences of the individual who will be wearing the diamond are of paramount consideration.
Before you select your newest addition to your jewelry collection, learn the latest styles that are trending. One of the few things that can enhance the appeal of a lovely piece of jewelry is knowing that it came at a great discount!
If you’re in the market for diamond jewelry, make sure to comparison shop. Every diamond is unique, and each will have some flaws. Once you see some of the flaws in person, they may become less important. Different jewelers may price differently in regard to these flaws. If you are working on a budget, shop around to find a diamond that suits both your preferences and your wallet.
Having an ornate piece at your waist will naturally draw eyes by adding interest. Either put it near your hip or near the middle of your waist.
Jewelry sets are a great gift item to consider. Buying a set of jewelry can get you a deal many times. You can then give a piece of the set to a loved one on several different occasions. This way, you can ensure that you don’t have to worry about getting a gift at the last minute, and you know that it will match what they already own.
Before you purchase gemstone jewelry, you should first determine if and how the stone was treated. Gemstone treatment can affect the type of care the piece needs. You can easily damage your gem, stripping the former treatment off, by cleaning it with the wrong solution.
To conveniently hang your necklaces, try using robe hooks. Install the hooks in a row on a wall or closet door, and use them to organize your necklaces by style, color, length or any other system that works for you. This organizational tip can help you from getting a tangled mess of necklaces in your jewelry box.
Before you purchase a new piece of fine jewelry, think about how you will wear it. There is nothing worse than a box full of unloved jewelry. When you are picking the jewelry out, think about the clothes you will be wearing.
Buying jewelry just because it is a name brand is not a good idea. Most people won’t know where you got the piece, and you will probably pay too much because of the name on it. There are several high quality brands.
If you are selling your jewelry online, make sure it is presented attractively. This is very important since customers cannot handle the jewelry in an online transaction. Take photos of your jewelry in a place where the focus is on the piece instead of the background.
Gold prices have skyrocketed, which is good if you’re selling gold, but not quite so helpful if your heart’s set on purchasing gold. If you simply must have that gold ring, necklace or bracelet, be flexible in terms of karats. Buying 18 karat jewelry means you will get a piece that is at least 75% gold. Experts agree that this is the sweet spot on the price-quality curve.
Make sure you look around for awhile when you decide you want to shop for jewelry. Every diamond is unique and they all have slight imperfections. Some flaws are not as obtrusive as others, but you need to see a diamond in person to discern if a flaw is important or not to you. Depending on the number and types of flaws in a diamond, jewelers may be somewhat flexible in pricing the piece. While shopping, first determine your budget and then locate the best diamond you can find that fits in that price range.
Combining large decorative jewelry with basic outfits can have quite the effect. Allow it to stand out on its own against the backdrop of a dark, patternless dress or blouse.
It is crucial that all bracelets and necklaces have good clasps. It is very easy for jewelry to be accidentally lost due to a cheap clasp collapsing and giving way. For particularly expensive or sentimental pieces of jewelry, it is recommended you have a safety clasp installed. For very expensive items, some consumers choose to increase security with an additional clasp or two.
One underrated but beautiful jewelry stone is Alexandrite. This stone will change from a purple color to a green, depending if it is outside or indoors. Alexandrite is commonly used in rings, earrings and pendants.
Never swim with your jewelry on. Chlorine can damage your valuable pieces because it’s such a strong chemical. Salt water can be equally damaging over time. By taking your jewelry off of your body before swimming, you will be protecting it from the harsh chlorine and salt.
If you want to use childhood necklaces, layer them with modern pieces. This way, they won’t look immature or dated. Using a single cross or heart pendant will add some personality to a group of necklaces that might share a similar construction material, color, or theme.
Robe hooks are a great way to keep necklaces safe and separate. The small hooks can be hung just about anywhere and will allow you to neatly organize and display your necklaces. This will avoid necklaces getting tangled and knotty, and it is the perfect alternative to a jewelry box.
An illusion setting gives the impression of a big diamond effect with a lot of sparkle. An illusion setting is created by placing a reflective plate on the ring below where the diamond will be set. The diamond will look much bigger and brighter. The difficulties of doing it this way is that it can be tough to repair.
Brand name should not be the primary concern when buying jewelry. Not only is most jewelry not brand-recognizable, but you are also going to pay more just for the name. There are thousands of gorgeous styles available that happen to carry a more reasonable price tag.
Before you start looking for the perfect engagement ring, research a little about how much diamonds actually cost. Shopping for a diamond can be a very emotional experience. It’s often very easy to fall in love with a specific piece of diamond jewelry and override your budget constraints in the heat of the moment.
Onyx and crystal, for example, can be especially striking and make a strong impression. You may find that saving money and finding great jewelry go hand in hand.
Although jewelery cleaner specifically geared toward silver jewelry is ideal, this will do if you don’t have any cleaner available. Use a soft cloth or a paper towel to apply the toothpaste. Rub the toothpaste on the tarnished silver until it is clean, and then use water to remove the paste from the piece of jewelry. This does not produce ideal cleaning results, but it will get rid of tarnish.
The key to selling jewelery in craft shows or holiday sales is to display it in a way that attracts attention to the pieces. The next time you go shopping for new materials, look for things you can use for display. All kinds of racks, baskets, cigar-boxes and even oddball things like wig stands can be transformed into jewelry display cases with just a little creativity!
If you partake in cleaning your own jewels, always close sink drains before you begin. More often than you would like, a very important piece of jewelry could very easily be slipped off when you have soapy hands. If the drain is plugged, then your jewelry will stay put, and you don’t have to worry about losing it.
Each piece of jewelry bought, sold or owned will hold a little spot in your memories for the years ahead. Whether it symbolizes good times in the past or hopes for happiness in the future, all jewelry is freighted with human emotion.
Don’t be taken in by high-priced designer jewelry. A recognizable name does not necessary mean you are getting a better quality. Compare designer offerings with more affordable pieces, and you are likely to discover a number of equally attractive options.