Many people are passionate about jewelry, either for themselves or for those they love. For those who have jewelry, it is important to know a little about taking care of it correctly. This article aims to answer a few of the most common questions people have about jewelry.
Be cautious about your jewelry storage. For best results, separate different pieces into different boxes, compartments or hooks. Tossing all of your jewelry into the same box is a bad plan. This can damage fragile, delicate jewelry, and necklaces can become very tangled in other jewelry pieces.
Use a polishing cloth for all of your jewelry pieces. This method ensures your jewelry stays shiny without having to use any chemical cleansers or solvents. You use the special cloth to polish your jewelry just like you would polish your silverware. First you should use the polish side, then use the shining side to really make your jewelry look stunning!
Always be aware of the type of stone you’re buying when dealing with gems. There are three unique types of stones: imitation, synthetic and natural. “Real” can mean natural or synthetic, and an imitation stone could be glass or plastic. Natural stones are mined, and synthetic stones are created in a laboratory.
Do not use any chemicals on your jewelery stones. Natural acids won’t erode the enamel on your copper jewelry the way harsh chemicals can.
You could wear it for a day to make sure it is not uncomfortable. You will be able to tell if it will hold up to wear and tear.
Store your jewelry collection carefully. You can protect your jeweled investments with hooks, boxes and holders that keep each piece intact and prevent tangles. Don’t just toss your jewelry in a pile. Storing them improperly can damage the fragile pieces, and necklaces can get tangled with other pieces.
You should carefully consider how to best care for your jewelry. Each kind of setting, metal, and stone has its own particular maintenance need. A technique that is effective for one type of stone or metal may actually cause damage to another. Your jeweler can give you instructions on proper handling if you are not sure.
A piece of jewelry should be long lasting. Don’t buy jewelry from less than reputable stockists if you expect your pieces to be of the highest quality. Any high-quality jewelry will show superior craftsmanship, and will be well-made. The person selling the piece should know its history, including who made it and the source of the stones. When you chose a high-quality piece, you know your jewelry will last forever.
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! This will express the time you spent to get their gift just right, just the kind of sentiment you want to show your special friends.
Comparison shopping is a must when shopping for diamonds. Find a few reference pieces that you like, and see if other diamonds can do better. There are deceptive tricks that can be used to enhance a diamond, so you need to be on the lookout.
Makeup isn’t for jewelry. Let your makeup dry before you put on a piece of jewelry. Your jewelry attracts dust and particles from cosmetics; if you apply makeup after you put on your jewelry, the particles will make it look dull. This is even more necessary for earrings and necklaces.
Watch to see whether they usually wear necklaces or bracelets, or if they prefer dangly earrings to studs. Paying attention to these aspects of their current wardrobe will help you make a purchase they are more likely to enjoy.
Learn how to unravel a knotted necklace, even one with delicate loops. Don’t be tempted to give up on the tangled metal. It’s plastic wrap to the rescue. Put your knotted chains on the plastic wrap and cover with a little baby oil. Do the untangling yourself with a pair of needles. When you are done, use soap and water to wash them.
Research the proper methods for cleaning your jewelry. Different styles of jewelry affect the way they need to be cared for; one type of metal will need a different treatment than another, for example. What works for a certain kind of stone may not work for another. Talk with a professional if you aren’t sure what sort of care each jewel requires.
You should never wear your jewelry while swimming. Chlorine from a pool is a chemical and can tarnish and damage precious jewelry. The cumulative effects of salt water can affect jewelery just as badly. Take your jewelry off first to keep it from becoming damaged or tarnished.
If you want to purchase new jewelry, watch for discounts or sales. The right sale will save you a lot of cash. Check for the best sales in the paper, online, and in store windows. If you purchase something on clearance, you might save 50% or more off the original purchase price.
Try using robe hooks for storing your necklaces in a tangle-free way. With the right space, you can incorporate a row of these and use them for organizing and hanging necklaces easily. Not only is this a decorative touch to your intimate spaces, but it will protect the necklaces from being damaged by excessive contact with other pieces in a small box.
Before buying any jewelry, think about what you will use it for. A large jewelry box full of items you never use isn’t a wise investment. When you are picking the jewelry out, think about the clothes you will be wearing.
You don’t need to focus too much on the brand when you purchase jewelry. 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. You can find fabulous quality from various brands.
Take the time to shop at several different stores, both online and offline, when considering a diamond jewelry purchase. Every diamond is unique and they all have slight imperfections. When you see the diamond yourself, you may find certain flaws not to be that important. In addition, each jeweler evaluates the flaws as a basis for setting different prices. Look around and you’re sure to find the perfect diamond for you, at a price you can live with.
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. You usually get good quality when you buy something expensive, but think about styles too. A fashion-forward trendy piece may be in style now but lose its appeal in the future. Look for pieces that will stand the test of time and trends.
If you’re going swimming, make sure you take off your jewelery first. The chlorine in pool water is very harsh and may cause your fine jewelry to appear dull. The salt in seawater will result in the same effect. To safeguard your valuable jewelry, set it aside in a safe place before you go in for a swim.
Jewelry using crystal or onyx can be great statement pieces. Not only will you feel fabulous about your beautiful jewelry, but you’ll also feel fabulous about how much you saved.
Brand name should not be the primary concern when buying jewelry. Not may people notice trendy names or brands in jewelry. If the salesperson tries to push a certain brand in you, they probably paid too much for the item as well. You’ll be able to find high-quality jewelry from any number of brands.
It is hard to tell the difference between natural and fake rubies and sapphires. Natural and artificial rubies and sapphires are chemically identical to their natural counterparts, but artificial stones are worth far less. Don’t spring for a supposedly natural sapphire until you have it check for “natural inclusions” by a gemologist with a good reputation.
It can sometimes be overwhelming to sift through all the available options for purchasing jewelry, from the cost factor to caring to the piece, as well as choosing the right piece for your needs. Even expensive designer pieces are reproduced and sold at a reasonable price.
One stone that is often forgotten about is Alexandrite, although it looks beautiful when made into a piece of jewelry. Moving from florescent light indoors, to natural light outdoors changes the stone from a purple hue to a green hue. It is frequently found in pendants, rings, or earrings.