Think about what jewelry means to you. Can you recognize quality pieces and are you aware of the different types of pieces? You can gain some insight into the fascinating field of jewelry by taking a look at this article. Continue to read this article to find new information on jewelry questions both big and small.
When storing your jewelry, be sure that you store it in a place with low humidity and free of open air. A drawstring bag or closed box offers the best protection from moisture in the air. Continued exposure to humidity extremes or air causes metals typically used in jewelry to tarnish. The thing about this is that non-precious metals cannot fully recover from this because underneath, the copper shows through. However, keep in mind that precious metals can go back to their own original forms.
Keep your jewelry stored somewhere that is free from humidity or air. It’s best to store it in a closed box, like a jewelry box, or a drawstring bag. Continued exposure to humidity extremes or air causes metals typically used in jewelry to tarnish. 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.
When shopping for genuine sterling silver jewelry, you need both a discerning eye and a small magnet. Jewelry made with non-precious metals will be attracted to the magnet, revealing any fakes. You can generally tell genuine sterling silver by its stamp, which will look something like “.925 ster.” If your silver is not marked, it could be because it is not real!
Synthetic Gems
Your jewelry should endure an entire lifetime. When choosing jewelry, you should always buy from a reputable store or dealer, in order to ensure you only get high-quality pieces. The best jewelry is well-designed and well-made with close attention to detail. The jeweler ought to know the history of the piece, such as its manufacturer and the source of the gemstones. When you chose a high-quality piece, you know your jewelry will last forever.
Be sure that you understand the kind of gemstone that is in the jewelry that you are purchasing. The three types are imitation, synthetic and natural. Natural and synthetic gems are real stones, but imitation is just plastic colored to look like the real thing. Synthetic gems come from a lab and natural ones are found in the ground.
Do some price comparisons before you commit to buying a piece of diamond jewelry. Take a close look at a truly top notch diamond, and then hold everything else you consider to that standard. Be careful of tricks that jewelers use to make a diamond look bigger or better.
Before you buy anything new, found out about the latest trend. If you look around you may be able to find a great deal!
Take the time to notice what kind of jewelry they already wear. For example, if they wear earrings, are they hoop or studs? Do they prefer white or yellow metals? This will give you a good idea of where to start when purchasing that special item.
Pay attention to the quality and type of gemstones in a piece when you’re looking at buying new jewelry. The right stone will enhance your skin tone and make a statement about your personality. Colors should be neutral so that they go with most of your outfits. It will be of no value to you to purchase jewels that are not easy to incorporate into your lifestyle.
If you are interested in collecting costume jewelry, be sure to stay conscious of the condition. Costume jewelry can be very expensive and a great investment, but a piece that shows too much wear and tear will not be worth the money or time. Pieces that are in great shape will fetch you better prices down the road, should you choose to sell them.
Costume Jewelry
Costume jewelry should be treated differently than your other jewelry. A fair amount of costume pieces are set with glue. Don’t submerge costume jewelry in water or clean it with abrasives. It is best to have two cloths ready, one warm with water and one dry, to use to wipe your jewelry. Done regularly, this process will keep your costume jewelry looking great.
Costume jewelry should be treated differently than your other jewelry. Often, stones will be glued into their settings, which makes them more prone to falling out than regular jewelry. Don’t immerse costume jewelry in water, and never wash costume jewelery pieces with harsh chemicals. Wiping it down with a damp, warm cloth and then drying it with another cloth is the best care for it. This will clean off any residue and make it look like new, without damaging it.
Many times, the cut and clarity of a diamond outshines its actual carat weight. Also, bear in mind the style of the intended recipient.
Your belt will get a little pizzazz if you accent it with a brooch like this. Think about placing it near your hip or at waist level.
When you go swimming, take your jewelry off first. Your jewelry’s luster and life can be damaged from the chlorine that is present in the pool water. Even ocean swimming is not good for jewelry. The salt is damaging. Removing pieces before heading into the water will extend their life and protect their beauty.
Makeup isn’t for jewelry. Let your makeup dry before you put on a piece of jewelry. Dust and grime from makeup gravitates towards jewelry, and putting on your jewelry first can leave it looking dull or dingy. This is especially true when earrings and necklaces are concerned.
Never rely on brand names to determine the true value of a piece of jewelry. It will be difficult for others to tell where you purchased an item, and if you’re only buying something because of the name, it could very well be overpriced. Excellent quality can be found from a lot of different jewelry brands.
Make sure you look into the history of your gemstone, especially if it was treated at all. You have to select the type of care for your jewelry depending on its treatment. You don’t want to clean them with a type of solution that could strip the treatment or damage the gem.
If you really want to be flashy and turn heads, wear onyx or crystal jewelry. Alternatives to diamonds can dazzle, so consider your options if you want to be kind to your wallet.
Make sure you follow these tips the next time you want to buy jewelry for yourelf or for someone else. You may be able to save a little money. Learn what jewelry to look for, and what the signs of quality are. The greater your understanding of jewelry, the more refined your tastes will become.
If you’re going to wear gaudy jewelry, don’t wear a gaudy outfit to match. Wear a solid color or the “little black dress” to highlight interesting pieces.