Whether the jewelry is for you or someone else, jewelry is something many people enjoy. Because there are so many different types of jewelry, there is quite a bit to know about its care. Knowing exactly how to care for and wear the jewelry you own will protect your jewelry investment. This article will give you a good deal of information, and some great jewelry tips, for choosing, having and caring for jewelry.
Keep your jewelry looking like new by wiping it with a polishing cloth. This easy technique can make your jewelry bright and shiny without the use of harsh solvents and chemicals. Use the dual-sided cloth on your jewelry just as you would clean a glass. First use the polishing side, and finish with the other side to make it shine.
If you are in the market to buy some silver jewelry, don’t forget to take a magnet along with you. To spot scams, see if the magnet attracts the piece. If it does, then shout “FAKE!” at the top of your lungs and move to the next store. You can generally tell genuine sterling silver by its stamp, which will look something like “.925 ster.” If there is no hallmark, watch its authenticity since it may be fake.
You never want to use bleach, ammonia, or any other cleaning solvents that are not designed specifically for cleaning jewelry. This will result in damage to both the stones and the metal of the piece.
Your jewelry should endure an entire lifetime. Whenever you buy jewelry, make sure you go to a reliable, experienced dealer, so you know you’re getting an outstanding piece of jewelry. They should show a lot of craftsmanship, as well as be well-made. A credible jeweler should offer a complete history of the piece, including information about the creator and the source of the gemstones. Making sure that it is high-quality will ensure that it lasts forever.
If you are in the market to buy some silver jewelry, don’t forget to take a magnet along with you. You can tell if a piece of silver is sterling or not by using a magnet. Sterling will not react to the magnet, but non-precious metals will be attracted. Sterling silver will always be hallmarked with a stamp such as .925, ster. or sterling. If you cannot find a stamp, you might be looking at a cheap imitation.
Always ask the jeweler about an insurance policy before buying a new piece of jewelry. If you can get insurance, you know that you will be covered if something happens to your jewelry. Sometimes you can even get replacement coverage for loss or theft.
Discover whether they wear studs, hoop earrings, or some other type of jewelry. Noticing these things lets you choose jewelry more suited to their tastes.
Keep your jewelry from tarnishing as best as you can. Keep your jewelry away from water. Metals will often tarnish or rust when in contact with water. Painting a thin layer of clear-colored nail polish on your metal jewelry can add a protective barrier to it.
Look at the condition of costume jewelry before making a purchase. 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. The most useful pieces in your collection are the ones that are in excellent condition.
Costume Jewelry
Test it out by wearing it yourself; you don’t want to give a piece that will be uncomfortable or awkward for the recipient. You’ll also be able to get a better idea of the piece’s durability.
If you like to collect costume jewelry pieces, become very choosy about each piece’s condition. Even though it is not as expensive as its precious counterpart, costume jewelry represents a significant investment, one that can be lost if the pieces are allowed to get worn and broken. A piece that is in excellent condition will increase in value.
Think carefully about what stones you want in your jewelry. You should chose stones that reflect your personality, as well as complement your skin tone. If your wardrobe is made up of a wide variety of colors, choose stones of a shade that will match whatever you choose to put on. It will be of no value to you to purchase jewels that are not easy to incorporate into your lifestyle.
Going through a day wearing the jewelry will let you get familiar with how it hangs and whether or not it will be comfortable. By wearing it yourself, you can also gauge the ruggedness of the piece.
Costume jewelry needs to be handled and stored delicately. Many embellishments on costume jewelry are only secured with glue rather than set into the piece. Costume jewelry should never be submerged in liquid, nor cleaned with chemicals. The best way to care for your jewelry is to use one damp cloth to wipe it followed by a dry one to dry it. Doing so will keep your jewelry looking its best for life.
If you want to purchase new jewelry, watch for discounts or sales. You could save a lot of money if you take the time to look for better prices. Check for the best sales in the paper, online, and in store windows. If you buy the older fashions that are from the previous season, you can save a lot of money.
You should try to find out whether a gemstone was treated prior to purchasing it. If it was treated, you should discover the way it was treated. The type of care required will differ depending on the kind of treatment. For example, improper cleaning with the wrong method may damage the stone by stripping the treatment.
Buying jewelry sets can be less expensive than purchasing separate pieces of the same value. Buying a set of jewelry can get you a deal many times. You could divide the set up and give one piece as a gift for each holiday throughout the year. This is an excellent way to give something every holiday season without having to worry that you will forget.
Always keep an eye on sales when you’re looking to acquire some new jewelry pieces. You can save huge amounts of money if you are savvy. Watch for sales in the newspaper, on the Internet, and even in the stores themselves. If you buy the older fashions that are from the previous season, you can save a lot of money.
Any type of necklace or bracelet should have a strong clasp. You risk losing an expensive or sentimental chain or gemstone pendant if the clasp is too loose. A safety clasp is available and is recommended for valuable bracelets and necklaces. An additional clasp — or clasps — can be added to particularly priceless items to keep them extra safe.
Learn how to unravel a knotted necklace, even one with delicate loops. Do not give up, but instead get a piece of plastic wrap. Put the tangled necklace onto the plastic wrap, then pour a little mineral oil or baby oil onto the piece. Do the untangling yourself with a pair of needles. Wash them using dish soap, and then pat dry them.
When buying jewelry, you should not buy something only because of the brand. 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.
Do not settle for the first diamond dealer you visit. Every diamond is unique and has its own flaws. Seeing a diamond in person will help you determine whether you can accept a given imperfection. You can also use the flaws as a point for discussing a discount. Shop several different jewelers to find the ideal diamond in your price range.
Make sure jewelry you purchase can last for a long time. You usually get good quality when you buy something expensive, but think about styles too. Even if everyone is wearing a piece at the moment, it might look outdated next year. Decide on timeless pieces that will stay in fashion.
Think about getting a set of jewelry rather than a single piece. Some stores give deals when sets of jewelry are purchased. You do not have to give your loved one the entire set at once. You can present him or her with one piece as each occasion comes around. This ensures that you will have a lovely gift that is sure to match and be cherished.
The high price of gold could cause you to pass up a piece of jewelry you really want. If you simply must have that gold ring, necklace or bracelet, be flexible in terms of karats. Many people think of 18 karats as the best compromise between quality and affordability, as a piece with this content is at least 75% pure gold.
Take your jewelry off before you go swimming. Chlorine can damage the life and luster of your jewelry. The salt in seawater will result in the same effect. Removing pieces before heading into the water will extend their life and protect their beauty.
Both men and women can become overwhelmed by jewelry sometimes, whether it is the style, price, or the right occasion for purchasing it. With any luck, this article can help with your jewelry questions.
If you’re going to wear gaudy jewelry, don’t wear a gaudy outfit to match. As an alternative, pair the ornate jewelry with something as simple as a “little black dress”.