A topic that people are passionate about is jewelry, whether as a gift or for their own personal pieces. There are so many options and beautiful pieces available, it is helpful to become more knowledgeable about different aspects of jewelry. This advice can help you find some answers!
Don’t clean your jewelry in harsh household chemicals like ammonia, bleach or turpentine. These can erode both the color and the materials of your jewelry.
Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia and acetone that may permanently damage your jewelry. This can cause the stones to lose their luster in addition to eating away the enamel on any of the pieces.
Be careful when storing all your jewelry together. Precious metals and certain gemstones will tarnish if they are exposed to humidity, so keep the away from this. Don’t just toss your jewelry in a pile. This haphazard approach can cause damage to the individual components of fine jewelry, and create a tangled mess.
Take a moment to consider how your valuable jewelry is stored and sorted. It is better to use boxes, compartments, holders, and hooks for keeping pieces separate. Don’t just toss your jewelry in a pile. Not only will your necklaces become hopelessly tangled, you risk harming any fragile pieces as they bump and scrape against each other as you search the box.
Keep your jewelry in a relatively air-tight container, and minimize its exposure to humidity. Store them in a closed jewelry box or small drawstring bag for maximum protection. Metals will become tarnished when exposed to air and humidity. Polishing will work to restore the color and shine for precious metals, but with non-precious metals, polishing will not help the change in color.
Sterling Silver
When you are shopping for jewelry in sterling silver, be sure to examine the piece closely, and take along a magnet for metal testing. Use the magnet to detect fake jewelry; real silver will not be attracted to the magnet, but the cheaper metals will. There should be a stamp hallmarked that says something like .925 sterling or ster, on sterling silver If the piece is not hallmarked in any way, be leery of its authenticity because oftentimes it is a sign of a fake.
If you are shopping unmarked sterling silver jewelry, then by all means bring a magnet. Metals that aren’t precious will connect to the magnet, signaling that it is fake. You can identify sterling silver by its markings, for example “sterling,” “ster,” or “.925.” If there is no marking on the piece, it may not be sterling silver.
When you purchase jewelery ensure you know what you are buying. There are three unique types of stones: imitation, synthetic and natural. Synthetic stones are lab created jewels, while imitation stones are normally colored glass. Natural stones are found in the earth and are mined out, while synthetic ones are grown in laboratories.
When you’re considering a diamond purchase, plan on shopping around and making comparisons. Take a close look at a truly top notch diamond, and then hold everything else you consider to that standard. However, be mindful that there are fraudulent ways to make the diamond look better than it is.
Your diamond shopping experience is missing something important if you are not comparison shopping. Take a very close look at the piece you like, and then make the comparison to any others on your favorites list. There are many ways to make a diamond look better than it really is.
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 should give you a grasp of their tastes, and some ideas about what to buy for them.
When collecting costume jewelry, pay close attention to the condition of any piece you are considering. Costume jewelry, while expensive, can be a great investment. However, if a piece shows wear it will lose value. Compare pieces for quality, because good ones stay high or even grow in value over time.
Ask about a jeweler’s insurance policy before buying anything. That way, if something were to happen to your jewelry, you can easily bring it back to the jeweler who will fix or replace it. In some instances, you can even insure your jewelry against loss or theft.
It is a good idea to determine the best approaches for jewelry care. Not all types of jewelry can be cleaned in the same manner. Along the same lines, enhancing different stones and settings requires you to take different steps. For the best information on how to look after your jewelry, you should talk to a jeweler.
Take the steps to inhibit its tarnishing. If possible, remove your jewelry if you are around water. Metals will often tarnish or rust when in contact with water. If you must take your jewelry somewhere wet, prepare it by adding some clear nail polish on the surface.
It is easy to find jewelry on sale. If the deal is good, you may be able to save some serious money! 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.
If you want costume jewelery, you will have to take care of it. Costume jewelry, while expensive, can be a great investment. However, if a piece shows wear it will lose value. Make sure you have a piece that is in excellent condition, because this will be a lot more fruitful for you down the road.
Untangling knotted chains can be easy if you know how to do it. It’s easy to get frustrated when trying to get the knots out of a badly tangled necklace, but try using some plastic wrap before you call it quits. Put the necklace on the plastic wrap and cover it with a little baby oil. Untangle it with the use of a needle. Next, use dish soap to clean the piece. Finish by using a soft cloth to pat it dry.
The stone is an important part of a piece of jewelry so should be considered carefully. The right stone will enhance your skin tone and make a statement about your personality. Choose neutral colors that will easily match any outfit you decide to wear. If it isn’t a functional piece, you will not use it and it is pointless to purchase it.
Steam saunas and dry ones are very much included. The moisture and heat can cause your jewelry to become damaged.
The brooch will call attention to your belt and make it more interesting to look at. The best places to pin the brooch for maximum visual impact are the middle of your waist and at hip line.
Jewelry sets make excellent gifts for loved ones. Many jewelers offer deals on jewelry sets. If you purchase a necklace and earring set, you can gift the necklace on one occasion and the earrings on another. It is an excellent way to know that you have a gift for someone that he or she is sure to love.
To preserve the pristine look of your jewelry, apply your make-up first, wait for it to set, then put on your jewelry. Jewelry can become dirty and dull if you put it on too early, this is because incomplete makeup routines will transfer grime to it. Especially keep this tip in mind for necklaces or earrings.
Using robe hooks will help to stop necklaces from becoming tangled. Install a series of hooks on a piece of furniture, a door or a wall and arrange your necklaces artfully. Hanging your necklaces will keep them looking nice, keep them from becoming tangled together and can work as a beautiful display as well.
You should always know what you plan on doing with jewelry when purchasing it. Having a lot of never worn jewelry is not necessary. When making a selection, remember your outfits, clothing and accessories.
Make heads turn with unique crystal or onyx pieces. You don’t need to completely empty your wallet on a new jewelry piece to be pleased with the results.
If you’re in the market for diamond jewelry, make sure to comparison shop. No diamond is without its flaws, and every piece is unique. If you can personally view a flaw, it may become less significant in your eyes. Jewelers can price their diamonds differently according to the flaws in the diamonds. Try different jewelers and locate the most beautiful diamond you can afford to buy.
Rubies deserve their reputation as a very popular gemstone. Rubies come in different shades of red, though the most prized rubies are of the brightest reds. They can range from pinkish hues to the darkest, blood red colors. They are also extremely durable and can withstand many chemicals and being hit. Their strength and unique beauty make them an excellent choice for most people.
You can make some extra cash from your gold jewelry without sacrificing the pieces. All it takes is clipping off any excess material, usually only a few inches. You will still keep your piece intact so you can wear it. If it is real gold and you have a few chains, you can make a few hundred dollars by just shortening the pieces.
One stone that is often forgotten about is Alexandrite, although it looks beautiful when made into a piece of jewelry. This stone actually changes color, depending on the natural light. Alexandrite is often set in earrings, rings, or pendants.
The subject of jewelry is broad and overwhelming with considerations ranging from prices to budgets to proper care and specific occasions. The tips you’ve found here will very likely enable you to approach jewelry buying in an informed manner.
A lot of people are starting to combine silver jewelry with yellow gold jewelry when they pick out pieces to wear. To pull this off, wear a jewelry piece that contains the two colors of metal. If not, you’ll have a mismatched appearance.