Whatever your jewelry situation is, the jewelry world can get confusing. Jewelry has been an important part of the human condition for so long, but where can you even start looking for the right things to learn about it? Read on to discover a few handy tips that can make you a wiser owner, buyer and giver of jewelry.
Separate your jewelry for storage to avoid getting pieces tangled. It is best to use holders, compartments, boxes, and hooks so that everything is kept separate. Don’t throw piles into a box. This haphazard approach can cause damage to the individual components of fine jewelry, and create a tangled mess.
Polish your jewelry regularly with a jeweler’s polishing cloth. This is a very easy way to make them shine and not have to use any type of chemicals or solvents. All you do is polish it like you would a glass with the two-sided cloth. One side is designed to polish, and the other is used to make the piece shine.
If you want to buy sterling silver pieces, use a magnet and examine the jewelry very carefully. Metals that aren’t precious will connect to the magnet, signaling that it is fake. If your silver is sterling, you will also notice a mark on the piece. This mark might state .925, sterling, or ster. If your silver is not marked, it could be because it is not real!
Do not use any chemicals on your jewelery stones. Doing so can destroy enamel finishes, while clouding stones and crystals.
When you are shopping, think about the color or type of gem you want to buy. The types of gems available are synthetic, imitation and natural. Imitation gems are basically plastic that is colored, while synthetic and natural are real. A natural stone is mined from the earth, and a synthetic is a lab-created gem.
When storing your jewelry, be sure that you store it in a place with low humidity and free of open air. A jewelry box or drawstring bag out of a humid area is ideal. Metals will become tarnished when exposed to air and humidity. Precious metals can easily be polished, but non-precious metal needs a special polish.
Take the steps to inhibit its tarnishing. Don’t wear jewelry near water. Many types of metal will become dulled, tarnished, or rusty when exposed to it. If you must take your jewelry somewhere wet, prepare it by adding some clear nail polish on the surface.
Comparison shopping is a must when shopping for diamonds. Take a close look at a truly top notch diamond, and then hold everything else you consider to that standard. There are deceptive tricks that can be used to enhance a diamond, so you need to be on the lookout.
Look at the condition of costume jewelry before making a purchase. Quality costume jewelry may cost more, but a cheaply made piece will fall apart and will quickly become unusable. Pieces that are in great shape will fetch you better prices down the road, should you choose to sell them.
Ask about a jeweler’s insurance policy before buying anything. If your jewelry becomes damaged, you can return it to the source and have it repaired. Sometimes you can even get replacement coverage for loss or theft.
Think about what stones you would want before you purchase a new piece of jewelry. Choose stones that have a reflection on your personality and that also complement the color of your skin. Neutral colors work better to match all your clothing. Buying something that does not work with multiple outfits is pointless.
Costume Jewelery
The brooch adds a unique touch and a bit of your style to your outfit. Place the broach in the middle of your waist for the best effect.
You will need to take special care when you are buying costume jewelery! Many costume jewelry pieces are glued rather than set. Keep your costume jewelery away from water or chemicals. The best way to clean these pieces are to wipe them clean with a damp cloth and dry immediately with another cloth. This will make your current costume jewelry look great.
Even knotted necklaces with delicate loops can be untangled. Instead of giving up a knotted chain as hopeless, try using plastic wrap and some clear oil. After placing the necklace on the wrap, coat it with mineral or baby oil. Using sewing needles, you should be able to separate the knot. When your necklaces are straight, use dish soap to wash the oil off and pat them dry.
Find out if your gemstone was treated before you buy it and if it was, how it was treated. Different care is required for different treatments. You don’t want to clean them with a type of solution that could strip the treatment or damage the gem.
You need a good clasp for any necklaces and bracelets. Unless your necklace or bracelet has a durable closure, you risk losing expensive or sentimental pendants, stones and charms. 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.
Jewelry is a very large topic, and there are a lot of things to know about it. If you are diligent about doing your research, you’ll be able to make educated purchasing decisions and learn how to care for those purchases. Jewelry is an exciting field, filled with opportunities and allure. Use these guidelines as soon as possible to ensure that you get off to a good start.
Don’t wear jewelry when swimming. Chlorine is damaging to many types of metals that jewelry is made of. Over time, saltwater can be as bad. Removing pieces before heading into the water will extend their life and protect their beauty.