There is no limit on the good information that you can learn on jewelry as a subject matter. One mistake in your purchase can end up costing you quite a bit. Here’s a few very sensible tips on the subject. You will be able to more easily pick out and keep jewelery pieces looking great if you follow these tips.
Try using a polishing cloth on all of the jewelry in a collection. With this method, you can simply shine it up and not deal with the hassle of using cleaners. You just have to polish each piece the same as you would polish glass using the two-sided cloth. Use the one side designated for polish, and the other for making it shine.
Don’t use things that contain harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, acetone or turpentine, to clean your jewelry. Doing so can destroy enamel finishes, while clouding stones and crystals.
Make sure you organize your jewelry properly. It is recommended to separate the items stored by using compartments, boxes, holders and hooks. Avoiding piling your nice jewelry pieces into one big heap in a box. This can damage the finer and more fragile pieces, and items like necklaces can entangle with each other and other pieces into a big mess.
Store your jewelry carefully. A better idea is to keep the pieces separate by using boxes, hooks, compartments or holders. Don’t just toss your jewelry in a pile. Heavy pieces should not be placed in the same compartment with fragile pieces.
Never store your jewelry in open air or humidity. It’s best to store it in a closed box, like a jewelry box, or a drawstring bag. Precious, as well as non-precious metals, will tarnish if they are exposed to humidity and air over time. 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
Know which kind of stone you are buying with your jewelry. You have three options as far as the type of gem: natural, imitation and synthetic. While both natural and synthetic stones are still real, imitation is just glass or plastic made to look like the natural stone. Natural gems are dug up from the ground, and synthetic gems are man-made in a lab.
When shopping for genuine sterling silver jewelry, you need both a discerning eye and a small magnet. By using the magnet you can quickly determine if the jewelry item is made of a cheaper metal and not sterling silver. If your silver is sterling, you will also notice a mark on the piece. This mark might state .925, sterling, or ster. If the item has no markings indicating its authenticity, then be wary.
Jewelry should be a purchase that truly lasts a lifetime. It is important to invest in a quality piece of jewelry, so only work with respected and reputable jewelers. They should show a lot of craftsmanship, as well as be well-made. Your jeweler should have all the information on the piece, including where it came from and who created it. A quality item of jewelry will last a lifetime or more, so take the time to do your research.
Take note of whether they wear hoop earrings or studs, yellow gold or white gold, an ankle bracelet, etc. Knowing their preferences will be an invaluable guide when you go out to buy them a special item of jewelry.
Watch to see whether they usually wear necklaces or bracelets, or if they prefer dangly earrings to studs. This will give you a good idea of where to start when purchasing that special item.
If you are wanting to collect costume jewelry, you should ensure you are aware of its 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. Investing in quality means that you can enjoy the jewelry for many years to come.
Think about how best ways to look after your jewelry. Different metals, stones, and settings have different needs to ensure proper maintenance. What works for one piece of jewelry could dull or damage another. If you can’t find information about caring for a specific piece of jewelry, consult a trusted jeweler.
Test it out by wearing it yourself; you don’t want to give a piece that will be uncomfortable or awkward for the recipient. This also helps you to see its durability.
Keep all of your jewelry cleaner by putting it on only after you have applied all makeup and perfume. Dirt and oil accumulate in the small crevices of jewelry, and can make it look dull and shabby. Especially keep this tip in mind for necklaces or earrings.
Costume Jewelry
If you are interested in acquiring new jewelry pieces, try to find great sales. If the deal is good, you may be able to save some serious money! Check ads in the newspaper, on the Internet, and in stores for the best deals. If you buy fashion items at the end of their season, you can save up to 50%.
Costume jewelry requires specific care. Costume settings are often glued-in as compared to set-in. Costume jewelry should never be immersed or make contact with harsh chemicals. Use a damp cloth, then dry it with another clean, dry cloth. This will ensure that all of your costume jewelry looks like it did the day you bought it.
Have a purpose in mind before shopping for jewelry. There is no need for a box of unused jewelry. Think about what type of clothing you will wear with the jewelry before deciding what to buy.
The brooch adds a unique touch and a bit of your style to your outfit. Place the brooch close to your hip or in the middle of your waist.
Make sure you look around for awhile when you decide you want to shop for jewelry. 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. Also, jewelers can adjust prices based on a specific diamond’s particular condition. Shop around to find a great, high-quality diamond at an affordable price.
To keep your jewelry looking clean, only put it on after your make-up is applied and set. Makeup will settle into your jewelry making it look dull and dingy. This is even more necessary for earrings and necklaces.
When you go swimming, take your jewelry off first. Chlorine is damaging to many types of metals that jewelry is made of. The salt in seawater will result in the same effect. You can extend the longevity of your pieces and keep their beauty intact by removing them prior to swimming.
Untangle your knotted necklaces, even the delicate ones. It’s easy to get frustrated with tangled necklaces, but saran wrap can come to the rescue. Apply baby oil or mineral oil to your necklace after placing it on the plastic wrap. Untangle it with some needles. Next, use dish soap to clean the piece. Finish by using a soft cloth to pat it dry.
Try using robe hooks for storing your necklaces in a tangle-free way. You can hang your necklaces in a row and separate them by color and length. This organizational tip can help you from getting a tangled mess of necklaces in your jewelry box.
Avoid steam saunas and dry ones. The reason for this is that the heat and the moisture can taint the jewelry and cause problems.
When you are making a serious, high-dollar jewelry purchase, make sure that you can get years of use out of it. This goes not only for the quality of the piece but also the style of it. Very often pieces that are currently trendy wind up looking foolish later. Choose a classic, timeless piece.
When you want to buy something nice for someone, think about getting them a jewelery set. You can often get a better price if you buy an entire set. You can even divide the pieces and give them to multiple recipients or on multiple occasions. This way you can have a gift ready for someone months in advance and know that they will like it.
Remember to contrast finely detailed, ornate jewelry with a simple outfit. Wear something that will keep attention focused on your jewelry, such as a simple, solid-color outfit like the reliable “little black dress.”
Don’t swim while wearing your jewelry. Chlorine is damaging to many types of metals that jewelry is made of. Even ocean swimming is not good for jewelry. The salt is damaging. Take off your jewelry before diving in the water to keep them looking their best.
If you are a jewelery artist that is looking for a way to display your art at the craft fair, this is where you need to look! Use the same creativity you employ on your jewelry to come up with notable, memorable displays for it. There are many different things that can serve as adequate jewelry displays.
Brand Names
Gorgeous red rubies have been a favorite precious stone in jewelry throughout time for a few different reasons. Although rubies are red, there are many different variations of red ranging from maroon to deep rose pink. They are very durable and can resist being hit and stand up to many chemicals. Because of this combination of looks and strength, rubies are one of the most practical choices in fine stones.
When looking for the right jewelry, ignore fancy brand names and labels. The brand may be a significant factor in the price. Usually, brand names like Cartier and Tiffany are much more expensive than jewelry without the brand name for the same piece. You can find excellent quality from many different brands.
Jewelry is a gift that suits any occasion, but your special someone might be especially delighted to receive jewelry as a surprise. Many women love surprise gifts, especially ones that glitter. You can also enjoy seeing her eyes widen, and her surprised and excited face when you give her that adorable little box.
If you are ready to spend a lot of money on a piece of jewelry, make sure it is something that will be with you for years to come. Although you’ll almost always get high quality when the item is expensive, don’t forget to consider the style as well. Something that is cool and trendy now might not look so stylish in a couple of years. Look for something classic and timeless.
It is possible to wear daintier, childhood necklaces by layering them between newer, modern necklaces and pendants. Use a pendant as a point of interest within the cluster, and choose necklaces which share a theme; be it a color, material, or design.
The price of gold is a major limiting factor to being able to afford beautiful gold jewelry. If you’re not willing to settle for anything less than gold, by being willing to compromise on karats, you can save some money. 18 karat pieces are made up of at least 75% pure gold. This is considered to be the best combination of price and quality.
Have an idea about the cost of diamonds before you go looking for an engagement ring. Purchasing a diamond is often a thing that is approached on an emotional level. For this reason, it is easy to forget your budgeting plans and follow your heart instead.
Well, it’s easy when you know how. This article has just touched on a few of things that you should know about this very rewarding hobby. There is much to learn, but at least you’ve now got a few good ideas to put to work.
Buying previously owned jewelry can be very cost effective. Used jewelry items are usually just as good as brand new items. However, they are much more reasonably priced so you can get more bling for your buck.