Jewelry has different meanings from a token of love to an heirloom. No matter what kind of jewelry you want to buy and give, selecting the best pieces can be tricky. This article has most of the tips you need to learn how to keep your jewelry looking brand new.
You should always store your jewelry very carefully. For best results, separate different pieces into different boxes, compartments or hooks. Resist the urge to jumble all your pieces together in one box or basket. Not only can it damage finer, fragile pieces, but it can also make a tangled mess out of chains.
Use a polishing cloth for all of your jewelry pieces. In this way, you will not have to deal with chemicals or solvents while you achieve the shine you love. It’s easy, just use the dual-sided cloth to wipe down your jewelry, just as you would polish a beautiful glass. Use one side to shine it and the other to polish it.
Bring a magnet when shopping for sterling silver jewelery. Magnets attract non-precious metals, and you can use this fact to detect fakes. There should be a stamp hallmarked that says something like .925 sterling or ster, on sterling silver Silver jewelry that lacks a hallmark may be a fake or composed of other metals.
Do some research on the gem in your new piece of jewelry before you buy. There are three unique types of stones: imitation, synthetic and natural. Natural gems and synthetic gems are real gemstones, whereas imitation is just an item of plastic with gemstone colors. Natural comes from the ground, while synthetic ones are created in a lab.
Always be aware of the type of stone you’re buying when dealing with gems. There are basically three distinct types: natural gems, synthetic gems and imitation stones. While both natural and synthetic stones are still real, imitation is just glass or plastic made to look like the natural stone. The difference here, however, is that synthetic is man-made in a laboratory while natural is found buried in the earth.
Costume Jewelry
A piece of jewelry should be long lasting. When buying jewelry, only buy from dealers with good reputations, so that you don’t buy a piece that seems durable, but really isn’t. The best jewelry is well-designed and well-made with close attention to detail. Your jeweler should have all the information on the piece, including where it came from and who created it. When you choose a piece of jewelry that is high in quality, it can become a heirloom that will last forever.
Costume jewelry has different, specific care requirements. These pieces are often put together with glue, which does not last as long as other methods. Never immerse your costume jewelry or use harsh chemicals on it. Wiping your jewelry off with with a slightly dampened cloth and then wiping it dry is usually sufficient to keep it clean. This will clean off any residue and make it look like new, without damaging it.
Before you think about picking up new jewelry, check into what the latest trends are to get a sense of what’s of value. The only thing that beats getting a new piece of jewelry is getting it for a discounted price!
You can untangle delicate necklaces that have become knotted. Don’t give up on that tangled mass of jewelry. Instead, get a piece of plastic wrap. Place the tangled pieces on this plastic with some mineral or baby oil. You can use needles to unravel them. When you are done, use soap and water to wash them.
Collecting costume jewelry is a popular pastime, but if you wish to participate, be careful of the condition of the jewelry. 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.
When making a jewelry purchase, be aware of what you plan to do with it. You should not have a lot of jewelery that you are never going to put on. Think about what type of clothing you will wear with the jewelry before deciding what to buy.
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 can also help you see whether the piece is durable enough to last.
You can have a more beautiful diamond if it is cut correctly, as opposed to a diamond of a bigger size. It is important to consider the character of the individual you are purchasing the diamond for.
There are a lot of different types of stones to think about getting when buying new jewelry. Try to choose a stone that meshes well with your taste or personality. Also, consider what looks good on you. Your best bet is to choose a natural color to match any outfit. If it isn’t a functional piece, you will not use it and it is pointless to purchase it.
It is important to visit different jewelers and examine multiple pieces when shopping for diamond jewelry. Every diamond is unique and they all have slight imperfections. You may not care too much about some flaws if you realize they’re difficult to discern. Different jewelers may price differently in regard to these flaws. Don’t just look at one jewelry shop. Take the time to really look around until you find the best deal possible.
Make sure you look into the history of your gemstone, especially if it was treated at all. It is important to understand the varying treatment processes because each one requires a specific care regimen. Cleaning a treated gem using the wrong chemical might damage it.
It is crucial that all bracelets and necklaces have good clasps. You risk losing your necklace, and the expensive stones attached to it, if your clasp fails. You should add a safety clasp on any expensive jewelry pieces. There are those that use two or three clasps to keep their jewelry safe while they wear it.
It is important to pay attention to how the diamond is cut, and the clarity of the stone. To some people this is more important and appealing than the actual size. In addition, consider the characteristics and traits of the recipient of this diamond.
Take your jewelry off before you go swimming. Chlorine can damage the life and luster of your jewelry. Salt water can be equally damaging over time. It is advisable to remove all jewelry prior to participating in any water sports to protect and extend the life of your jewelry.
Never go swimming while wearing jewelry. The chlorine in pool water is very harsh and may cause your fine jewelry to appear dull. Salt water can damage them over time too. If you want your jewelry to remain pristine, always remember to remove it before getting into the water.
When you are purchasing expensive jewelry, you should remind yourself that this is an investment that you will want to wear for many years. Quality pieces are often accompanied by a hefty price tag, but you should also carefully consider style and trends. Very often pieces that are currently trendy wind up looking foolish later. Try to find something timeless and classic.
These days of sky-high gold prices makes buying gold jewelry an expensive proposition. Though genuine gold is pricey, remember that it can be more affordable if you consider pieces with lower karats. The best combination of price and quality is an 18k piece made without less than 75% pure gold.
Onyx jewelry is unique and makes a bold impact, while crystal is a delicate and wonderful touch to any classy outfit. You don’t need to completely empty your wallet on a new jewelry piece to be pleased with the results.
You can make some extra cash from your gold jewelry without sacrificing the pieces. Just clip off a few inches of excess and you can sell it while still actually keeping a full piece to wear. If it is real gold and you have a few chains, you can make a few hundred dollars by just shortening the pieces.
Jewelry is extremely valuable, economically and sentimentally. Protecting your jewelry investment can be as simple as learning proper care methods. When you educate yourself on everything there is to know about jewelry you learn what it takes to get the most from your jewelry.
If you’re going to wear gaudy jewelry, don’t wear a gaudy outfit to match. Let the jewelry take center stage by dressing in a solid color.