Your Go-To Guide For All Things Jewelry

Jewelery can be quite complex. Each piece has a different meaning and should be given or worn in a specific context. There is quite a bit to learn about jewelry, and it might be hard to make sense out of it. Luckily, all the hottest tips are in this one article.

Try cleaning your jewelry collection with a polishing cloth. This helps keep your jewelry shiny without the need for chemical cleansers, which can damage the pieces. Use the dual-sided cloth on your jewelry just as you would clean a glass. Use the one side designated for polish, and the other for making it shine.

TIP! Use a polishing cloth for all of your jewelry pieces. This is a very easy way to make them shine and not have to use any type of chemicals or solvents.

Separate your jewelry for storage to avoid getting pieces tangled. The right jewelry box that has separate compartments, hooks and holders to keep the pieces apart is the best choice. You should never simply throw your jewelry into a box in a messy pile. Heavy pieces should not be placed in the same compartment with fragile pieces.

If you want costume jewelery, you will have to take care of it. Costume jewelry make good investments and they can be costly, but an item that shows major signs of usage will be a poor investment of your time and money. An item in good condition holds its value better in the long run.

TIP! As a collector of costume jewelry, you should investigate the condition of the pieces that you want to add to your collection Collecting costume jewelry can get expensive, but it is also an investment worth your time, so avoid any pieces that have too many flaws. Make sure you have a piece that is in excellent condition, because this will be a lot more fruitful for you down the road.

Precious Metals

You need to know how to care for each piece in your jewelry collection. The variety of stones, metals and assorted settings will determine the ways in which you care for them. A technique that is effective for one type of stone or metal may actually cause damage to another. It’s best to speak with a jeweler before you attempt to care of an unfamiliar piece of jewelry.

TIP! Take careful consideration when thinking of how you want to care for the jewelry you purchase. Different styles of jewelry affect the way they need to be cared for; one type of metal will need a different treatment than another, for example.

Don’t keep your jewelry in open air or someplace with a lot of humidity. Some good examples of proper storage would be,a jewelry box that is closed, or a small draw string bag. Metals will become tarnished when exposed to air and humidity. The thing about this is that non-precious metals cannot fully recover from this because underneath, the copper shows through. However, keep in mind that precious metals can go back to their own original forms.

When photographing a jewelry piece to sell online, aim to present it attractively, in a well-lit, close-up and clear photograph. This is extra important because the customer can not handle jewelry with an online transaction. Make sure you take a photo of the jewelery in a place that will focus on it and not the background.

TIP! When selling a piece of jewelry online, you should aim to present the piece in an attractive manner. As the potential buyer cannot physically touch the piece, this is important so that the jewelry is presented in its best light.

If you are shopping for sterling silver jewelry, you’ll need a magnet and an eye for the real thing. 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. Also, look to make sure that silver is hallmarked and stamped with .925, sterling or ster. If the piece is not hallmarked in any way, be leery of its authenticity because oftentimes it is a sign of a fake.

You can have a more beautiful diamond if it is cut correctly, as opposed to a diamond of a bigger size. You must think of the person who will be wearing the jewelry.

TIP! The cut, color and clarity of a diamond can make a bigger impression than size alone. Be sure to consider the type of person that you are presenting the diamond to.

Before you buy a gemstone, ask what type of gemstone it is. The types of gems available are synthetic, imitation and natural. Synthetic and natural are real stones, while the imitation ones are plastic that is colored. Natural stones are found underground and synthetic gems are created in a lab.

This is true for all saunas. Many pieces can be seriously damaged by extreme temperatures and moisture levels.

TIP! Avoid steam saunas and dry ones. The moisture and heat can cause your jewelry to become damaged.

Always shop around when buying a diamond. Take a close look at a truly top notch diamond, and then hold everything else you consider to that standard. Be careful of tricks that jewelers use to make a diamond look bigger or better.

If you are saving up for an investment piece, make sure your jewelry will last as long as you would like for it to! Although more expensive jewelry is normally high quality, there are other factors to consider. Even if everyone is wearing a piece at the moment, it might look outdated next year. Try and find classic items that never go out of fashion.

TIP! If you are saving up for an investment piece, make sure your jewelry will last as long as you would like for it to! Although you usually get high-quality jewelry when you spend a lot of money, you also need to consider the style of the piece. A modern cut may look wonderful with your style now but clash terribly with your timeless investment pieces several years down the line.

Keep your jewelry from getting tarnished to preserve its best appearance. If possible, remove your jewelry if you are around water. Water exposure can cause different metals to become tarnished, dull or rusted. Apply clear nail polish to your jewelery as an added protection.

Jewelry using crystal or onyx can be great statement pieces. Give your wallet a break and look good at the same time.

TIP! If you really want to be flashy and turn heads, wear onyx or crystal jewelry. Be kinder to your wallet; you might find that the results are gorgeous.

Wear the jewelry piece for a day so that you can get an idea of how comfortable it is and if it hangs right. By wearing it yourself, you can also gauge the ruggedness of the piece.

Be sure that you dress simply when you plan to wear jewelry that is big and elaborate. Wear a solid color or the “little black dress” to highlight interesting pieces.

TIP! Remember to combine large and very ornate jewelry with simple outfits. Instead, wear the classic “little black dress” or other solid background to highlight your interesting jewelry item.

If you want to purchase new jewelry, watch for discounts or sales. With the right kind of sale, you can save a lot of money. Check for great sales online, in the newspaper, and even storefront windows. If you wait to buy jewelry until that particular style is going out of fashion, you can get it for almost 50 percent off of its original price.

Presentation is important, just as much to you when you are selling home-made jewelry at a craft sale or flea market as it is to a posh jewelry store. When searching for the materials that you will use to make your jewelry, you should remember to consider displays that are creative. Different types of boxes, stands, racks and baskets can all be turned into jewelry when you think outside the box.

TIP! When creating jewelry for selling at craft sales, holiday sales and flea markets, you probably do not know methods of displaying it in a beautiful fashion. You may be able to purchase something where you buy your other materials.

When you list jewelry for sale online, make sure you present it in the best possible way. This is extra important because the customer can not handle jewelry with an online transaction. Make the piece of jewelry the main focus of the photograph, rather than its surroundings.

For the longest time, rubies have held a special place in the world of jewelry. 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. Rubies are a durable stone. They can take abuse as well as any fine jewelry. Their ability to last many years make them a wonderful choice for jewelry.

TIP! Rubies have always been known to be a very fine jewelry stone and for good reason. Authentic rubies are red 100% of the time, but red comes in many shades from pinkish to blood red.

A small but well-cut diamond with high clarity can look nicer than a bigger diamond of lower quality. Also, bear in mind the style of the intended recipient.

These days, a lot of people are mixing silver and gold in their jewelry. To do this correctly, you need a piece that combines them both. If you do not do this, the look will appear tacky and not stylish.

TIP! These days, a lot of people are mixing silver and gold in their jewelry. The easiest way to try this trend is with a single piece that contains both metals.

Take the time to shop at several different stores, both online and offline, when considering a diamond jewelry purchase. Every diamond is unique, and each will have some flaws. Seeing a diamond in person will help you determine whether you can accept a given imperfection. When it comes to flaws, each jeweler prices diamonds a bit differently. Do your research and shop smart in order to find the best diamond at the best possible price.

Nothing says “I love you” like a beautiful, thoughtful piece of jewelry. All women are delighted when they receive a piece of jewelry, especially when it is unanticipated. You will also get to enjoy watching her face light up and her eyes open wide in surprise as you hand her that pretty little box.

TIP! Give your beloved a beautiful item of jewelry to express your love. An unexpected piece of beautiful jewelry is enough to delight the heart of any woman.

Inspect the clasps of your necklaces and bracelets. You risk losing an expensive or sentimental chain or gemstone pendant if the clasp is too loose. 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.

If you have a piece of jewelry you like from your childhood, try combining them with new pieces that are larger and more modern. A small heart pendant or simple cross adds personality to a bevy of other necklaces, whether they have something in common or not.

TIP! To update the look of an older necklace, layer it with bulky and more modern pieces. A single necklace or a group of them worn together will look better with the addition of a pendant such as a cross or a heart.

Proper care of your setting requires you to gently wipe the piece with a damp cloth. After wiping the item clean, wipe it dry with a soft cloth. Keep costume jewelry away from steam cleaners or powerful chemicals.

You should know what sort of prices you will be seeing prior to going out to look for a engagement ring. Diamond shopping is an emotional experience. It can be easy to get caught up in the moment, and lose track of your planned budget.

TIP! Before you go shopping for the engagement ring, it is a good idea to have some basic knowledge on the price of diamonds and how much you plan to spend. Diamond shopping is an emotional experience.

If you have a piece of jewelry you like from your childhood, try combining them with new pieces that are larger and more modern. Add a pendant to your collection and wear it with other necklaces of a similar color.

This might damage silver jewelery in the long term but will work great if you need a quick solution. Apply a small amount of toothpaste using a lint-free cloth or paper towel. You want to rub the jewelry with the toothpaste, and then rinse it clear of the paste, or at least wipe it off. The result will not be perfect, but it will no longer look tarnished either.

TIP! While it’s not as good as a professional cleaner, toothpaste will get the job done in a pinch. Use a soft cloth that is free of lint or a paper towel with a small amount of toothpaste applied to it.

Before putting fine jewelry up for sale, get it professionally appraised by a gemologist. You need to get an accurate appraisal, so that you know what you can sell it for.

Choose an engagement ring that fits your lifestyle, as well as one that looks gorgeous. The rings should reflect your individuality, as well as your relationship with your partner. This ring will be a part of your lives for years to come, a symbol of your lives together.

TIP! When you are picking an engagement ring with your partner, consider the style of the ring and the style of your lives. You want your ring to really represent the best of both your personality and your relationship.

Illusion Setting

Avoid fancy designer names in jewelry. A recognizable name does not necessary mean you are getting a better quality. Look at the types of jewelry from these designers that you like, and find similar styles from other brands and designers that are much more affordable.

TIP! Don’t be taken in by high-priced designer jewelry. There are many famous jewelry stores and jewelers that charge top price for their goods based on their name, but is their quality any better than others? Look at the different jewelry from the expensive designers, then find something similar in a style you like from the more affordable jewelers.

If you want the effect of a large, dazzling diamond, an illusion setting is a good choice. An illusion setting is when a mirrored plate is placed on the ring before setting the diamond. The diamond then reflects off the mirror, which causes it to appear bigger and more glittery. If you are considering this setting, keep in mind that repairing these pieces is difficult.

Cufflinks are a fashion statement that can be confusing as to the proper occasion to wear them at. Cufflinks are best paired with a dress shirt of unusually high quality. Make sure that the style of your suit and shirt match the cufflinks they will be paired with so as to complement each other.

TIP! Sometimes, men do not know how to wear cufflinks properly. Generally, the ideal time to put on cufflinks is when you are wearing a high-quality or costly dress shirt, or if you are wearing a formal suit.

To make good jewelry choices, you really need to educate yourself on everything from value to quality to care. Now you can spend much more time doing things instead of searching for information, all thanks to these tips. If you keep the tips you found in this article in mind, you will be better prepared to make good decisions when it comes to jewelry.

Diamond jewelry worn daily should be cleaned professionally at least every six months, ideally starting from the time you acquired the item. In addition to cleaning your items, the gemologist will inspect them for damage.

TIP! When you wear diamond jewelry on a daily basis, you should have your items professionally cleaned at least twice a year, ideally every six months from the time of purchase or the time you were gifted with the item. Not only will the gemologist clean your item, they will inspect it and identify if there has been any damage to it.