Regardless of how you obtained your new piece of jewelry, sometimes understanding all you need to know about it can be 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? You can start learning right here with these useful tips that will help turn you into an educated jewelry consumer.
Your jewlery needs to be kept in a place where it is protected from air and humidity. To ensure it is protected, keep your jewelry in a drawstring bag or a jewelry box that is closed. Precious, as well as non-precious metals, will tarnish if they are exposed to humidity and air over time. It is possible to polish precious metals, but polishing non-precious metals will damage the coating, which makes the copper that metal was covering show.
Try using a simple polishing cloth on your jewelery collection. It will allow you to make your jewelry look as good as new without the use of chemicals. All you do is polish it like you would a glass with the two-sided cloth. Use the side of the cloth that is designed for polishing to remove fingerprints, dust and other surface imperfections, and then use the opposite side to buff the jewelry and make it gleam.
Having a good eye to catch the details, and a magnet, are key when you are considering the purchase of any type of sterling silver jewelry. You are able to detect fake pieces of sterling jewelry with a magnet, as non-precious metals are attracted by the magnet. If your silver is sterling, you will also notice a mark on the piece. This mark might state .925, sterling, or ster. Silver jewelry that lacks a hallmark may be a fake or composed of other metals.
For example, you should never use bleach, turpentine, or ammonia on your jewelry. Harsh chemicals can destroy the enamel, and ruin the stones in your jewelry.
Jewelry should be a purchase that truly lasts a lifetime. When choosing jewelry, you should always buy from a reputable store or dealer, in order to ensure you only get high-quality pieces. You can tell when jewelry is of high quality, due to the excellent craftsmanship. A jeweler should know about each piece he sells, including the person that made it, the origin of precious stones or other materials and other history, such as previous owners for antique or estate pieces. Take your time when selecting a high-quality piece if you want it to last you for a long time.
When storing your jewelry, be sure that you store it in a place with low humidity and free of open air. Some good examples of proper storage would be,a jewelry box that is closed, or a small draw string bag. Precious, as well as non-precious metals, will tarnish if they are exposed to humidity and air over time. Precious metals can easily be polished, but non-precious metal needs a special polish.
Pay attention to the types, sizes, and colors of jewelry that the person wears. Paying attention to these aspects of their current wardrobe will help you make a purchase they are more likely to enjoy.
Always compare prices before purchasing any diamonds. Look at what you like close up, and compare them to other pieces you have seen. You should be aware that there are many deceptive people trying to sell jewelry; therefore, it is essential to learn and understand what is involved when selecting a new diamond.
Make sure a piece of jewelry is still in style before you buy it. If you look around you may be able to find a great deal!
Ask the jeweler what type of insurance is available for your purchase. This is to avoid any future complications. If anything were to happen you have yourself covered and to avoid complications with that jeweler in the future, they can replace or fix it for you if you run into problems. Sometimes you can even get replacement coverage for loss or theft.
You will need to take special care when you are buying costume jewelery! Often, stones will be glued into their settings, which makes them more prone to falling out than regular jewelry. Don’t let them go under water or clean them with strong chemicals, or you could dissolve the glue. Wiping it down with a damp, warm cloth and then drying it with another cloth is the best care for it. This will assure that you costume jewelry will continue looking great.
Make sure you take precautions to stop your jewelery from losing its shine. Jewelry should not be worn near the water. Metals can become dull, rusty or tarnished if submerged in it. Clear nail polish, applied in a thin coat, can give jewelry some added protection.
Have a unique piece of jewelry made for the special person on your gift list. Besides affection and admiration, an ideal jewelry gift expresses creativity and thoughtfulness. A custom-made piece selected to suit the recipient’s personality is an excellent way for you to demonstrate these feelings.
Costume Jewelry
If you are interested in acquiring new jewelry pieces, try to find great sales. With the right kind of sale, you can save a lot of money. Check online, in the store windows, and in the paper for the greatest sales. Sometimes, you can save about half the original price on trendy pieces that aren’t as trendy anymore.
Collecting costume jewelry is a popular pastime, but if you wish to participate, be careful of the condition of the jewelry. Many costume pieces are a great investment and can be quite costly, but costume jewelry that has too many signs of wear will not keep their value over time. Jewelry that’s in good repair can be a much better investment.
Untangle a delicate necklace easily. The first thing you need to do is get a piece of plastic wrap. Put your knotted chains on the plastic wrap and cover with a little baby oil. Do the untangling yourself with a pair of needles. Wash any oil residue from the necklace with dishwashing liquid, and gently pat it dry.
If the person you are shopping for is a unique individual, consider choosing a one-of-a-kind piece crafted specifically for them. Purchasing a unique piece that matches his or her personality demonstrates how thoughtful and creative you are. This is what you should be expressing to someone you love enough to purchase jewelry for.
Have definite plans for the jewelry you purchase. What’s the fun in buying jewelry you never actually wear? Think of the outfits that you own, and use those to help you choose your jewelry.
A brooch will add a little character to your belt. Pin the brooch on your belt in the center, or offset to one side.
A diamond’s cut and clarity are often times more important than how big it is. The personal preferences of the individual who will be wearing the diamond are of paramount consideration.
Always keep an eye on sales when you’re looking to acquire some new jewelry pieces. Jewelry sales offer big savings. You will find advertisements for the sales in a variety of media mediums including on the net, in newspapers, and also in the stores themselves. Consider buying something that is out of style to get a better deal.
This goes for any type of sauna, whether it’s the dry type or the steam type. Many pieces can be seriously damaged by extreme temperatures and moisture levels.
When you list jewelry for sale online, make sure you present it in the best possible way. This is particularly important when selling jewelry online, since the buyer can’t inspect the piece in person. Take photos of your jewelry in a place where the focus is on the piece instead of the background.
Before you purchase a diamond ring, necklace or bracelet, shop around and compare your options. Every diamond is unique in both its beauty and imperfections. Sometimes an imperfection isn’t so important, but you need to see the diamond in person to determine this. Different jewelers may price differently in regard to these flaws. While shopping, first determine your budget and then locate the best diamond you can find that fits in that price range.
Many times, the cut and clarity of a diamond outshines its actual carat weight. Most important of all, make sure that the piece you choose complements the nature of the intended receiver.
Don’t swim while wearing your jewelry. Chlorine can damage the life and luster of your jewelry. Salt water can damage them over time too. You can extend the longevity of your pieces and keep their beauty intact by removing them prior to swimming.
Steam saunas and dry ones are very much included. Extreme moisture and heat can seriously damage the piece.
Don’t focus on brand when buying a piece of jewelry. Most people won’t know where you got the piece, and you will probably pay too much because of the name on it. You can find excellent quality from many different brands.
Bracelets and necklaces must have a good, secure clasp. Without a solid clasp, your pendant, chain or expensive stone is at risk for loss. You can purchase a safety clasp to secure expensive pieces of jewelry. It is common to have two or three clasps for expensive jewelry.
Many people forget about the beautiful stone Alexandrite. Ambient lighting determines this gemstones color. It can vary from yellow to purple to green, depending on the angle of viewing and the lighting source. Alexandrite is often set in earrings, rings, or pendants.
Never swim with your jewelry on. Your jewelry’s luster and life can be damaged from the chlorine that is present in the pool water. The salt in seawater will result in the same effect. To safeguard your valuable jewelry, set it aside in a safe place before you go in for a swim.
If you want to use childhood jewelery, but are concerned about looking childish or old-fashioned, layer items with bigger, contemporary pieces for a modern effect. When you wear many necklaces together as a cluster grouping, it is nice to add one personal item, like a cross or other pendant.
You can make a real statement with a stand-out piece of onyx or crystal jewelry. You can save your money and still get a beautiful piece of jewelry.
When picking jewelry to go with your outfit, you should consider just what you would like your jewelry to accomplish. Which item do you want to stand out more? Do you want the outfit that you are wearing to stand out or the items of jewelry that are adorning it? Decide on this before you select your pieces.
When you accessorize simple clothes, mix in large, ornate jewelry. Wear something in a single color and allow the jewelry to steal the show.
The engagement rings you choose with your partner should reflect your personalities and your lifestyle. Look for a ring that expresses what you feel and reflects who you are. It is important to choose a meaningful ring, because it is almost certainly going to become memorable and much-loved.
As you can see, jewelry has an amazing array of aspects to it. Doing your research is essential when you are searching for a quality piece. Furthermore, learning to care for your purchase will ensure that it lasts for years to come. When you first start out with jewelry, it is like a whole other world, and it is one flush with excitement and beauty. The tips that you’ve just been given will help you find your way through this vast and wonderful world.
Don’t fall for the hype of fancy names in jewelry. Everyone has heard about certain famous jewelers, and lots of people want to purchase jewelry from them. However, is their jewelry really better than the other brands? Go to the designer’s website and look at their catalog, then try and find a matching no-name piece that is just as good for 50% of the price.