Finding proper jewelry information and applying it to your life is not an easy task. Of course not all the jewelry information out there will be relevant to you. We’ve included only the most pertinent tips in this article so you can apply them to your situation immediately.
Before dealing with harsh chemicals, try a polishing cloth to bring back the luster of your jewelry. This is a fairly simple way to achieve shine without dealing with solvents and chemicals. It’s easy, just use the dual-sided cloth to wipe down your jewelry, just as you would polish a beautiful glass. Use the one side designated for polish, and the other for making it shine.
Try using a polishing cloth on all of the jewelry in a collection. These cloths can replace the need for chemicals or solvents during the process. To clean your jewelry, obtain a soft two-sided cloth and gently rub in a circular motion. Polish jewelry with one side of the cloth, then flip it over and shine jewelry with the other side.
Your diamond shopping experience is missing something important if you are not comparison shopping. Make a close-range examination of stones you find appealing, and contrast them with other likely purchases. Be alert, since there are various ways to deceive consumers into thinking a diamond is better then it really is.
Store your jewelry carefully. A better idea is to keep the pieces separate by using boxes, hooks, compartments or holders. Don’t just put them in one huge, unorganized pile. This does damage to jewelry pieces, which are often fragile. Necklaces lumped together can get tangled up into a knotted ball.
Watch to see whether they usually wear necklaces or bracelets, or if they prefer dangly earrings to studs. Knowing their preferences will be an invaluable guide when you go out to buy them a special item of jewelry.
Sterling Silver
When purchasing jewelry from a respected jeweler, inquire as to whether they offer an insurance policy. If your jewelry becomes damaged, you can return it to the source and have it repaired. Some jewelers have insurance policies that cover lost of stolen jewelry, also.
When you are shopping for jewelry in sterling silver, be sure to examine the piece closely, and take along a magnet for metal testing. You can tell if a piece of silver is sterling or not by using a magnet. Sterling will not react to the magnet, but non-precious metals will be attracted. In addition, sterling silver pieces are always stamped with silver hallmarks indicating such factors as the degree of purity, the manufacturer’s symbol, and the date of manufacture. Some of the most common hallmarks are “925, “ster,” “sterling,” and “sterling silver.” If you don’t see such a mark, you might want to reconsider the purchase. This is usually an indication that the piece is fake.
If you wish to keep a piece of jewelry looking fantastic, preventing it from tarnishing is important. Jewelry should not be worn near the water. Lots of jewelry materials are dulled or tarnished by water exposure. A single coat of transparent nail polish may help protect certain types of metal.
Know the type of gem you’re buying, when you buy it. Gemstones now come in natural as well as synthetic and imitation types. Imitation has little value, as it is generally plastic, while synthetic and natural are considered to be real gems. Natural stones are dug up out of the ground and synthetic ones are grown in a lab.
Special care is required for costume jewelry. A lot of the stones in costume jewelery are glued in and not set in. You will need to avoid immersing your jewelry and make sure to stay away from the use of harsh chemicals. To properly care for it you need to use a cloth dampened with warm water. After wiping make sure to use another cloth to thoroughly dry it. This will ensure that all of your costume jewelry looks like it did the day you bought it.
Look at the condition of costume jewelry before making a purchase. Costume jewelery pieces can be expensive but they are not worth the investment if they look too old. Make sure you have a piece that is in excellent condition, because this will be a lot more fruitful for you down the road.
To maintain the shine and finish on your jewelry, do not put it on until you’ve done your hair and makeup. Dust and grime from makeup gravitates towards jewelry, and putting on your jewelry first can leave it looking dull or dingy. This is particularly important with necklaces and earrings.
Take stones into consideration when you go to purchase new jewelry. Think about your skin tone, and also think about your personality as you choose your favorite stones. If your wardrobe is made up of a wide variety of colors, choose stones of a shade that will match whatever you choose to put on. It’s a waste of time buying something that you won’t wear regularly.
Steam saunas and dry ones are very much included. The high temperatures and damp environment can corrode the surface of your jewelry and cause long-term damage to the piece.
Costume Jewelry
Don’t swim while wearing your jewelry. Chlorine from a pool is a chemical and can tarnish and damage precious jewelry. Salt water is equally as bad for your jewelry. Taking it off before you swim will protect your jewelry and keep it looking beautiful for years to come.
Costume jewelry needs special care. Costume settings are often glued-in as compared to set-in. Don’t submerge costume jewelry in water or clean it with abrasives. The best way to clean these pieces are to wipe them clean with a damp cloth and dry immediately with another cloth. This will assure that you costume jewelry will continue looking great.
Necklaces often get tangled, so consider buying stylish robe hooks with embellishments to hang them and keep them untangled. With the right space, you can incorporate a row of these and use them for organizing and hanging necklaces easily. This will keep them untangled, and it looks nice as well.
You should try to find out whether a gemstone was treated prior to purchasing it. If it was treated, you should discover the way it was treated. Care for your gemstone is different, depending on how it was previously treated. You do not want to try to clean a treated gem with a solution that may strip the treatment and damage the gem in the process.
If you own gold, whether it’s in the form of bracelets or necklaces, you can keep your pieces and still make money from them. Consider removing excess portions of gold or silver that will not affect the overall piece. If it is real gold and you have a few chains, you can make a few hundred dollars by just shortening the pieces.
Do not buy a piece of jewelery if you are not sure when you are going to wear it. There is no need for a box of unused jewelry. Take a look in your closet and consider what outfits your jewelry will accessorize.
Onyx jewelry or crystal really stands out. You may find that saving money and finding great jewelry go hand in hand.
Jewelry sets can make a great present if you are looking for a creative gift for someone. Jewelry stores often offer remarkable deals on jewelry sets. You can even divide the pieces and give them to multiple recipients or on multiple occasions. It’s a good way to ascertain that you are never without a great gift to give a loved one.
You’ll want to properly display your hand made jewelry when setting it up to sell. Whenever you are buying materials for your jewelry, also be on the lookout of a good display as well. There are many different things that can serve as adequate jewelry displays.
Bracelets and necklaces must have a good, secure clasp. If your chains and pendants with costly gems do not have secure clasps, you may lose them. For very expensive necklaces and bracelets, at least one safety clasp is recommended. For very expensive items, some consumers choose to increase security with an additional clasp or two.
You should always remain within your budget when purchasing jewelry. There is no reason to take on debt because of a shiny ring or fancy necklace. Especially if you are a couple just starting out, a less costly option may be better for you. They will be able to upgrade to a better ring after they have financially established themselves.
Be sure to always remove your jewelry before going for a swim. Chlorine is a very strong and harsh chemical that can damage and dull your precious pieces. Over time, salt water can also cause damage. Your jewelry will last longer and stay more lustrous if you remember to take it off before getting into the water.
Consider a illusion setting if you want to have the appearance of a huge rock! Illusion settings enhance your diamond by placing a small mirrored plate under your diamond. The diamond is mirrored when on your hand so that it appears larger and more sparkly. The difficulties of doing it this way is that it can be tough to repair.
If you want to wear and care for jewelry successfully, then it is important to keep your knowledge up to date. Thanks to the information presented in this article you can use jewelry to your advantage easily. Add these tips to your store of jewelry knowledge, and you are well on your way to becoming a jewelry expert.
Understand general diamond costs before making a purchase. Finding the perfect diamond can be emotional and exhilarating. It’s often very easy to fall in love with a specific piece of diamond jewelry and override your budget constraints in the heat of the moment.