Whatever your jewelry situation is, the jewelry world can get confusing. You might have trouble locating the research information you need to be educated in the field of jewelry. Find interesting information, and perhaps a few things you did not know, in the article ahead.
If you want to buy sterling silver pieces, use a magnet and examine the jewelry very carefully. Magnets attract non-precious metals, and you can use this fact to detect fakes. True sterling sliver always has some sort of hallmark stamp on it, such as .925, sterling or ster. 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.
Don’t clean your jewelry in harsh household chemicals like ammonia, bleach or turpentine. These can erode both the color and the materials of your jewelry.
Be sure to pay attention to details like type of metal and shape. Doing this will provide a good basis for where you should begin so that you can purchase a special piece for that special someone.
Look at what they are wearing now. Do they like hoops or studs? Does the person prefer chokers or loose fitting necklaces? This should give you a grasp of their tastes, and some ideas about what to buy for them.
When you buy a piece of jewelery, inquire about the jeweler’s insurance policy. That way, if something were to happen to your jewelry, you can easily bring it back to the jeweler who will fix or replace it. In some cases, insurance policies will cover lost, misplaced or stolen pieces.
Before you think about picking up new jewelry, check into what the latest trends are to get a sense of what’s of value. Getting a beautiful piece is fantastic; but it’s even better when it’s on sale!
Stones are an important part of jewelry so ensure they factor heavily in your decision. Any stones that you choose should go with your skin tone and reflect your personality. Neutral colors are very versatile, as they match well with any outfit. There is no point in buying something that is not functional.
Make careful note of the condition of costume jewelry you wish to collect. A piece that isn’t in very good condition won’t be worth it, and since you may be thinking of an expensive item as an investment, it’s important to watch for wear and tear. Investing in quality means that you can enjoy the jewelry for many years to come.
It is a good idea to determine the best approaches for jewelry care. Not all types of jewelry can be cleaned in the same manner. The best way to care for a particular piece of jewelry could be harmful to a different piece. Speak with a knowlegeable jeweler if you do not know the best way to take care of your jewels.
Take stones into consideration when you go to purchase new jewelry. Any stones that you choose should go with your skin tone and reflect your personality. Pieces in neutral tones work well with any item in your wardrobe. Buying something that does not work with multiple outfits is pointless.
If you are presenting a gift to someone who has their own unusual style, look for an item of jewelry that is in line with their clothing and lifestyle choices. A unique piece like this that matches their personality appears creative and thoughtful, and it shows them that you care about them enough to buy them something that they’ll wear.
Costume Jewelry
One key thing to remember is to only put your jewelry on after you’ve applied your makeup. Makeup will settle into your jewelry making it look dull and dingy. This method is especially helpful in caring for necklaces or earrings.
Costume jewelry should be treated differently than your other jewelry. Many of the stones and embellishments are just glued in instead of set in a professional setting. For this reason, costume jewelry should never touch water, and you should avoid using detergents on it. For best results, use a warmed, damp cloth to wipe your jewelry and then use another cloth to dry it. This keeps costume jewelry looking its best.
Before you buy, ask if the gemstone has been treated, and the method for doing so. Different treatments come with different requirements for cleaning and storage. For example, you should avoid cleaning a gem that has been treated with a certain solution that could peel off the treatment because this could harm the gem.
Think about the outfits you will wear it with when you buy a piece of jewelry. It is not beneficial to have a large box full of jewelry that you will not wear. Take a look in your closet and consider what outfits your jewelry will accessorize.
Untangle your knotted necklaces, even the delicate ones. Don’t give up on that tangled mass of jewelry. Instead, get a piece of plastic wrap. Apply baby oil or mineral oil to your necklace after placing it on the plastic wrap. Gently untangle the knots with needles. When your necklaces are straight, use dish soap to wash the oil off and pat them dry.
When you are buying jewelry for someone, it may be a good idea to buy a set instead of just one piece. It is usually quite easy to find a jewelry set at a reasonable price, especially during the holidays. You can separate pieces of the set and gift a piece to your loved one every holiday season. This way, you know that you are giving a present that perfectly matches something the person already has.
Keep your necklaces free of tangles by getting robe hooks to hang them. You can keep your necklaces organized by length, color or material when you install a row of robe hooks on a wall or right on the inside of your closet door. This organizational tip can help you from getting a tangled mess of necklaces in your jewelry box.
Brand should not be the only consideration when purchasing jewelry. It will be difficult for others to tell where you purchased an item, and if you’re only buying something because of the name, it could very well be overpriced. Excellent quality can be found from a lot of different jewelry brands.
Don’t buy a piece of jewelry based solely on the brand. Few people can identify jewelry brands on sight. A jeweler who convinces you that a brand is worth paying more for is probably just out to get as much of your money as possible. There are thousands of quality brands of jewelry available for purchase.
High gold prices are only one of the drawbacks of having your heart set on gold jewelry. If you simply must have a gold necklace, ring or bracelet, you can spend less by getting fewer karats. 18 karat pieces are made up of at least 75% pure gold. This is considered to be the best combination of price and quality.
The high price of gold can interfere with your fine jewelry purchases. Though genuine gold is pricey, remember that it can be more affordable if you consider pieces with lower karats. An 18 karat piece is comprised of no less than 75 percent of pure gold, which is generally considered by many to be the most optimal combination of quality and price.
As you have seen, jewelry has many wonderful aspects. 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. Welcome to the exciting, and always changing, world of jewelry. You will be well on your way to enjoying jewelry better when you make use of these tips.
Jewelry using crystal or onyx can be great statement pieces. It is certainly possible to spend less and come out with a piece of jewelry that is absolutely remarkable.