Jewelry is a passionate topic with many people, whether it’s for a person’s loved one or personal use. There are many types of jewelry available, so it helps to understand some basic maintenance ideas. This article was written to help you get answers to some of those questions.
Do not clean your jewelry with chemicals such as bleach or ammonia. These chemicals can turn stones dull and even erode the enamel.
Try cleaning your jewelry collection with a polishing cloth. This is a chemical-free method to maintain the appearance of your fine jewelry. 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.
When you are shopping for jewelry in sterling silver, be sure to examine the piece closely, and take along a magnet for metal testing. Precious metals, like sterling silver, will not be attracted to the magnet. Look for the hallmark stamped on the piece of jewelry to determine what percentage sterling silver it is. Silver jewelry that lacks a hallmark may be a fake or composed of other metals.
Precious Metals
Be sure that you understand the kind of gemstone that is in the jewelry that you are purchasing. A stone may be natural, synthetic or imitation. Synthetic and natural are real stones, while the imitation ones are plastic that is colored. The difference here, however, is that synthetic is man-made in a laboratory while natural is found buried in the earth.
Keep your jewelery in a space that is dry and doesn’t have any air flow. Store them in a closed jewelry box or small drawstring bag for maximum protection. Humidity and air tends to cause precious and non-precious metals to tarnish. Precious metals are capable of being polished until they are like new, while non-precious metals will not be able to be saved. This is because the non-precious metals are simple copper metal coated with the covering of precious metals, and when polished, they will allow the copper to show through.
Jewelry should be a purchase that truly lasts a lifetime. 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. Quality jewelry will be constructed to last, and show a fine attention to detail. A credible jeweler should offer a complete history of the piece, including information about the creator and the source of the gemstones. You’ll create an heirloom tomorrow if you choose high-quality jewelry today.
Watch to see whether they usually wear necklaces or bracelets, or if they prefer dangly earrings to studs. Paying attention to these aspects of their current wardrobe will help you make a purchase they are more likely to enjoy.
Before you buy anything new, found out about the latest trend. The one thing that makes a great purchase an outstanding one is getting a bargain on it.
Before committing yourself to a piece, do research to determine which styles are hot and which are not. It is one thing to get a gorgeous bauble, but it is another to get it on sale!
Preventing tarnish will keep your jewelry look its best. Never wear your jewelry when you are going to be near water. Lots of jewelry materials are dulled or tarnished by water exposure. To protect your jewelry from exposure, apply a single coat of clear nail lacquer to its surface.
You should ensure the quality of the pieces of costume jewelry that you purchase for your collection. 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. A piece that is in excellent condition will increase in value.
If you are getting jewelry for someone you consider to be one-of-a-kind, think about buying a piece that’s the same: unique and specially-crafted. A unique piece to match their personality shows thoughtfulness and creativity, which is exactly what you want to express to a person you care enough about to buy jewelry for.
The subject of jewelry is broad and overwhelming with considerations ranging from prices to budgets to proper care and specific occasions. However, this article is written to help you answer any questions you have about jewelry.
A brooch will accent your belt and will instantly add visual interest. To add a twist to tradition, place the brooch at your hip.