The meaning behind individual pieces of jewelry can be as beautiful as the actual appearance of the jewelry. Jewelry can signify an important relationship or make a joyous and important event more memorable. Whether you are buying, selling or just want to enjoy your jewelry more, you need the right tips to help you get the most out of your experience.
Keep your jewelry stored somewhere that is free from humidity or air. Ideally, you should keep them in drawstring bags or in a jewelry box. Air and humidity can cause the metals that the jewelry are made of to tarnish. Precious metals can easily be polished, but non-precious metal needs a special polish.
Don’t keep your jewelry in open air or someplace with a lot of humidity. To protect your jewelry it is important to secure it in a small bag with a drawstring, or in a jewelry box that remains closed a majority of the time. Humid air affects the metals in jewelry and causes tarnishing. Polishing will work to restore the color and shine for precious metals, but with non-precious metals, polishing will not help the change in color.
When you are shopping for jewelry in sterling silver, be sure to examine the piece closely, and take along a magnet for metal testing. Use the magnet to detect fake jewelry; real silver will not be attracted to the magnet, but the cheaper metals will. You can identify sterling silver by its markings, for example “sterling,” “ster,” or “.925.” 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.
When you are shopping, think about the color or type of gem you want to buy. Natural gems and imitation gems have been joined recently by synthetic gems, making three main categories. Both synthetic and natural gems are real; however, imitation is simply plastic. Natural stones are dug up out of the ground and synthetic ones are grown in a lab.
Before purchasing a piece of jewelry, be sure to ask the jeweler about insurance policies. You want to know if they will be able to repair or replace the piece if it was to break. There are even some jewelers that will cover the replacement if the piece has been lost or stolen.
Before buying a new item of jewelry, do a little research on recent trends. The only thing that beats getting a new piece of jewelry is getting it for a discounted price!
Keep your jewelry from getting tarnished in order to keep it looking it’s best. Never wear your jewelry when you are going to be near water. Many metals can become tarnished, rusty or dull when exposed to water too often. Apply clear nail polish to your jewelery as an added protection.
Always check with your jeweler about insurance policy options before buying anything. If your jewelry becomes damaged, you can return it to the source and have it repaired. There are jewelers who offer insurance for misplaced or lost jewelry, too.
Wear the jewelry around for a day or so to be sure that it fits right and is comfortable. It will also allow you to see if the item is durable enough.
Costume Jewelry
To maintain the shine and finish on your jewelry, do not put it on until you’ve done your hair and makeup. Makeup can gravitate dust and grime towards your jewelry leaving it to look dull. This is extra important when you are cleaning necklaces or earrings.
If you like to buy costume jewelry, make sure that you examine the condition carefully. Costume jewelry can be very expensive and a great investment, but a piece that shows too much wear and tear will not be worth the money or time. Costume pieces kept in great condition will enhance your collection much more over time.
Be careful when untangling your delicate necklaces. Don’t give up on getting the knots out, instead get a sheet of plastic wrap. Apply baby oil or mineral oil to your necklace after placing it on the plastic wrap. Try using needles to start untangling it. Wash with dishwashing liquid then pat dry.
Try wearing the item for a little while to see if it is comfortable and hangs correctly. It will also allow you to see if the item is durable enough.
Take the time to shop at several different stores, both online and offline, when considering a diamond jewelry purchase. Every diamond is unique and possesses particular flaws. If you can personally view a flaw, it may become less significant in your eyes. Different jewelers may price differently in regard to these flaws. Try different jewelers and locate the most beautiful diamond you can afford to buy.
When you are buying new jewelery, think about the stones you want to get. Choose stones that have a reflection on your personality and that also complement the color of your skin. Your best bet is to choose a natural color to match any outfit. Do not buy anything that you cannot wear.
When getting presents for someone, you may want to consider purchasing sets of jewelry. Some stores give deals when sets of jewelry are purchased. You do not have to give your loved one the entire set at once. You can present him or her with one piece as each occasion comes around. This is an excellent way to give something every holiday season without having to worry that you will forget.
Jewelry is more than just precious metals and gemstones. It is something priceless; something that symbolizes precious memories. Each piece of jewelry is filled with emotion. It may be the celebration of a child’s birth or the promise of a lifetime of happiness ahead, but each item will invoke a memory each time it is viewed.
A clasp that will hold up is a very important part of any necklace or bracelet. 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. An additional clasp — or clasps — can be added to particularly priceless items to keep them extra safe.