Adorning the body with precious stones and metals goes back thousands of years. Jewelry comes in many different designs. Below you will find tips to guide you in choosing pieces of jewelry you are guaranteed to cherish forever.
Keep your jewelry looking like new by wiping it with a polishing cloth. This will allow your jewelry to shine without using chemicals. Simply use the two-sided polishing cloth to polish your jewelry the same way you would polish a glass. Use the polishing side first and, then the other side to make your jewelry shine.
Be careful on how you store all of your jewelry together. Consider delegating each piece to its own resting place, utilizing compartmental boxes and storage units. Don’t just toss your jewelry in a pile. Not only will your necklaces become hopelessly tangled, you risk harming any fragile pieces as they bump and scrape against each other as you search the box.
Sterling Silver
To distinguish between real and fake, bring a magnet when you shop for sterling silver jewelry. Metals that aren’t precious will connect to the magnet, signaling that it is fake. Look for the hallmark stamped on the piece of jewelry to determine what percentage sterling silver it is. Be wary of pieces that lack any silver hallmarks, as this is an indication that they’re not genuine sterling silver.
You should expect good jewelry to last the rest of your life, and possibly beyond. Don’t buy jewelry from less than reputable stockists if you expect your pieces to be of the highest quality. A high-quality piece of jewelry should be well-made and show superior craftsmanship. The jeweler that you purchase the item from should give you the history of the piece, as far as who made it, and, if there are stones on the item, where they came from. Take your time when selecting a high-quality piece if you want it to last you for a long time.
When you are shopping for diamonds, there are ways to compare the stones. Get up close to inspect the diamond carefully. Make a comparison with other pieces you have looked at. Beware, there are many tricks to enhance the look of a sub-par diamond.
What color gold do they seem to favor – white or yellow? Do they normally wear a bracelet? What type of earrings do they prefer – drop and dangle or studs? Take a mental note of this important information. This way, you know where you should start when buying a gift.
Preventing tarnish will keep your jewelry look its best. When wearing your jewelry, you should avoid exposure to water. Some metals will tarnish, dull or rust when exposed to water or perspiration. Painting a thin layer of clear-colored nail polish on your metal jewelry can add a protective barrier to it.
Put your make up on before the jewelery. Dirt and oil accumulate in the small crevices of jewelry, and can make it look dull and shabby. This is even more necessary for earrings and necklaces.
Before purchasing a gemstone, find out if it has been treated, and if so, how. Depending on the type of treatment used, the piece will require varying types of care. You want to avoid unknowingly cleaning the gem with a chemical or solution that could strip off the protective treatment.
When you go swimming, take your jewelry off first. Chlorine from a pool is a chemical and can tarnish and damage precious jewelry. Salt water is equally as bad for your jewelry. By taking your jewelry off of your body before swimming, you will be protecting it from the harsh chlorine and salt.
Brand name should not be the primary concern when buying jewelry. Many people won’t know where you got it, and many sellers try to sell these brands so that you pay a lot for them. You can find excellent quality from many different brands.
Think of expensive jewelery as an investment for the years to come. Although more expensive jewelry is normally high quality, there are other factors to consider. A precious stone tiara may be a great addition to your New Year’s Eve outfit this year, but maybe an elegant diamond tennis bracelet will make you feel like a queen for years to come. Decide on timeless pieces that will stay in fashion.
The jewelry tips that you just went over can help you start choosing a nice piece of jewelry that fits you. Reading about the various types of jewelry can make choosing the right item a lot easier.