What jewelry represents is almost as interesting as actually wearing it. A single piece of jewelry has the power to commemorate occasions, events and relationships. This article will teach you about jewelry, helping you to appreciate not only selling pieces, but purchasing them as well.
Keep your jewelry looking like new by wiping it with a polishing cloth. This is a fairly simple way to achieve shine without dealing with solvents and chemicals. Use the dual-sided cloth to gently buff your jewelry as you would a delicate glass. First you should use the polish side, then use the shining side to really make your jewelry look stunning!
Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia and acetone that may permanently damage your jewelry. This could cause the stone to change color or become dull in appearance, and it may eat away at the enamel on the piece.
Store your jewelry carefully. Jewelry should be stored in an organized way in a box, a jewelry holder or hung on hooks. Resist the urge to jumble all your pieces together in one box or basket. This can hurt very fragile jewelry, and tangle necklaces or bracelets.
The metals in jewelry can tarnish if exposed to humid air, so you will want to store them in a way that protects them. To ensure it is protected, keep your jewelry in a drawstring bag or a jewelry box that is closed. Humid air affects the metals in jewelry and causes tarnishing. Precious metal jewelry can be polished to fix tarnish, but non-precious metals coated with a finish will never get back to their previous state.
You need to know the type of gem that you are purchasing. The three types are imitation, synthetic and natural. While natural and synthetic stones are the real deal, imitation stones are made to look like a real gemstone, but could be anything from colored glass to plastic. Natural gems are those that are actually from the earth, whereas synthetic ones are made in labs.
Before adding a piece of jewelry to your collection, research current trends. You will enjoy your jewelery even more if you can get it on sale.
Before purchasing a gemstone, find out if it has been treated, and if so, how. Different care is required for different treatments. You don’t want to clean them with a type of solution that could strip the treatment or damage the gem.
Plastic Wrap
Be careful when untangling your delicate necklaces. While it can be frustrating untangling metal necklaces, consider using plastic wrap. Put the necklace on the plastic wrap and cover it with a little baby oil. You can use needles to unravel them. Clean with warm, soapy water and gently pat dry.
Before you purchase a diamond ring, necklace or bracelet, shop around and compare your options. Every diamond is uniquely different from another, and they each have their own flaws. Some flaws are less noticeable than others and may not bother you. Jewelers price diamonds differently, depending on their flaws. Do your research and shop smart in order to find the best diamond at the best possible price.
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. A safety clasp should always be used on expensive jewelry. If there is a piece that you simply cannot afford to lose, try an additional clasp for added safety.
Buying, selling or owning jewelry, involves investing in something almost priceless, which is the memory itself. Every piece of jewelry has a story, one that is laden with happiness, hope or love.