Regardless of how you come into the jewelry pieces you own, it is important to know the right ways to properly care for it. This article will provide you with some nifty tricks and tips for getting the maximum benefit out of any time or money you invest in jewelry.
Use a polishing cloth to keep your jewelry clean and free from damage. This is a natural way to shine all of your jewelry without relying on abrasives or other harsh chemicals. Gently polish your jewelry with the two-sided cloth as if it were a mirror. 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. You can detect fake sterling silver with the magnet, since non-precious metals are drawn to magnets. You can identify sterling silver by its markings, for example “sterling,” “ster,” or “.925.” If you don’t see a stamp of any sort on a piece, then be wary of whether it is actually silver or not.
Your diamond shopping experience is missing something important if you are not comparison shopping. View the piece you are currently considering closely and then compare it against some other pieces that are in the running. You must be a sharp consumer to avoid tricks that might make a diamond look better than it really is.
Before you buy anything new, found out about the latest trend. Getting a nice piece of jewelry is good, but getting it at a discount is even better.
It is a good idea to determine the best approaches for jewelry care. Depending on the metals and stones used in your jewelry, along with how they are set, you will need different maintenance methods. Cleaning and maintenance techniques that work perfectly on one stone might cause damage to another. Whenever you buy a new piece of jewelry, ask the jeweler the best way to clean and maintain it.
Costume Jewelry
Special care is required for costume jewelry. Many of the stones and embellishments are just glued in instead of set in a professional setting. Costume jewelry should never be submerged in liquid, nor cleaned with chemicals. It is best to have two cloths ready, one warm with water and one dry, to use to wipe your jewelry. This helps keep costume jewelry looking sparkling clean and new.
All bracelets and necklaces must have a good, durable clasp or closure. Clasps keep your pendants safe. For particularly expensive or sentimental pieces of jewelry, it is recommended you have a safety clasp installed. Some opt for two or three clasps on their extremely valuable pieces of jewelry so that they stay safe during wear.
Jewelry that has been cared for properly retains its sentimental and economic value. Learn the proper ways to clean and store your jewelry. In addition to the information above, there is more information available all over the Internet. Continue to educate yourself to get the most out of your jewelry.