There is no such thing as being too informed about jewelry. A single slip-up could end up costing you big. Here are some safe and reliable tips for jewelry selection and care. Let this article guide you to the best possible jewelry choices for your needs.
Polish your jewelry regularly with a jeweler’s polishing cloth. This easy technique can make your jewelry bright and shiny without the use of harsh solvents and chemicals. Gently polish your jewelry with the two-sided cloth as if it were a mirror. One side is designed to polish, and the other is used to make the piece shine.
Don’t use acetone, ammonia, turpentine, bleach, or other harsh chemicals for cleaning them. This will result in damage to both the stones and the metal of the piece.
Precious Metals
Keep your jewelery in a space that is dry and doesn’t have any air flow. A jewelry box or drawstring bag out of a humid area is ideal. Precious, as well as non-precious metals, will tarnish if they are exposed to humidity and air over time. You will be able to polish precious metals to remove tarnish, but non-precious metals may lose their coating, showing the copper metal beneath.
Bring a magnet when shopping for sterling silver jewelery. Use the magnet to detect fake jewelry; real silver will not be attracted to the magnet, but the cheaper metals will. Sterling silver should always bear a stamp that says Sterling, Ster. or .925. If the piece of presumed silver is not marked, be skeptical that is real silver. It could very well be a fake.
Quality Piece
Jewelry is an investment that should last forever. It is important to invest in a quality piece of jewelry, so only work with respected and reputable jewelers. A high-quality piece of jewelry should be well-made and show superior craftsmanship. The jeweler ought to know the history of the piece, such as its manufacturer and the source of the gemstones. You need to buy quality jewelry so that you can pass it down as an heirloom.
If you want costume jewelery, you will have to take care of it. Costume jewelry, while expensive, can be a great investment. However, if a piece shows wear it will lose value. An item in good condition holds its value better in the long run.
A brooch is a great accent for your belt, adding eye-catching interest. The best places to pin the brooch for maximum visual impact are the middle of your waist and at hip line.
Apply your makeup and let it set before putting on jewelry. If you put on makeup after you put on your jewelry, dust and particles from the makeup will migrate to the jewelry, which makes it dirty quite quickly. It is especially important to follow this tip for necklaces and earrings.
If your gemstone was treated, you should know about it before you purchase it. The kind of care your stone needs is dependent on what it was treated with. You want to avoid unknowingly cleaning the gem with a chemical or solution that could strip off the protective treatment.
Plastic Wrap
If you have tangled necklaces, you can untangle them with ease. You can easily give up on a knotted mass of metal, but instead grab some plastic wrap. Lay the necklace on the plastic wrap, and then cover it with a thin coat of mineral oil or baby oil. Try using needles to start untangling it. Finally, use dish soap and dry gently with a towel.
Before buying any jewelry, think about what you will use it for. What’s the fun in buying jewelry you never actually wear? Take time to consider the type of clothing styles and outfits you plan on wearing with your jewelry purchase.
The size of the diamond is not always the most critical detail, the cut and clarity are important also. Also, keep in mind the personality of the person you are giving the diamond to.
Make sure you look around for awhile when you decide you want to shop for jewelry. No two diamonds are exactly the same, each will have different flaws. Some flaws may be less important to you once you actually see it in person. You can also use the flaws as a point for discussing a discount. Do your research and shop smart in order to find the best diamond at the best possible price.
It is crucial that all bracelets and necklaces have good clasps. Without something that is solid, your chain, pendants and costly stones could be lost. You can purchase a safety clasp to secure expensive pieces of jewelry. You could even have more than one clasp installed on your most prized items.
Well, it’s easy when you know how. This article has just touched on a few of things that you should know about this very rewarding hobby. There is much to learn, but at least you’ve now got a few good ideas to put to work.