Would you like to compliment your outfit with a beautiful piece of jewelry? Whether you want to purchase jewelry for yourself or for a friend, the following tips will certainly help you pick something out.
Watch how you store your jewelry when it isn’t being worn. A better idea is to keep the pieces separate by using boxes, hooks, compartments or holders. Don’t just box all the pieces together 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.
You need to know the type of gem that you are purchasing. You have three options as far as the type of gem: natural, imitation and synthetic. You have to know that imitation refers to colored plastic. While natural gems come out of mines, synthetic ones come out of laboratories.
Pay attention to the type of metal they wear, such as white gold or yellow gold. Also notice if your loved one usually wears hoops or studs. This information will allow you to purchase that special piece that they will treasure for life.
When you purchase jewelry from a jeweler, ask about their insurance policy. In the unfortunate, but possible event that your jewelry gets damaged, the jeweler will be able to replace or fix it for you. There are even some jewelers that will cover the replacement if the piece has been lost or stolen.
If you want to maintain the look of your jewelry, you should prevent it from becoming tarnished. Try to keep your jewelry away from water. Many types of jewelry become dulled or tarnished when they are exposed to water. A single coat of transparent nail polish may help protect certain types of metal.
Costume Jewelry
If you want to start a costume jewelry collection, it is important to be aware of the pieces’ condition. 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.
Costume jewelry needs to be handled and stored delicately. Many of the costume type settings are glued-in, rather than set-in. Don’t submerge costume jewelry in water or clean it with abrasives. The best way to maintain your costume jewelry is to use a moist, warm cloth first, then dry it off with another cloth. This method will keep your costume jewelry stunning and beautiful.
For those creative, quirky people in your life, shop for handcrafted original pieces. Purchasing a unique piece that matches his or her personality demonstrates how thoughtful and creative you are. This is what you should be expressing to someone you love enough to purchase jewelry for.
When you are looking for new jewelry, the first thing to do is to check what is on sale. Jewelry sales offer big savings. Watch for sales in the newspaper, on the Internet, and even in the stores themselves. You could get great jewelry at discounts close to 50%, especially when it comes to styles that are being phased out.
A clasp that will hold up is a very important part of any necklace or bracelet. A flimsy clasp could result in lost jewelry. Valuable bracelets and necklaces should be secured with a safety clasp. Actually, some people opt for an additional clasp on more expensive pieces.
Take your jewelry off before you go swimming. Chlorine is damaging to many types of metals that jewelry is made of. 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.
Make sure jewelry you purchase can last for a long time. Consider both style and quality when selecting your next jewelry purchase. While the piece might appear stylish and modern right now, in five years time it could end up languishing at the bottom of your jewelry case. Try to find something timeless and classic.
High gold prices are only one of the drawbacks of having your heart set on gold jewelry. If you are determined to buy real gold, you might have to be flexible on the carats, in order to save money. Buying 18 karat jewelry means you will get a piece that is at least 75% gold. Experts agree that this is the sweet spot on the price-quality curve.
The birthstone for the month of July, popular rubies were once believed to possess magical powers. True rubies are red, but rubies have a myriad of red shades that range from deep pinks to near maroon. Rubies are especially hardy and can withstand exposure to most chemicals and other types of damage. Because of this combination of looks and strength, rubies are one of the most practical choices in fine stones.
When buying jewelry, be sure and stay within your budget. Taking out a loan for a ring or necklace is a bad idea. Especially if you are a couple just starting out, a less costly option may be better for you. It can always be upgraded later when they are more financially stable.
Now that you know the basics of jewelry selection, you will be able to spot the best specimens of any type of jewelry, from gemstones to precious metals. Jewelry is the gift that keeps on giving for years to come, both in style and in economic value.