Accessorizing with jewelry is a skill and an art! The dos and don’ts for jewelry can change over time. Learning what to do need not be intimidating! Following is some of the information available to guide you with your choice of jewelry:
Do not purchase any jewelry from retailers in China. This country is notorious for selling fake gemstone and metal jewelry. Oftentimes, the jewelry advertised as sterling silver with real turquoise is just a piece of metal sprayed in silver and the turquoise is a fake piece of plastic. Such vendors may accept returns, but the hassle of shipping it back at your own cost, is usually not worth it. Be aware of scams like this.
Like with any important purchase, make sure that you are purchasing your jewelry from an experienced jeweler, one who has a solid reputation. You need one that you can trust and who can help you find what you need. They need to be friendly too, and not just another salesperson pushing what they think you should buy. It may even be wise to spend a little more in an established store, than to risk buying what seems to be the same item from someone spurious.
Stay away from cheap glass jewelry. Borosilicate and lampwork glass jewelry are a new rage. Many styles of this type of jewelry are popping up in malls all over the country. However the products labeled as high quality lampwork glass are nothing more than cheap imported glass goods. Such glass products are usually not kiln annealed which means that there is a high chance that the product can shatter, cutting your skin while you’re wearing it. Purchase glass jewelry from local artisans or reliable vendors that you know are selling quality products. If it’s too cheap, you know it is too good to be true. Good glass costs anywhere from the low forty dollar range up into the hundreds.
Wearing less jewelry can actually make a bigger statement than overloading yourself with many smaller pieces of bright gold and shiny stones. Large pieces are trendy right now, so when stepping out, pick one or two pieces of jewelry that are bold and dramatic. Try pairing a large, colorful ring with dangling earrings.
Shopping for birthstone jewelry may seem simple, but some months have more than one stone. June, October, November, and December all have multiple birthstones. If you’re shopping for yourself and you’re from a multiple stone month, decide which one you like best. If shopping for a gift, don’t be afraid to ask the recipient!
To wear jewelry without feeling uncomfortable, choose looser fitting pieces. While more restricting pieces like tight bracelets or chokers may look great, you won’t be able to look your best if you’re not comfortable. Light, loose necklaces are totally on trend and can be worn all day without causing you to experience discomfort.
If you are truly in love with a piece of costume jewelry, even if it is in less than good condition, it is okay to spend the money on it. A piece that you will treasure is more of an investment than the monetary cost of an item, so splurging can be allowed.
To keep your jewelry in top condition, never wear it to sleep. When you sleep, your body produces a lot of sweat and gives off a lot of heat, both of which can cause serious damage to jewelry. Sweat can cause it to tarnish or rust, while the heat can cause soft metals to deform.
So, now do you have some ideas? Enjoy your choice of jewelry! If you see some tips that will be of value to you that is great! Remember, accessorizing need not be intimidating!