The concepts surrounding the gift of jewelry are as lovely as the physical pieces themselves. A single piece of jewelry has the power to commemorate occasions, events and relationships. When you know more about jewelry and its ability to preserve memories, you will find that even the act of buying and selling can be more enjoyable.
Try cleaning your jewelry collection with a polishing cloth. A polishing cloth is a very gentle way to get a good shine on all your pieces. To clean your jewelry, obtain a soft two-sided cloth and gently rub in a circular motion. First you should use the polish side, then use the shining side to really make your jewelry look stunning!
Do not use harsh chemicals such as ammonia, bleach, turpentine or acetone to clean them. Using them may result in damage to your jewelry, may cause dulling of gemstones, and may erode enamel work.
Watch how you store your jewelry when it isn’t being worn. It is best to use holders, compartments, boxes, and hooks so that everything is kept separate. Never simply throw piles of jewelry in a box. This can harm delicate parts, and tangle some pieces with others, like necklaces.
If you are shopping unmarked sterling silver jewelry, then by all means bring a magnet. Imitations will be attracted to your magnet. This is an easy way to recognize quality. Also, look to make sure that silver is hallmarked and stamped with .925, sterling or ster. If a particular piece is not stamped, you should be cautious of its authenticity.
When purchasing jewels, you should understand which type of stone you are getting. Gems can be natural, imitation or synthetic. Natural and synthetic are both real, while imitation is just basically colored plastic. Natural gems are dug up from the ground, and synthetic gems are man-made in a lab.
Know what is trendy before you buy a piece of jewelry. If you look around you may be able to find a great deal!
Always ask the jeweler about an insurance policy before buying a new piece of jewelry. These policies dictate whether or not the jeweler will replace or fix your item of jewelry if it is damaged. There are even some jewelers that will cover the replacement if the piece has been lost or stolen.
Costume Jewelry
Look at the condition of costume jewelry before making a purchase. Even though it is not as expensive as its precious counterpart, costume jewelry represents a significant investment, one that can be lost if the pieces are allowed to get worn and broken. The most useful pieces in your collection are the ones that are in excellent condition.
Give the jewelry a little test drive and wear it for a little bit to see if it is comfortable and lays right. You will also have the knowledge that the piece is not going to fall apart the first time the receiver wears it.
Costume jewelry does require some special care. Many costume jewelry pieces are glued rather than set. Costume jewelry should never be submerged in liquid, nor cleaned with chemicals. Wiping your jewelry off with with a slightly dampened cloth and then wiping it dry is usually sufficient to keep it clean. This will ensure that your costume jewelry looks perfect.
You can use a brooch to make your belt stand out, since it is sure to be eye-catching. Pin it in the front or at your hip.
One key thing to remember is to only put your jewelry on after you’ve applied your makeup. 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. In particular, this hint is aimed towards your necklaces and earrings.
Buy jewelry on sale whenever possible. Jewelry sales offer big savings. Watch for sales in the newspaper, on the Internet, and even in the stores themselves. Consider buying something that is out of style to get a better deal.
Have a purpose in mind for a piece of jewelry before you buy it. A big supply of jewelry that you never wear is of little use to you. Take a look in your closet and consider what outfits your jewelry will accessorize.
Expensive Jewelry
When looking to purchase a considerably expensive jewelry piece, purchase an item that will stay with you for a lifetime. Although more expensive jewelry is normally high quality, there are other factors to consider. Trends in jewelry can be fleeting and result in unworn pieces later. Choose a classic, timeless piece.
Remember to contrast finely detailed, ornate jewelry with a simple outfit. Try wearing something like a black skirt and white top in order to show off your piece of jewelry.
The key to selling jewelery in craft shows or holiday sales is to display it in a way that attracts attention to the pieces. The next time you go shopping for new materials, look for things you can use for display. With a bit of ingenuity, even the most random object can be transformed easily into a unique jewelry display case. Look for interesting ways to use things like hatboxes, baskets and unique sculptures.
To invest in jewelry is to invest in a memory, and that is a truly priceless pursuit. Jewelry can symbolize a memorable moment or a hope for the future.