Jewelry has been a part of this world for a long time and there are a lot of designs to choose from. The information below can get you started on choosing a jewelry item you are bound to cherish.
Keep your whole jewelry collection sparkling with a polishing cloth. It will allow you to make your jewelry look as good as new without the use of chemicals. Polish your jewelry with a two-sided polishing cloth as you might buff a lovely glass. Use a two-sided cleaning cloth, one for polishing and one for shining.
Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia and acetone that may permanently damage your jewelry. Doing so can destroy enamel finishes, while clouding stones and crystals.
Separate your jewelry for storage to avoid getting pieces tangled. Keep pieces separately by using compartments, boxes, hooks and holders. Avoid simply piling them on top of each other in a box. Not only can this harm the fine and fragile pieces, but things like necklaces can get severely tangled up with other necklaces or other jewelry.
Take a magnet and a keen eye with you when you head out to purchase any jewelry made from sterling silver. Jewelry made with non-precious metals will be attracted to the magnet, revealing any fakes. If your silver is sterling, you will also notice a mark on the piece. This mark might state .925, sterling, or ster. If there is no marking on the piece, it may not be sterling silver.
Ask about a jeweler’s insurance policy before buying anything. Look for a good policy that lets you return damaged items. You might find some jewelers who are willing to insure it against loss and theft.
Costume Jewelry
If you want to collect costume jewelry, concentrate on getting quality peices. Costume jewelry make good investments and they can be costly, but an item that shows major signs of usage will be a poor investment of your time and money. A piece that is free of any defects or wear not only looks better, but is also a better investment.
You could wear it for a day to make sure it is not uncomfortable. Doing this also helps you see if the jewelery is long lasting or likely to break easily.
You need to know how to care for each piece in your jewelry collection. Depending on the metals and stones used in your jewelry, along with how they are set, you will need different maintenance methods. Something that may help one piece of jewelry might hurt another one. For the best information on how to look after your jewelry, you should talk to a jeweler.
Remember that even costume jewelry needs careful attention. Many of the components of costume jewelry are glued into their settings rather than held in with prongs or other more permanent methods. You will need to avoid immersing your jewelry and make sure to stay away from the use of harsh chemicals. The best care is to wipe with a warm damp cloth and then dry with another cloth. This keeps costume jewelry looking its best.
If the person you are shopping for is a unique individual, consider choosing a one-of-a-kind piece crafted specifically for them. A unique ring, necklace or bracelet conveys respect for and appreciation of the recipient’s creativity and personality.
Having an ornate piece at your waist will naturally draw eyes by adding interest. Either put it near your hip or near the middle of your waist.
To maintain the shine and finish on your jewelry, do not put it on until you’ve done your hair and makeup. The sparkle of a piece of jewelry is a magnet for loose or wet makeup, which will leave it tarnished and dingy. This is particularly important with necklaces and earrings.
If your gemstone was treated, you should know about it before you purchase it. Care for your gemstone is different, depending on how it was previously treated. You can easily damage your gem, stripping the former treatment off, by cleaning it with the wrong solution.
When you are buying jewelry for someone, it may be a good idea to buy a set instead of just one piece. Many jewelry stores offer deals on sets of jewelry. Split the set for a loved one for every upcoming holiday. This way, you know that you are giving a present that perfectly matches something the person already has.
The tips above have hopefully cleared up some of the questions you have about jewelry. It should help you pick out just the right piece. With all the many different designs of jewelry to be had, it can be confusing to know what to buy, but knowing the facts will be a huge help.