When you think of jewelry, what images or ideas come to mind? Are you knowledgeable about the various types of jewelry or how to choose good jewelry over low quality items? These tips should help you understand the complex world of jewelry. Take the advice given here to determine how to care for, buy, and get great deals on your jewelry.
Do not use any chemicals on your jewelery stones. Using them may result in damage to your jewelry, may cause dulling of gemstones, and may erode enamel work.
Jewelry should be stored in an air-tight and humid free area. To maximize protection, put your jewelry in a jewelry box or a small drawstring bag. Air and humidity will make the metals in jewelry tarnish. You can restore the precious metals back to their former glory, but plated jewelry is different. Trying to polish those pieces can reveal the non-precious metals underneath, such as copper.
A good piece of jewelery can last you your whole life. When you look for a piece of jewelry, always use a dealer with a good reputation, ensuring that the piece you choose is of high-quality. You can tell when jewelry is of high quality, due to the excellent craftsmanship. The jeweler you buy it from should be providing you with a provenance on the piece. Details of where it came from, what it is made from and who made it. A quality item of jewelry will last a lifetime or more, so take the time to do your research.
Looking Beautiful
Keep your jewelry pieces looking beautiful by protecting them from tarnish. One of the best ways to keep your jewelry looking beautiful is to avoid wearing it in water. Exposure can result in tarnishing, rusting or dulling of different metals. To protect your jewelry from exposure, apply a single coat of clear nail lacquer to its surface.
Wear jewelry for at least a day to see if it hangs correctly and is comfortable. Doing this also tells you how well it stands up to normal daily wear.
Costume Jewelry
You will need to take special care when you are buying costume jewelery! Many pieces of costume jewelry have the stones glued on, for example. Take care not to use chemicals or lots of water in an attempt to clean your costume jewelry. The most effective way to safely clean them is wiping with a damp cloth, then drying with a different, soft cloth. This keeps dirt from building up and making your jewelry look dull.
Accent a belt with a brooch to add more visual interest instantly. You can pin it centered at your waist or closer to your hip.
To preserve the pristine look of your jewelry, apply your make-up first, wait for it to set, then put on your jewelry. Jewelry will get grimy from the makeup as you apply it, attracting dirt that will make it look dull. This applies to necklaces and earrings more than anything else.
Before you buy, ask if the gemstone has been treated, and the method for doing so. A treatment will make a difference on how to care for your gemstone. For example, improper cleaning with the wrong method may damage the stone by stripping the treatment.
Plastic Wrap
Make sure that you regularly untangle delicate, knotted necklaces. Sometimes you give up on untangling a mess but you can get yourself some plastic wrap before you do give up. Lay the necklace on the plastic wrap, and then cover it with a thin coat of mineral oil or baby oil. If the jewelry is tangled and knotted, try using needles to unknot the strands. Rinse the necklace off as best you can and gently pat it dry with a soft cloth. Use soap only if it has been approved to not damage your jewelry.
When you want to buy something nice for someone, think about getting them a jewelery set. Many jewelers offer deals on jewelry sets. You could always break the sets up and give them as individual gifts. This is an excellent way to give something every holiday season without having to worry that you will forget.
If you are going to buy a very expensive piece of jewelry, buy something that will last you for years. Although more expensive jewelry is normally high quality, there are other factors to consider. A fashion-forward trendy piece may be in style now but lose its appeal in the future. Try and find something that is timeless.
For example, choose a beautiful piece of onyx jewelry to attract attention at your next important event. You don’t have to waste money to get great results.
It may be tough to figure out how to best present jewelry that you are selling at informal events like craft fairs and flea markets. When searching for the materials that you will use to make your jewelry, you should remember to consider displays that are creative. All kinds of racks, baskets, cigar-boxes and even oddball things like wig stands can be transformed into jewelry display cases with just a little creativity!
Make sure you follow these tips the next time you want to buy jewelry for yourelf or for someone else. You can save money and get a beautiful piece at the same time. Having an eye for jewelry is about understanding the art and acquiring some knowledge.