Finding valuable information concerning jewelry can be difficult. Applying it to daily life may seem a little daunting. Luckily, we’ve complied the best tips out there to make your life easier.
Jewelry is best stored in an area with low humidity. Ideally, you should keep them in drawstring bags or in a jewelry box. Humid air affects the metals in jewelry and causes tarnishing. Precious metals can easily be polished, but non-precious metal needs a special polish.
A magnet is a useful tool when shopping for jewelry in sterling silver. If the piece you are examining is not silver and is made from non-precious metal, it will be attracted to the magnet. Look for the hallmark stamped on the piece of jewelry to determine what percentage sterling silver it is. If there is no hallmark, watch its authenticity since it may be fake.
Synthetic Gems
Make sure you know what kind of gem you are getting when you are buying jewelry. Three different kinds of gems are available for purchase: imitation, synthetic and natural. Natural stones and synthetic gems are both real, but imitation gems are probably just colored glass or plastic. Synthetic gems come from a lab and natural ones are found in the ground.
Look at what they are wearing now. Do they like hoops or studs? Does the person prefer chokers or loose fitting necklaces? Noticing these things lets you choose jewelry more suited to their tastes.
Before you buy any new jewelry, you should look around for the latest trends. One of the few things that can enhance the appeal of a lovely piece of jewelry is knowing that it came at a great discount!
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. Many pieces can become rusty, tarnished or dull when they are exposed to water. You can give your jewelry an additional layer of protection by applying a thin coat of clear nail polish to it.
Costume Jewelry
Costume jewelry needs special care. These pieces are often put together with glue, which does not last as long as other methods. You want to avoid using strong chemicals or immersion baths on your costume jewelry. Simply wipe it with a damp warm cloth, followed by a soft, dry cloth. Doing so will keep your jewelry looking its best for life.
Watch for jewelry sales if you’re in the mood to shop. You can save huge amounts of money if you are savvy. Use the resources at your disposal like the Internet, newspapers, and even window shopping to find the best sales. Keep an eye out for deep discounts on jewelry styles that are nearing the end of their popularity. The price is right for what is still a lovely piece of jewelry.
Plastic Wrap
Untangle your knotted messes of delicate chains and necklaces. It’s easy to give up on some knotted metal mass; however, you should instead use plastic wrap. Lay the necklace out on plastic wrap, then apply baby or mineral oil. After the necklace has loosened, try to untangle it by hand. If this does not work, consider using a sturdy pin or needle. Be sure to use extra caution due to the slippery oil. Use a mild liquid soap to remove the oil and then pat dry with a towel.
Before you purchase a new piece of jewelry, consider what situations you will be wearing it in. There is nothing worse than a box full of unloved jewelry. Think about what type of clothing you will wear with the jewelry before deciding what to buy.
When buying diamonds, remember to shop around. Every diamond is uniquely different from another, and they each have their own flaws. Once you see some of the flaws in person, they may become less important. A jeweler will individually price the diamond based on a multitude of factors, any flaws being one of them. You can make the most of your investment if you take the time to comparison shop and hunt down the best diamond that falls within your price range.
Inspect the clasps of your necklaces and bracelets. If your jewelry items have unreliable clasps, your gemstones are in constant jeopardy. A safety clasp should always be used on expensive jewelry. There are those that use two or three clasps to keep their jewelry safe while they wear it.
Don’t swim while wearing your jewelry. Your jewelry’s luster and life can be damaged from the chlorine that is present in the pool water. Salt water can be equally damaging over time. Take off your jewelry before swimming to ensure that it lasts as long as possible before you have to replace it.
Long chains can be shortened and the excess metal can be sold for a profit. If there’s excess, clip it off, sell it, and you can still have a wearable piece of jewelry. With several chains of real gold, you can earn a good bit of cash, even a couple hundred dollars, just by shaving a few inches off of your jewelry.
To make good jewelry choices, you really need to educate yourself on everything from value to quality to care. You can spend time buying jewelry you will like instead of reading about how to pick it. Add these tips to your store of jewelry knowledge, and you are well on your way to becoming a jewelry expert.