Jewelry is very personal. Every one has their own thoughts and preferences when it comes to what they buy and wear. There are still some general rules of thumb, though, that can help you when it comes to choosing jewelry. Here are a few tips to help you on your way.
When you are shopping for jewelry, make sure that you ask your jeweler the “right” questions about their wares. You need to discuss things like diamond grades. You also need to ask who the graders are of their pieces. Find out what their education and experience is, and see what the guarantees are on whatever their grades are.
A fun craft for your wedding is to make your own jewelry. It really is simple and it gives you the ability to customize the items exactly as you wish. For my wedding I used various shades of purple pearls and Swarovski crystals to make all my jewelry and my daughter’s as well. It was stunning AND affordable!
If you’re making your own earrings, go to a welding supply store to purchase aluminum wire. You can purchase the wire there in a spool, which is far less expensive than buying it in smaller quantities. Some aluminum wire is also hypoallergenic, making it the perfect choice for individuals with sensitive ears.
If you plan to make and sell your own jewelry as a quick way of generating extra income on the side, opt to focus on pieces that you can quickly make without sacrificing quality or style. This ensures that you are adequately compensated for your time and efforts used to create the piece.
Avoid letting your jewelry come into contact with chemicals, such as those found in hairspray, lotion, perfume and other products. Some chemicals can stain or otherwise damage precious metals and stones. Porous stones like pearls, opal or turquoise should not be submersed in water for long, either, to prevent damage.
When you are working with any kind of silver there is one word that you should always keep in mind – polish! If you polish your silver regularly it will keep it shiny and beautiful for much longer. This helps to extend the life of the piece as well as look newer for longer.
When making any type of jewelry purchase, first consider the amount in which you are looking to spend and then formulate the high and low end of your budgets. Once you go to a jewelry store, do not feel pressured to go over your budget regardless of how good the deal the jeweler is presenting to you. If it seems too good to be true, chances are it is.
Keep in mind that 10 karat gold is the strongest of all types of gold, but it is also the one that contains the least amount of gold. On the other hand, 24 karat gold is the one that contains the largest amount of gold and it is the weakest.
Don’t store your jewelry in the bathroom or laundry room. Any space where the humidity is normally high, or where the temperature fluctuates drastically, can lead to damage of your precious jewelry. Instead, store it in a climate-controlled location such as your bedroom, perhaps inside or on top of a dresser.
In jewelry, what works for your neighbor may not work for you. You have to truly get a feel for what you want and what you can afford. Learning more about jewelry is a great first step into obtaining the types of pieces that will fit in your world. Hopefully, you feel a little more confident now, to go out and buy some baubles.