Jewelry is more than a simple accessory choice for most people. In many cases, jewelry is also a big investment. With a few simple steps, you can protect both the appearance and the value of your jewelry collection. This article contains some helpful and effective tips for maintaining your favorite jewelry.
Consider buying a small barrel tumbler. If you wear a lot of jewelry or just want to keep the pieces you own in good condition, you probably clean it on a fairly regular basis. You might want to get a small barrel tumbler for polishing. They are inexpensive and do a thorough job.
Don’t spend a lot of money purchasing cheap costume jewelry. Costume jewelry does sell in more designs and cost significantly less than fine jewelry. Yet, over the course of a few months or years, costume jewelry loses its color which causes the cheap metal to show through underneath. Invest in one or two pieces of fine jewelry that are sure to last a lifetime.
When purchasing a ring make sure that you’re purchasing a ring in your proper size. It can be hard to find rings in half sizes, but it is possible. Don’t purchase a size up and consider having it re-sized. Resizing is oftentimes a lot more expensive than purchasing another silver ring in your size.
If you are buying your jewelry from a pawn shop, check their qualifications. Find out if they have experience with jewels, certifications, or if they work with gemologists. A pawn shop that works with these items on a regular basis should be qualified to appraise and sell jewelry at proper costs.
When buying vintage jewelry, become familiar with the different time periods associated with each piece. A Victorian era piece may interest you more than one of a different era, so knowing the differences will help you be able to quickly spot the pieces you are most interested in purchasing, rather than spending lots of time browsing.
When shopping for jewelry, think about the stones in the pieces. Choose stones that complement your complexion and that best reflect your personality. Neutral colors are very versatile, as they match well with any outfit. Do not buy something if it does not work for you.
If you have a piece of jewelry that has a clasp that is broken there is no reason to throw it away because you can get it fixed. You can take it to a jewelry shop and have it repaired. You need to call the jewelry store going in so that you can be sure that they will fix jewelry regardless of where it was purchased.
Research the proper methods for cleaning your jewelry. You should know that different materials require different maintenance. The best way to care for a particular piece of jewelry could be harmful to a different piece. When in doubt about the right way to maintain your jewelry, just ask a professional jeweler.
To make eye-catching jewelry, don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors. If you have difficulty thinking of a palette, look around you and take your inspiration from things found in nature. Contrasting, complimentary, traditional, or monochromatic color schemes can make quite the statement when integrated into a jewelry piece.
Chances are that you have developed a strong attachment to many, if not all, of your jewelry pieces. Now you should know how to keep that jewelry safe and beautiful. Following these jewelry maintenance tips regularly is the easiest way to protect your investment in your jewelry collection, while also keeping each piece as impressive as it was the day you bought it.