Sorting through all the information about jewelry can be an overwhelming task. There is quite a bit to learn about jewelry, and it might be hard to make sense out of it. Thankfully for you, the best methods are in this article, so read them to know which ones to utilize.
Don’t use harsh chemicals like turpentine or bleach to clean jewelry. Doing so can damage the shine and luster of the stones on your favorite pieces.
Keep your jewelery in a space that is dry and doesn’t have any air flow. A box designed especially for jewelry gives the best protection, but a cloth bag can also work. Continued exposure to humidity extremes or air causes metals typically used in jewelry to tarnish. Silver polishes work well to remove tarnish, but certain metals, such as bronze, may not polish well. The polish may remove the surface coating and then the metal underneath, such as copper, becomes visible.
Sterling Silver
A magnet is a useful tool when shopping for jewelry in sterling silver. By using the magnet you can quickly determine if the jewelry item is made of a cheaper metal and not sterling silver. Sterling silver should always bear a stamp that says Sterling, Ster. or .925. If you don’t see a stamp of any sort on a piece, then be wary of whether it is actually silver or not.
When purchasing jewels, you should understand which type of stone you are getting. Gems are divided into three main categories: imitation, synthetic and natural. Natural stones and synthetic gems are both real, but imitation gems are probably just colored glass or plastic. They make synthetic stones in a lab, whereas natural stones come from the ground.
Before you make a final jewelry-buying decision, take a look at what’s new and trendy. The only thing better than picking up a gorgeous bauble is getting it on sale!
Check to see if your jeweler offers an insurance policy before purchasing an item. Look for a good policy that lets you return damaged items. Some jewelers even offer insurance for jewelry pieces that have been misplaced or stolen.
To keep your jewelry looking great, take steps to prevent it from tarnish. Try to keep your jewelry away from water. Metals can become dull, rusty or tarnished if submerged in it. It is wise to place a single coat of transparent nail lacquer on jewelry in order to protect it.
Think about how best ways to look after your jewelry. You should know that different materials require different maintenance. A treatment that polishes one stone may scratch another stone. Whenever you buy a new piece of jewelry, ask the jeweler the best way to clean and maintain it.
One key thing to remember is to only put your jewelry on after you’ve applied your makeup. Jewelry will get grimy from the makeup as you apply it, attracting dirt that will make it look dull. Earrings and necklaces are the prominent pieces affected by this.
If your gemstone was treated, you should know about it before you purchase it. Different treatments require different types of care. For example, you would not want to use a jewelry cleaner that is incompatible with a certain type of treatment. Doing so could result in irreversible damages to the color and surface of the stone.
Giving jewelery, or wearing it with style, is a matter of being properly educated. Now, with the help of this article, you don’t have to spend all of your time searching for information. Keep the aforementioned tips in mind to enjoy success in jewelry expertise.