There are many different designs, colors, and materials available for jewelry, and it can be overwhelming at times. Here’s where you can start learning about jewelry and start choosing pieces that you’ll enjoy for a long time to come.
Use a polishing cloth for all of your jewelry pieces. A polishing cloth is a very gentle way to get a good shine on all your pieces. Use the dual-sided cloth to gently buff your jewelry as you would a delicate glass. Use a two-sided cleaning cloth, one for polishing and one for shining.
Steer clear of ammonia, bleach or other strong chemical solvents when you need to clean these items. Harsh chemicals will dull your stones and dissolve the enamel on your jewelry.
Sterling Silver
If you are shopping unmarked sterling silver jewelry, then by all means bring a magnet. If the piece you are examining is not silver and is made from non-precious metal, it will be attracted to the magnet. There should be a stamp hallmarked that says something like .925 sterling or ster, on sterling silver If there is no hallmark, watch its authenticity since it may be fake.
Know the type of gem you’re buying, when you buy it. A stone may be natural, synthetic or imitation. “Real” can mean natural or synthetic, and an imitation stone could be glass or plastic. The only difference between natural and imitation gemstones is where they are made. Natural occur naturally, while synthetic stones are grown in labs.
Before you select your newest addition to your jewelry collection, learn the latest styles that are trending. It is better to get a gorgeous bauble on sale!
Ask about any insurance a jeweler may offer when you are buying jewelry. Many stores offer a policy where you can bring broken or damaged jewelry back to the original jeweler for repair at little to no cost. There are even some jewelers that will cover the replacement if the piece has been lost or stolen.
Costume Jewelry
Collecting costume jewelry is a popular pastime, but if you wish to participate, be careful of the condition of the jewelry. Many costume pieces are a great investment and can be quite costly, but costume jewelry that has too many signs of wear will not keep their value over time. Maintaining a piece of costume jewelry’s condition preserves the beauty and value that attracted you in the first place.
Think about what stones you would want before you purchase a new piece of jewelry. Pick out stones that will reflect your personality and complement your skin tone. Choose neutral colors that will easily match any outfit you decide to wear. As long as you’re spending money, it makes more sense to purchase something that is functional as well as beautiful.
Apply your makeup before putting on your jewelry. The small particles of powdered makeup can easily dull the shine of your jewelry. This is especially true when earrings and necklaces are concerned.
The preceding jewelry tips will help when you are looking for pieces that are just right for you. There are many different jewelry designs available to choose from. However, by following the techniques that were listed in the article above, you can feel confident in whatever choice you make.