No matter how you obtain the jewelry, it is important to care for your jewelry the right way. Jewelry has a high monetary value, and likely means a lot to you too. This article offers some basic guidelines for preserving the appearance and value of your jewelry.
Be cautious about your jewelry storage. You can protect your jeweled investments with hooks, boxes and holders that keep each piece intact and prevent tangles. Never simply throw piles of jewelry in a box. This can damage the finer and more fragile pieces, and items like necklaces can entangle with each other and other pieces into a big mess.
Sterling Silver
A magnet is a useful tool when shopping for jewelry in sterling silver. Jewelry made with non-precious metals will be attracted to the magnet, revealing any fakes. Sterling silver will always be hallmarked with a stamp such as .925, ster. or sterling. If there is no hallmark, the piece is probably not authentic and may, indeed, be counterfeit.
Look at what they are wearing now. Do they like hoops or studs? Does the person prefer chokers or loose fitting necklaces? Doing this will provide a good basis for where you should begin so that you can purchase a special piece for that special someone.
Before committing yourself to a piece, do research to determine which styles are hot and which are not. 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 from getting tarnished to preserve its best appearance. Try not to wear jewelry when you are around water. This could cause your jewelery to rust or become more dull. If you are looking to protect your jewelry from the ill effects of water, try applying clear nail polish, just a thin layer, on the piece itself.
Costume Jewelry
If you own costume jewelry, it is important to properly care for it. Costume jewelry can prove to be a good investment, but worn, broken, or otherwise damaged pieces are not worth the expense. A piece of costume jewelry that has been treated well can be a treasure for years to come.
There are a lot of different types of stones to think about getting when buying new jewelry. Purchase stones that are a reflection of you who are, and match your skin tone as well. Your best bet is to choose a natural color to match any outfit. It will be of no value to you to purchase jewels that are not easy to incorporate into your lifestyle.
One key thing to remember is to only put your jewelry on after you’ve applied your makeup. The dust, oils and particles from makeup rub off on jewelry; putting on jewels first means they will get dingy and dull with a film of makeup over them. This is particularly important in the case of necklaces and earrings.
Before you purchase a new piece of fine jewelry, think about how you will wear it. Having a lot of never worn jewelry is not necessary. Consider specific outfits and styles when making your selections.
The size of the diamond is not always the most critical detail, the cut and clarity are important also. Be sure to consider the type of person that you are presenting the diamond to.
Purchase Sets
Try to purchase sets of jewelry as a gift for someone. You may be able to find some really great deals when you purchase sets of jewelry. You could always break the sets up and give them as individual gifts. This is an excellent way to give something every holiday season without having to worry that you will forget.
Onyx jewelry is unique and makes a bold impact, while crystal is a delicate and wonderful touch to any classy outfit. You don’t have to waste money to get great results.
It is hard to tell the difference between natural and fake rubies and sapphires. The stones are nearly the same, both physically and chemically speaking, but artificial stones are much easier and less expensive to obtain. Always make sure to have a reputable gemologist examine any piece of jewelry that claims it is natural sapphire to check for natural inclusions.
Alexandrite is a beautiful stone that is often overlooked for jewelry. This stone will change from a purple color to a green, depending if it is outside or indoors. It is common in many types of jewelry, like rings or earrings.
Apply a damp cloth in order to clean jewelry without damaging it. Follow this by drying it with a separate soft cloth. Avoid using steam cleaners or harsh chemicals with fashion or costume jewelry.
If you want to use childhood jewelery, but are concerned about looking childish or old-fashioned, layer items with bigger, contemporary pieces for a modern effect. Using a single cross or heart pendant will add some personality to a group of necklaces that might share a similar construction material, color, or theme.
Instead of seeing buying a wedding ring as a one-off experience, think about buying a small ring initially and then saving for a more expensive one at a later time. Anniversaries and other occasions will provide ample opportunity to give more special, unique gifts such as the ring you originally desired. There are jewelers who offer a buy back programs where you may trade in your unwanted ring.
There are specially-formulated silver cleaners out there, but the toothpaste makes a decent substitute if nothing else is available to you. Place just a dab of paste on a paper towel or a soft cloth that doesn’t shed lint. Gently polish the piece with the paste, especially in heavily tarnished areas, and rinse the jewelry with water when you finish. The result will not be perfect, but it will no longer look tarnished either.
Jewelry that has been cared for well over the years has higher value than jewelry that has not. Learn to properly care for your valuable jewelry, to protect not only your investment, but the memories it evokes. Continue learning about jewelry care, and you’ll never have to retire another piece.