Before becoming engrossed in the world of jewelry, ask yourself what it actually means to you personally. Are you familiar with different styles and metals? Can you differentiate between fine jewelry and costume jewelry? These tips should help you understand the complex world of jewelry. Read these tips to find out a few simple things you will want to know when exploring the world of jewelry.
Be sure that you understand the kind of gemstone that is in the jewelry that you are purchasing. There are three different types: natural, synthetic and imitation. Both synthetic and natural gems are real; however, imitation is simply plastic. Natural stones are found in the earth and are mined out, while synthetic ones are grown in laboratories.
Get a polishing cloth for your jewelery. This is a chemical-free method to maintain the appearance of your fine jewelry. Use this two-sided cloth on your jewelry as though you were cleaning glass. First use the polishing side, and finish with the other side to make it shine.
When you go diamond shopping, make sure that you do shopping comparisons. Take a very close look at the piece you like, and then make the comparison to any others on your favorites list. You should be aware that there are many deceptive people trying to sell jewelry; therefore, it is essential to learn and understand what is involved when selecting a new diamond.
Don’t use acetone, ammonia, turpentine, bleach, or other harsh chemicals for cleaning them. These chemicals can turn stones dull and even erode the enamel.
Try out the jewelery by wearing it for a period of time, like a day, so you can see whether it’s uncomfortable or doesn’t hang as well as you hoped. By wearing it yourself, you can also gauge the ruggedness of the piece.
When storing your jewelry, be sure that you store it in a place with low humidity and free of open air. To protect your jewelry it is important to secure it in a small bag with a drawstring, or in a jewelry box that remains closed a majority of the time. Air and humidity can cause the metals that the jewelry are made of to tarnish. You can restore the precious metals back to their former glory, but plated jewelry is different. Trying to polish those pieces can reveal the non-precious metals underneath, such as copper.
You need to know how to care for each piece in your jewelry collection. Different kinds of jewelery will require you take care of them in different ways. Something that may help one piece of jewelry might hurt another one. Talk with a professional if you aren’t sure what sort of care each jewel requires.
Natural Gems
Take good care of your costume jewelry. Many embellishments on costume jewelry are only secured with glue rather than set into the piece. You will need to avoid immersing your jewelry and make sure to stay away from the use of harsh chemicals. For best results, use a warmed, damp cloth to wipe your jewelry and then use another cloth to dry it. Doing so will keep your jewelry looking its best for life.
When you are purchasing a new piece of jewelry, be aware of the gemstone that it contains and what it is made of. Natural gems and imitation gems have been joined recently by synthetic gems, making three main categories. Synthetic stones are lab created jewels, while imitation stones are normally colored glass. Natural gems are those that are actually from the earth, whereas synthetic ones are made in labs.
For a special and personalized gift, have a jewelry piece custom made for your recipient. Finding something that shows you put thought and effort into the gift is more important the the gift itself, so whether or not what you choose exactly what they wanted, they are sure to be pleased.
What color gold do they seem to favor – white or yellow? Do they normally wear a bracelet? What type of earrings do they prefer – drop and dangle or studs? Take a mental note of this important information. This information will allow you to purchase that special piece that they will treasure for life.
Before buying jewelry or a fine stone, find out if it was treated in any way. If it was, find out how. Different treatments come with different requirements for cleaning and storage. If you have a treated gem you should avoid any solution that could damage the gem by stripping the treatment.
If you wear the piece for 24 hours, then you can be sure that it has been put together correctly and hangs nicely. You will be able to tell if it will hold up to wear and tear.
Try searching for sales when purchasing jewelry. If the sale is a good one, you can save a lot of money. Sales can be found online, in store windows, or in your local newspaper. Keep an eye out for deep discounts on jewelry styles that are nearing the end of their popularity. The price is right for what is still a lovely piece of jewelry.
Take stones into consideration when you go to purchase new jewelry. Try to choose a stone that meshes well with your taste or personality. Also, consider what looks good on you. If your wardrobe is made up of a wide variety of colors, choose stones of a shade that will match whatever you choose to put on. Don’t even bother to buy something that doesn’t function properly.
If you’re in the market for diamond jewelry, make sure to comparison shop. Every diamond varies and has individual flaws. A diamond’s flaws must be seen in person for you to truly understand the impact it has on the stone’s beauty. Additionally, keep in mind that the jeweler will have a unique pricing structure depending on his or her subjectivity. Shop several different jewelers to find the ideal diamond in your price range.
You need to learn the best ways to take care of your jewelry. Different kinds of jewelery will require you take care of them in different ways. What is beneficial to one stone or setting may hurt another. If you’re not sure of how to properly care for your jewelry, seek advice from a reputable jeweler.
A good quality clap is very important to any necklace or bracelet. It is very easy for jewelry to be accidentally lost due to a cheap clasp collapsing and giving way. If you have expensive or heirloom items, invest in a safety clasp. It isn’t unusual for people to protect their most cherished jewelry with a second or even a third clasp.
By wearing a brooch, your belt will be accented and look more interesting. You can pin in at the front-center of the belt or near the hip.
Take your jewelry off before you go swimming. Chlorine from a pool is a chemical and can tarnish and damage precious jewelry. Salt water is just as bad as chlorinated water. To extend the life of your jewelry, and protect the beauty, take off all jewelry before going into the water.
Before you buy a gemstone, it is important that you learn about the treatment process it underwent. Different care is required for different treatments. 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.
To conveniently hang your necklaces, try using robe hooks. Organize these hooks in a row and use them to keep your necklaces free-hanging and untangled. You can group them by style, length or other criteria. This will avoid ever having to untangle balls of necklaces in your jewelry box again. Also, the necklaces will look nice hanging up.
Before buying any jewelry, think about what you will use it for. A big supply of jewelry that you never wear is of little use to you. As you shop for jewelry, try to envision whether you can see yourself wearing a piece with your current wardrobe.
Make sure jewelry you purchase can last for a long time. While expensive normally equates to great quality, bear in mind that styles will change in the future. A piece designed for the cutting edge of trendiness could look dated and silly just a few years down the road. Therefore, you should search for an item that is classic and timeless.
Bracelets and necklaces must have a good, secure clasp. If your jewelry items have unreliable clasps, your gemstones are in constant jeopardy. For particularly expensive or sentimental pieces of jewelry, it is recommended you have a safety clasp installed. If there is a piece that you simply cannot afford to lose, try an additional clasp for added safety.
You’ll want to properly display your hand made jewelry when setting it up to sell. When you are making a jewelery piece keep in mind how you will be displaying it. A wide variety of everyday items can be used to display your jewelry creatively.
It is advisable to use this information for your next jewelry purchase. Saving money is simple if you’re able to find a wonderful deal on tasteful jewelry. The more you know about jewelry, and the more you surround yourself with the craft, the better your taste will become.
When you’re shopping for jewelry, keep your budget in mind. To go into debt because you want a fabulous ring would be considered a bad financial decision. Young couples should aim to purchase a less expensive ring when starting out. They can always upgrade the stone or the band in the future when they are in a better financial place to do so.
You will soon be an expert on mattress and box spring encasements. Use what you have seen here to give you more knowledge so you’re sure you are doing whatever you can. Take things day by day and soon you will find the success you’re hoping for.