Regardless of how you come into the jewelry pieces you own, it is important to know the right ways to properly care for it. This article offers advice on all aspects of jewelry ownership.
Many people see jewelry labeled as sterling silver plated and oftentimes think they’ve hit the jackpot when they purchase it at a very low price. In this case unfortunately, you do get what you pay for. This type of jewelry only contains a very thin coating of sterling silver on top of a cheap metal which can usually be identified as copper. The jewelry will eventually tarnish and cause the copper to show through underneath with enough wear.
Designer jewelry can be pricey and not affordable to someone on a budget. Luckily, there are quality replicas available, and for a price almost anyone can afford. These replicas resemble the real jewelry but without the huge hit to the wallet. You can have the luxury of wearing it whenever you’d like, instead of just on special occasions. They are truly a fashionable, affordable, alternative to designer name jewelry.
Always shop around when buying a diamond. Always see the piece up close, and compare it critically to any others you’re considering. Be careful of tricks that jewelers use to make a diamond look bigger or better.
Jewelry can come in sets that include multiple pieces. Matching earrings can be worn with a matching necklace, but if your set includes more than two items, it might be better to only wear one or two at a time. Wearing too many similar items doesn’t look at good as one or two complimentary pieces.
The best tool for any jewelry hunter, whether searching for personal treasure or for the profit in reclaiming gold or silver, is a jeweler’s loupe. Jeweler’s loupes are small, but powerful magnifying instruments designed specially for use in examining jewelry at very close range. Some jeweler’s loupes also have a built-in, battery-powered light which can be very handy if examining pieces in a dimly lit area. Most jeweler’s loupes are extremely economical in cost and can help you make the most of your jewelry-buying dollar, especially when buying from second-hand sources.
If wearing earrings makes your ears feel itchy or irritated, ensure that you buy nickel-free jewelry in the future. Nickel is often used in inexpensive costume jewelry, but it can be very irritating to some people. Look for earrings with solid gold or platinum posts for the most hypoallergenic option.
When buying jewelry as a gift, buy something that can be worn every day. Diamond stud earrings are an excellent choice as they go with anything. Watches are also a very utilitarian option, just make sure it’s classy but casual enough that she could wear it to work. Neutral colors are also an excellent choice.
Feel comfortable in your jewelry venue of choice. If you feel that the seller may be trying to get you to buy a piece you are not interested in, walk away. Some jewelers are paid on commission, so the more they sell you, the better they are paid. Take this into consideration when choosing a jeweler.
If you are presenting a gift to someone who has their own unusual style, look for an item of jewelry that is in line with their clothing and lifestyle choices. Giving a gift that requires thought and creativity will make it even more special.
Wait until after your makeup is complete and set before putting on jewelry. Your jewelry attracts dust and particles from cosmetics; if you apply makeup after you put on your jewelry, the particles will make it look dull. It is especially important to follow this tip for necklaces and earrings.
One way to prevent damage to jewelry is to always be careful with clothing. The best way to ensure that clothes don’t hurt the jewelry is to always add accent pieces after being fully dressed. In a similar fashion, make sure that jewelry is always removed before any articles of clothes.
If you love wearing jewelry, but hate the irritation it causes, then you may want to examine the metals in the jewelry. Higher karats of gold are less likely to cause irritation so opt for 14 or 18 karat. You could also try platinum or even palladium as both of these metals are harder and stronger than gold.
If you are looking to purchase a piece of jewelry with precious stones, there are synthetic gems that are more affordable, and have a similar grade of quality as natural gems. But, remember that imitation gems which are composed of plastic elements are indeed fake, whereas synthetic gems are cultured in actual laboratories.
If you have your jewelry insured, be sure to take good pictures of it. This will help when dealing with the insurance company in case something should happen to your jewelry. It can really help speed the process up and help you get through the insurance red tape. It also helps document what you have in case your home gets broken into.
Gifts of jewelry are often given to romantic partners. A romantic presentation is a great way to enhance a romantic piece of jewelry. Packaging and decoration can be used to make an attractive piece of jewelry look even better. Theatrical presentation also makes for a more memorable gift-giving. Jewelry given with a ceremony will remind its recipient not only of a relationship but also of a particularly romantic moment.
Properly-maintained jewelry is very valuable, not just financially but also sentimentally. If you know how to properly care for your jewelery, you will be taking care of memories you will have for many years. There is a vast amount of information that you can find about jewelry. The more knowledge you gain, the more you will learn to value and appreciate each unique piece in your collection.
