Jewelry has different meanings from a token of love to an heirloom. No matter what kind of jewelry you want to buy and give, selecting the best pieces can be tricky. In this article you will learn some handy tricks for getting the most out of the money and effort you put into jewelry.
Take a polishing cloth to each piece of jewelry in your collection. This will allow your jewelry to shine without using chemicals. Buff your jewelry with the two-sided cloth, just as if you were cleaning a glass. Use the side of the cloth that is designed for polishing to remove fingerprints, dust and other surface imperfections, and then use the opposite side to buff the jewelry and make it gleam.
Precious Metals
Keep your jewelry stored somewhere that is free from humidity or air. A drawstring bag or closed box offers the best protection from moisture in the air. Tarnish is a chemical reaction that happens when silver and other metals are exposed to moisture and air. Polishing will work to restore the color and shine for precious metals, but with non-precious metals, polishing will not help the change in color.
If you want to buy sterling silver pieces, use a magnet and examine the jewelry very carefully. 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 your silver is not marked, it could be because it is not real!
When you are shopping for diamonds, there are ways to compare the stones. Take a look at the diamonds up close, then put it next to other pieces you are interested in. You must be a sharp consumer to avoid tricks that might make a diamond look better than it really is.
Observe them and see what jewelry pieces the happen to be wearing, such as necklaces, earrings, or rings. Also take note of any metals or stones they seem to prefer. This will help you get started in your search for the perfect item of jewelry for your loved one.
If you can prevent your jewelry from tarnishing, it will surely look much more attractive. Avoid wearing your jewelry near water. A lot of metals will rust, tarnish or dull when they come in contact with water. To protect your jewelry from exposure, apply a single coat of clear nail lacquer to its surface.
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 also a costly one; keep in mind the pieces you wish to add to your collection don’t show too much wear. A piece that is free of any defects or wear not only looks better, but is also a better investment.
Taking good care of your jewelry is important if you want it to last. You should know that different materials require different maintenance. What works for a certain kind of stone may not work for another. If you are uncertain what the best practice is for caring for a particular piece of jewelry, ask your jeweler.
You need to take special care of costume jewelry. Often, stones will be glued into their settings, which makes them more prone to falling out than regular jewelry. Don’t submerge costume jewelry in water or clean it with abrasives. Simply wipe it with a damp warm cloth, followed by a soft, dry cloth. This will keep your costume jewelry clean and shiny.
It’s a simple way to turn a plain belt into something more eye catching. Pin it near your hip or your waist’s center.
It is easy to find jewelry on sale. Jewelry sales can save you a significant amount of cash. Watch for sales in the newspaper, on the Internet, and even in the stores themselves. Buying styles that are waning in popularity is often an excellent way to save money on original jewelry.
Proper Care
If you take proper care of your necklaces, rings and other pieces, you can ensure that each item looks brilliant and holds its value through the years. Protecting your jewelry investment can be as simple as learning proper care methods. 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.
