A topic that people are passionate about is jewelry, whether as a gift or for their own personal pieces. Given the wide variety of jewelry available, and the specifics in wearing and caring for it appropriately, it helps to know a few things. Learn how to sort your jewelry for storage.
Try cleaning your jewelry collection with a polishing cloth. With this method, you can simply shine it up and not deal with the hassle of using cleaners. All you do is polish it like you would a glass with the two-sided cloth. Use one side to shine it and the other to polish it.
Don’t use things that contain harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, acetone or turpentine, to clean your jewelry. Doing so can damage the shine and luster of the stones on your favorite pieces.
Take a moment to consider how your valuable jewelry is stored and sorted. It’s better to keep pieces separate by using boxes, holders, hooks and other containers. Resist the temptation to jumble all your pieces into a community box. Not only can it damage finer, fragile pieces, but it can also make a tangled mess out of chains.
Put on the jewelry to see if it hangs correctly, then wear it for a few hours to test the comfort. You will also have the knowledge that the piece is not going to fall apart the first time the receiver wears it.
When you are looking for jewelry to purchase, give careful thought to the stones you prefer. Any stones that you choose should go with your skin tone and reflect your personality. Choosing neutral colors can help them match anything you wear. As long as you’re spending money, it makes more sense to purchase something that is functional as well as beautiful.
If you are in the market for jewelry, always seek out sales. The right sale can save you a ton of money. Sales can be found online, in store windows, or in your local newspaper. Buying styles that are going out of fashion can be a huge money saver, even getting up to 50% off.
Plastic Wrap
Get the tangles out of a delicate necklace that’s in a knot. Instead of giving up a knotted chain as hopeless, try using plastic wrap and some clear oil. Lay the necklace on the plastic wrap, and then cover it with a thin coat of mineral oil or baby oil. Use some needles to untangle. Wash them using dish soap, and then pat dry them.
A diamond’s cut and clarity may be more attractive than its size. You must think of the person who will be wearing the jewelry.
Ensure that the clasps of your jewelry are sturdy and reliable. Without a solid clasp, your pendant, chain or expensive stone is at risk for loss. A safety clasp should always be used on expensive jewelry. You might even want to add an extra clasp on your jewelery for added protection.
Buying Gold
These days of sky-high gold prices makes buying gold jewelry an expensive proposition. You can have gold pieces at a lower price by buying gold that contains fewer karats. Buying 18 karat jewelry means you will get a piece that is at least 75% gold. Experts agree that this is the sweet spot on the price-quality curve.
Crystal or onyx jewelry can really stand out well and make a statement. Give your wallet a break and look good at the same time.
If you are a jewelry maker who sells at craft fairs, holiday markets and such, you may have trouble coming up with ways to properly display it. Always try to be as creative as possible, as this will draw the most eyes to your display. You can use items like cigar boxes, baskets and other unusual items to display your jewelry in an interesting way.
Keep in mind when shopping for natural sapphires or rubies that they are hard to discern from artificial ones. The chemical and physical composition of natural and artificial stones can be identical, but the man-made ones are manufactured for a small percentage of the price of a natural flawless gem. Don’t spring for a supposedly natural sapphire until you have it check for “natural inclusions” by a gemologist with a good reputation.
A beautiful stone that many do not know about is Alexandrite. The color changes range from green to purple, dependent on whether you are inside or out. It is frequently found in pendants, rings, or earrings.
Jewelry can be overwhelming to anyone; there is a wide range of prices, styles and care that needs to be considered. With any luck, this article can help with your jewelry questions.
