It is important to understand the proper way to shop for, wear and store fine jewelry, regardless of whether it is a newer piece or a cherished heirloom. This article will provide you with some key tips on how to best shop for jewelry.
Polishing Cloth
Get a polishing cloth for your jewelery. A polishing cloth is a very gentle way to get a good shine on all your pieces. Use a two-sided cloth to simply polish your jewelry as if it were composed of glass. First use the polishing side, and finish with the other side to make it shine.
You need to pay attention to care and maintenance if you intend to build up a costume jewelry collection. Even though it is not as expensive as its precious counterpart, costume jewelry represents a significant investment, one that can be lost if the pieces are allowed to get worn and broken. A good piece will give you many years of happiness and even gain value over time.
The color gemstones are an important consideration when shopping for new jewelry. Try to select stones that are an extension of your individuality and that enhance the tone of your skin. Pieces in neutral tones work well with any item in your wardrobe. Do not buy anything that you cannot wear.
Caring for your jewelry properly is important; you should definitely give it some consideration. Jewelry is composed of different stones, metals, and settings that all require different care to be properly maintained. What works for a certain kind of stone may not work for another. Go ahead and ask a professional jeweler to find out exactly how you should be caring for your jewels.
Costume Jewelry
Costume jewelry does require some special care. Many of the costume type settings are glued-in, rather than set-in. Don’t immerse costume jewelry in water, and never wash costume jewelery pieces with harsh chemicals. Simply wipe it with a damp warm cloth, followed by a soft, dry cloth. This will make your costume jewelry sparkle for weeks, months, or even years.
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. Knowing the proper care techniques for your gemstone will prevent you from accidentally damaging it by stripping it of its protective treatment.
When you are ready to buy a piece of jewelry, think about what you are going to be doing with it. What’s the fun in buying jewelry you never actually wear? Bear in mind the contents of your wardrobe before you purchase a piece of jewelry.
A diamond with brilliant clarity and a perfect cut can be more attractive, not to mention more valuable, than a stone that is larger but flawed. Be sure to consider the type of person that you are presenting the diamond to.
A good clasp is important for any form of bracelet or necklace. Without something that is solid, your chain, pendants and costly stones could be lost. Valuable bracelets and necklaces should be secured with a safety clasp. With the most expensive items of jewelry, some people will use two or three clasps for extra security.
Brand should not be the only consideration when purchasing jewelry. Very few people will recognize where you got this piece, and if a seller can have you buy something because of the brand, you are probably paying too much for it. Remember that there is top-quality jewelry available under any number of different brands.
If your heart is stuck and set on gold jewelry then high gold prices can be a drawback for you. You can save some money, though. You just need to be a little flexible about the number of karats you will accept. The best combination of price and quality is an 18k piece made without less than 75% pure gold.
Have gold bracelets and necklaces? Make some money with your jewelry without giving it away. Consider removing excess portions of gold or silver that will not affect the overall piece. When gold prices are high, a little bit of scrap metal can earn you a nice amount of money.
Onyx jewelry or crystal really stands out. You don’t need to completely empty your wallet on a new jewelry piece to be pleased with the results.
If you create jewelry to sell, such as at a flea market or craft sale, you need to display it to its best effect. When you are shopping for materials to make your jewelry, also look for items that you could display it on. With a bit of ingenuity, even the most random object can be transformed easily into a unique jewelry display case. Look for interesting ways to use things like hatboxes, baskets and unique sculptures.
Alexandrite is a pretty gemstone that is used in jewelry, but is rarely spoken of or advertised. This stone will change from a purple color to a green, depending if it is outside or indoors. It is often used in earrings, rings and pendants.
Always keep within your budget when you are buying jewelry. It’s a bad financial decision to incur a large amount of debt just because you want a little bling on your finger. For a young couple, a cheaper ring is a better decision. They can always purchase something a little larger when they are more financially stable.
If you care for your jewelry well, it will be worth a fortune, in both in the sentimental and economic senses. Learn to properly care for your valuable jewelry, to protect not only your investment, but the memories it evokes. In addition to the information above, there is more information available all over the Internet. Continue to educate yourself to get the most out of your jewelry.
