Do you want to add the perfect jewelery to enhance your outfit or style? Whether you are buying, selling or wanting to maintain your investment, these tips can help you get the most out of your jewelry ventures.
Do not use harsh chemicals such as ammonia, bleach, turpentine or acetone to clean them. These chemicals can turn stones dull and even erode the enamel.
Make sure to store your jewelry away from humidity and air. Ideally, you should keep them in drawstring bags or in a jewelry box. Metals will become tarnished when exposed to air and humidity. Silver polishes work well to remove tarnish, but certain metals, such as bronze, may not polish well. The polish may remove the surface coating and then the metal underneath, such as copper, becomes visible.
You should expect good jewelry to last the rest of your life, and possibly beyond. When choosing jewelry, you should always buy from a reputable store or dealer, in order to ensure you only get high-quality pieces. A high-quality piece of jewelry should be well-made and show superior craftsmanship. The jeweler must be able to provide a history of the piece. This will tell you who made the piece, and where the components came from. This way, you can ensure you are paying a fair price. When you choose a piece of jewelry that is high in quality, it can become a heirloom that will last forever.
Pay attention to the types, sizes, and colors of jewelry that the person wears. This information will allow you to purchase that special piece that they will treasure for life.
Test it out by wearing it yourself; you don’t want to give a piece that will be uncomfortable or awkward for the recipient. You can also make a better estimate of the jewelry’s durability after trying it out.
Costume Jewelry
Costume jewelry requires specific care. That’s because a lot of the costume settings are not set-in; they have usually been glued. Don’t submerge costume jewelry in water or clean it with abrasives. Use a damp cloth, then dry it with another clean, dry cloth. This keeps costume jewelry looking its best.
A brooch can add visual interest and an accent to an otherwise dull belt. Pin it in the front or at your hip.
One way to ensure that your jewelry stays clean is to put it only after you have applied your make-up and it has had time to set. Jewelry can become dirty and dull if you put it on too early, this is because incomplete makeup routines will transfer grime to it. This is extra important when you are cleaning necklaces or earrings.
Untangle your knotted necklaces, even the delicate ones. Don’t be tempted to give up on the tangled metal. It’s plastic wrap to the rescue. After you place the necklace on top of the wrap, cover it in baby oil. After the necklace has loosened, try to untangle it by hand. If this does not work, consider using a sturdy pin or needle. Be sure to use extra caution due to the slippery oil. Wash with dish soap and pat dry.
When making a jewelry purchase, be aware of what you plan to do with it. You don’t need a box full of unused jewelry. Take a look in your closet and consider what outfits your jewelry will accessorize.
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. You must also consider the personality and preferences of the gift recipient.
This pertains to saunas that are steam or dry. The high heat and humidity in these areas can significantly damage your jewelry.
Brand name should not be the primary concern when buying jewelry. There are probably not going to be many people that recognize that the piece is anything special due to the brand, and you are likely going to pay far too much money for it. Many brands offer excellent quality.
Combining large decorative jewelry with basic outfits can have quite the effect. This type of jewelry is best complemented by solid clothing, including the basic “little black dress.”
Rubies have been a popular stone for a long time for good reason. Rubies have an intriguing range of beautiful shades of red, maroon and rose. In addition, they’re very durable and can resist various chemicals. Rubies are a good choice because they are both beautiful and strong.
Alexandrite is an attractive stone for jewelry, but often overlooked. The stone’s color can change from shades of green to purple, depending on the light. It is common in many types of jewelry, like rings or earrings.
To avoid damaging the setting, clean only with a damp cloth, and be gentle. Next, use a soft cloth to dry the entire piece. Don’t ever use steam cleaners or any kind of harsh chemicals on costume or fashion jewelry.
If you want to sell a piece of fine jewelry, take it to either a certified appraiser or a master gemologist. This gives you a baseline price against which you can evaluate offers from potential buyers.
Consider your price range before you go engagement ring shopping. Shopping for a diamond can be a very emotional experience. It can be easy to get caught up in the moment, and lose track of your planned budget.
When selecting your jewelry for the day, consider its purpose in relation to your outfit. Is it your outfit or your jewelry that is the focal point? You have to make this decision.
If your personal jewelry style involves piling on multiple rings, you should take excellent care of your hands. Try trimming and buffing or getting regular manicures to make sure your nice hands complement your jewelry.
If you will follow the above tips and techniques, you will be able to appraise the value of any jewelry that you are considering buying. Jewelry is the gift that keeps on giving for years to come, both in style and in economic value.