Have you been thinking about venturing into the world of jewelry? If the former question isn’t true, then are you wanting to purchase a gift for someone special in your life? If any of these questions apply to you, you’re certain to discover useful tips in the below article.
Polish your jewelry regularly with a jeweler’s polishing cloth. This helps keep your jewelry shiny without the need for chemical cleansers, which can damage the pieces. Just polish each piece with the special cloth in the same way you would polish a piece of glass. Use one side to shine it and the other to polish it.
Do not use harsh chemicals such as ammonia, bleach, turpentine or acetone to clean them. These chemicals can wreak havoc on your jewelry, from discoloring bands, to dulling stones, to eroding enamel or glue.
Take care when you are storing your jewelry in the same place. It is recommended to separate the items stored by using compartments, boxes, holders and hooks. Don’t throw piles into a box. Storing them improperly can damage the fragile pieces, and necklaces can get tangled with other pieces.
Precious Metals
Keep your jewelery in a space that is dry and doesn’t have any air flow. To ensure it is protected, keep your jewelry in a drawstring bag or a jewelry box that is closed. Humidity quickly tarnishes both precious and non-precious metal. 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.
When shopping for genuine sterling silver jewelry, you need both a discerning eye and a small magnet. Use the magnet to detect fake jewelry; real silver will not be attracted to the magnet, but the cheaper metals will. Sterling silver should always bear a stamp that says Sterling, Ster. or .925. If there is no marking on the piece, it may not be sterling silver.
Make sure that you learn about the jeweler’s insurance policy prior to making any purchases. In the unfortunate, but possible event that your jewelry gets damaged, the jeweler will be able to replace or fix it for you. Some jewelers even offer insurance for jewelry pieces that have been misplaced or stolen.
Make sure you take precautions to stop your jewelery from losing its shine. When wearing your jewelry, you should avoid exposure to water. Many metals can become tarnished, rusty or dull when exposed to water too often. To protect your jewelry from exposure, apply a single coat of clear nail lacquer to its surface.
The color gemstones are an important consideration when shopping for new jewelry. Choose a stone that goes well with your skin tone or the kind of clothes you wear and reflects your personality. Think about how the stones will work with your style, and pick neutral colors that go with everything in your wardrobe. There is no point in buying something that is not functional.
Costume Jewelry
Costume jewelry requires specific care. Costume jewelry is generally bound by glue rather than settings and is therefore, a lot more fragile. For this reason, costume jewelry should never touch water, and you should avoid using detergents on it. It’s most beneficial to use a damp warm cloth to gently wipe, then use another cloth to dry. This method will keep your costume jewelry stunning and beautiful.
One key thing to remember is to only put your jewelry on after you’ve applied your makeup. The small particles of powdered makeup can easily dull the shine of your jewelry. This is particularly important with necklaces and earrings.
Since you have gained a little bit more understanding about jewelry, you should have more faith in your ability to choose gemstones, diamonds, beads and shiny precious metals. Whether you buy it, give it, receive it or inherit it, a fine piece of well-cared-for jewelry is something you can enjoy for many years to come.