Many people are passionate about jewelry, both for themselves and others. Because there are so many different types of jewelry, there is quite a bit to know about its care. Knowing exactly how to care for and wear the jewelry you own will protect your jewelry investment. Learn how to sort your jewelry for storage.
Take care when you are storing your jewelry in the same place. It is better to use boxes, compartments, holders, and hooks for keeping pieces separate. Resist the urge to jumble all your pieces together in one box or basket. This can harm delicate parts, and tangle some pieces with others, like necklaces.
Store your jewelry in a place that is not subjected to humidity extremes or open air. To protect your jewelry it is important to secure it in a small bag with a drawstring, or in a jewelry box that remains closed a majority of the time. Humid air affects the metals in jewelry and causes tarnishing. Precious metals can easily be polished, but non-precious metal needs a special polish.
Sterling Silver
If you are shopping for sterling silver jewelry, you’ll need a magnet and an eye for the real thing. Imitations will be attracted to your magnet. This is an easy way to recognize quality. Also, look to make sure that silver is hallmarked and stamped with .925, sterling or ster. If there is no marking on the piece, it may not be sterling silver.
Before you buy any new jewelry, you should look around for the latest trends. It is one thing to get a gorgeous bauble, but it is another to get it on sale!
When you buy a piece of jewelery, inquire about the jeweler’s insurance policy. If your jewelry becomes damaged, you can return it to the source and have it repaired. Some jewelers will offer insurance on jewelry that might have been stolen or lost.
Wear the jewelry piece for a day so that you can get an idea of how comfortable it is and if it hangs right. You will also have the knowledge that the piece is not going to fall apart the first time the receiver wears it.
Particular Piece
Do some research on the best way to clean your particular piece of jewelry. Each type of stone, metal, and setting requires different type of care. A technique that is effective for one type of stone or metal may actually cause damage to another. If you are uncertain what the best practice is for caring for a particular piece of jewelry, ask your jeweler.
If you are interested in acquiring new jewelry pieces, try to find great sales. If the deal is good, you may be able to save some serious money! Check ads in the newspaper, on the Internet, and in stores for the best deals. Consider buying something that is out of style to get a better deal.
Be careful when untangling your delicate necklaces. Do not give up, but instead get a piece of plastic wrap. Apply baby oil or mineral oil to your necklace after placing it on the plastic wrap. Use some needles to untangle. When finished, wash it with a little dishwashing liquid and pat dry.
This rule applies to dry saunas as well as steam ones. The high levels of moisture and heat are very damaging to the jewelry.
It is vitally important that each of your bracelets and necklaces have a strong clasp attached to them. You may end up losing a treasured or costly piece through no fault of your own. You can avoid this by looking at the clasps prior to purchasing new pieces. A safety clasp is available and is recommended for valuable bracelets and necklaces. Adding more than one clasp to a jewelry piece may even be appropriate to provide greater security against loss.
Women and men can be equally overwhelmed with jewelry because of things like style, price, occasion, or care. You will hopefully feel a little more confident when you tackle your next jewelry decision, thanks to this article’s tips.