Regardless of how you obtained your new piece of jewelry, sometimes understanding all you need to know about it can be confusing. Owning jewelry dates back centuries, so where do you look for answers when you have questions? You can start learning right here with these useful tips that will help turn you into an educated jewelry consumer.
Clean all of your jewelry with a polishing cloth. This is a chemical-free method to maintain the appearance of your fine jewelry. To clean your jewelry, obtain a soft two-sided cloth and gently rub in a circular motion. Use the one side designated for polish, and the other for making it shine.
When you go shopping for sterling silver jewelry pieces, take with you a magnet and a monocle. As a precious metal, silver should never be attracted to a magnet. You will always find a hallmark stamp such as “.925” or “STER.” on genuine sterling, or alternately, it might simply say, “STERLING”. If there is no hallmark, watch its authenticity since it may be fake.
Keep your jewelry pieces looking beautiful by protecting them from tarnish. Try not to wear jewelry when you are around water. Metals can become dull, rusty or tarnished if submerged in it. If you must take your jewelry somewhere wet, prepare it by adding some clear nail polish on the surface.
Costume Jewelry
Costume jewelry should be treated differently than your other jewelry. Stones in costume jewelry are usually held in place with glue instead of a physical setting. For this reason, costume jewelry should never touch water, and you should avoid using detergents on it. For best results, use a warmed, damp cloth to wipe your jewelry and then use another cloth to dry it. This will make your costume jewelry sparkle for weeks, months, or even years.
If you are presenting a gift to someone who has their own unusual style, look for an item of jewelry that is in line with their clothing and lifestyle choices. This means you have taken the time to think about the gift and make it as personal as possible. Customized jewelery will also help you convey the right message.
To preserve the pristine look of your jewelry, apply your make-up first, wait for it to set, then put on your jewelry. Your jewelry attracts dust and particles from cosmetics; if you apply makeup after you put on your jewelry, the particles will make it look dull. This applies to necklaces and earrings more than anything else.
Gems are given chemical treatments in the process of cutting, polishing and setting. When you are thinking of buying, ask what treatment a stone was given. Gemstone treatment can affect the type of care the piece needs. Knowing the proper care techniques for your gemstone will prevent you from accidentally damaging it by stripping it of its protective treatment.
The shape and shine of a diamond means more than the size. Also, remember the person’s personality who will be receiving the diamond.
Buying jewelry sets can be less expensive than purchasing separate pieces of the same value. Many jewelry stores offer deals on sets of jewelry. There is nothing stopping you from splitting a set after buying it; you can use a set for a series of gifts over multiple holidays, for example. This way you can have a gift ready for someone months in advance and know that they will like it.
To state it again, there is a lot of information available on the topic of jewelry. If you are diligent about doing your research, you’ll be able to make educated purchasing decisions and learn how to care for those purchases. Jewelry is a fun and exciting world of its own. These tips can help you start your journey armed with knowledge.