A gift of jewelry is one of the most classic means of telling another person that you love them, are proud of them and that you never want to forget them. People will love any piece of jewelry you give them for years to come. Reading this article will expand your useful knowledge of jewelry, whether your own or if you are picking a gift.

Clean all of your jewelry with a polishing cloth. It will allow you to make your jewelry look as good as new without the use of chemicals. You just have to polish each piece the same as you would polish glass using the two-sided cloth. Use the side that is designated for polish, and the other to make it shine.

Don’t use acetone, bleach, ammonia or turpentine to clean copper. Chemicals can eat away the stones or enamel on your stones.

Precious Metals

Keep jewelry stored safely and away from both air and humidity. Store them in a closed jewelry box or small drawstring bag for maximum protection. Humidity and air tends to cause precious and non-precious metals to tarnish. Precious metals are capable of being polished until they are like new, while non-precious metals will not be able to be saved. This is because the non-precious metals are simple copper metal coated with the covering of precious metals, and when polished, they will allow the copper to show through.

When you go shopping for sterling silver jewelry pieces, take with you a magnet and a monocle. You are able to detect fake pieces of sterling jewelry with a magnet, as non-precious metals are attracted by the magnet. Sterling silver will always be hallmarked with a stamp such as .925, ster. or sterling. If the item has no markings indicating its authenticity, then be wary.

Quality Jewelry

Quality jewelry should stay beautiful forever. When you are ready to chose your next selection of jewelry, make sure you find a reputable dealer that will make sure that you find a high-quality piece. High-quality jewelry items will have superior craftsmanship and pleasing, aesthetic designs. The person selling the piece should know its history, including who made it and the source of the stones. Put effort into your choice, so you can be sure that the piece will last generations.

Look at the condition of costume jewelry before making a purchase. A piece that isn’t in very good condition won’t be worth it, and since you may be thinking of an expensive item as an investment, it’s important to watch for wear and tear. A piece in good condition will be much more resourceful to you in the future.

Stones are an important part of jewelry so ensure they factor heavily in your decision. Try to select stones that are an extension of your individuality and that enhance the tone of your skin. Neutral colors are very versatile, as they match well with any outfit. Do not buy something that looks nice on the shelf but that you will never use.

Find out what the ideal methods are for maintaining each piece of jewelry you own. Metals, gemstones and settings all have different storage and cleaning requirements. What is beneficial to one stone or setting may hurt another. Consult with a jeweler if you are unsure exactly how to care for your own jewels.

As commented above, jewelry is the perfect gift for so many occasions. Even the most delicate necklace or a modest pair of diamond earrings can make a big difference to the wearer. There are also a lot of important methods for keeping your jewelry sparkling. Apply the tips from this article to buy and care for your jewelry better.