Jewelry 101: Your Go-To Guide For All Things Jewelry

It takes some know-how to choose the best jewelry pieces. It might be difficult to know where to begin your research, into buying and selling jewelry.

Precious Metals

Your jewlery needs to be kept in a place where it is protected from air and humidity. 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. Both air and humidity can lead to tarnished metal. Precious metals are able to be polished and retain their luster, but the non-precious metals have a coat, and polishing will cause the metal under it to show through.

Take the time to notice what kind of jewelry they already wear. For example, if they wear earrings, are they hoop or studs? Do they prefer white or yellow metals? Knowing their preferences will be an invaluable guide when you go out to buy them a special item of jewelry.

Before you select your newest addition to your jewelry collection, learn the latest styles that are trending. Purchasing a new trinket to add to your collection is always delightful, especially if you find it on sale.

Make sure that you learn about the jeweler’s insurance policy prior to making any purchases. These policies dictate whether or not the jeweler will replace or fix your item of jewelry if it is damaged. In some cases, insurance policies will cover lost, misplaced or stolen pieces.

Try out the jewelery by wearing it for a period of time, like a day, so you can see whether it’s uncomfortable or doesn’t hang as well as you hoped. You can also make a better estimate of the jewelry’s durability after trying it out.

Consider stones when you are buying jewelry. Think about your skin tone, and also think about your personality as you choose your favorite stones. If you choose a neutral color it will match anything you wear. It’s a waste of time buying something that you won’t wear regularly.

Research the proper methods for cleaning your jewelry. Each type of stone, metal, and setting requires different type of care. Processes that may work for one type of jewelry may be harmful to others. If you are unfamiliar with the correct way to clean or maintain a piece, consult a jeweler.

Costume Jewelry

Costume jewelry requires specific care. Often, stones will be glued into their settings, which makes them more prone to falling out than regular jewelry. You want to avoid using strong chemicals or immersion baths on your costume jewelry. Use a gentle cloth, like microfiber, to clean it. One wet, then another, dry. This will assure that you costume jewelry will continue looking great.

If you’re shopping for an individual who likes unique pieces of jewelry, you should consider purchasing an item that is made specifically for this person. Besides affection and admiration, an ideal jewelry gift expresses creativity and thoughtfulness. A custom-made piece selected to suit the recipient’s personality is an excellent way for you to demonstrate these feelings.

Doing this will not only accentuate your waist, it will also act as the accent piece for your outfit. Place the brooch close to your hip or in the middle of your waist.

One key thing to remember is to only put your jewelry on after you’ve applied your makeup. 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 tip is especially important when it comes to earrings and necklaces.

When deciding on which jewelry pieces to buy, look through the sales advertisements. Jewelry sales can save you a significant amount of cash. You will find advertisements for the sales in a variety of media mediums including on the net, in newspapers, and also in the stores themselves. Keep an eye out for deep discounts on jewelry styles that are nearing the end of their popularity. The price is right for what is still a lovely piece of jewelry.

Buying jewelry, or selling it, is a whole process. You will have to do some research and put some thought into it, if it is a gift you are looking for. Add these tips to your arsenal of knowledge to make more informed choices with your own jewelry.