Jewelry has different meanings from a token of love to an heirloom. No matter what kind of jewelry you want to buy and give, selecting the best pieces can be tricky. Some handy hints are right here to help you optimize the cost of purchasing jewelry, and the effort you need to go to so as to find the right piece.
Know the distinctions between kinds of gems before you make a jewelry purchase. Gems can be natural, imitation or synthetic. You have to know that imitation refers to colored plastic. Natural gemstones are mined, while synthetic gems are artificially grown.
If you want to maintain the look of your jewelry, you should prevent it from becoming tarnished. Avoid wearing your jewelry near water. If you let some metals get wet too often, they can tarnish, rust or become dull. Painting a thin layer of clear-colored nail polish on your metal jewelry can add a protective barrier to it.
Costume Jewelry
If you like to buy costume jewelry, make sure that you examine the condition carefully. Quality costume jewelry may cost more, but a cheaply made piece will fall apart and will quickly become unusable. Compare pieces for quality, because good ones stay high or even grow in value over time.
One key thing to remember is to only put your jewelry on after you’ve applied your makeup. Putting jewelry on prior to applying makeup or hairspray allows gunk and grime from your beauty products to settle on the jewelry, leaving it dull and potentially harming the finish. It is especially important to follow this tip for necklaces and earrings.
Before you buy, ask the jeweler if and how the gemstone was treated. Different care is required for different treatments. You want to avoid unknowingly cleaning the gem with a chemical or solution that could strip off the protective treatment.
Both types of saunas, dry and steam, should be avoided when wearing jewelry. The high levels of moisture and heat are very damaging to the jewelry.
Don’t wear jewelry when swimming. Chlorine can damage the life and luster of your jewelry. Salt water can be equally damaging over time. To safeguard your valuable jewelry, set it aside in a safe place before you go in for a swim.
When investing in a costly item from the jewelry department, choose wisely and select something you will use for years to come. Most expensive pieces are of good quality so you don’t have to worry too much about that. You should keep the style in mind, however. A piece that is made in a popular style may not look quite so fashionable later. Check out some of the options that stand the test of time and maintain a unique edge.
If you really want to be flashy and turn heads, wear onyx or crystal jewelry. It’s possible to save money, and be happy with your results.
An extremely popular jewelry stone is the ruby. Even though genuine rubies are consistently red, there are many different shades, ranging from a light pink to a deep, dark red. Rubies are also among the most durable of gemstones, being highly resistant to chemicals and impacts. For a gemstone that is as beautiful as it is strong and storied, rubies cannot be beat.
It’s a real challenge to pick out a natural ruby or sapphire from an artificial one. The ones grown in a lab are exactly the same and cost way less. Don’t spring for a supposedly natural sapphire until you have it check for “natural inclusions” by a gemologist with a good reputation.
Jewelry that is cared for properly is very valuable, not just in economic terms, but also in sentimental value. By learning what you need to do to properly care for your jewelry, you are working to protect memories and the money invested in it. In addition to the information above, there is more information available all over the Internet. Continue to educate yourself to get the most out of your jewelry.