Have you ever been on your way out the door when you catch a glimpse of your reflection and have the feeling that something is off? Everything matches and looks good on you, but your look needs something else. Normally, you need to accessorize with jewelry. Just one aptly chosen piece of jewelry will make your outfit complete.
You should always store your jewelry very carefully. Keep pieces separately by using compartments, boxes, hooks and holders. Don’t just toss your jewelry in a pile. This haphazard approach can cause damage to the individual components of fine jewelry, and create a tangled mess.
Jewelry is best stored in an area with low humidity. Store jewelry in a sealed box or drawstring pouch for the best protection. When non-precious and precious metals are expose to air and humidity, they tend to tarnish. Silver polishes work well to remove tarnish, but certain metals, such as bronze, may not polish well. The polish may remove the surface coating and then the metal underneath, such as copper, becomes visible.
Sterling Silver
When purchasing sterling silver, take along a good magnifying glass, along with a small magnet. By using the magnet you can quickly determine if the jewelry item is made of a cheaper metal and not sterling silver. True sterling sliver always has some sort of hallmark stamp on it, such as .925, sterling or ster. If there is no marking on the piece, it may not be sterling silver.
Put on the jewelry to see if it hangs correctly, then wear it for a few hours to test the comfort. It will also allow you to see if it can withstand every day wear and tear.
When buying new jewelry, carefully consider the stones. Certain stones will do a better job of complementing your skin tone and your personality than others. Colors should be neutral so that they go with most of your outfits. Do not buy something that looks nice on the shelf but that you will never use.
Take good care of your costume jewelry. That’s because a lot of the costume settings are not set-in; they have usually been glued. Don’t immerse costume jewelry in water or use chemicals on it. The best way to maintain your costume jewelry is to use a moist, warm cloth first, then dry it off with another cloth. This keeps costume jewelry looking its best.
A brooch can add visual interest and an accent to an otherwise dull belt. You have the option of placing it close to your hip, or at your waist near the center.
If your gemstone was treated, you should know about it before you purchase it. The kind of care your stone needs is dependent on what it was treated with. For example, you would not want to use a jewelry cleaner that is incompatible with a certain type of treatment. Doing so could result in irreversible damages to the color and surface of the stone.
If you are interested in acquiring new jewelry pieces, try to find great sales. Finding the right sale can save you a lot of money. Check for the best sales in the paper, online, and in store windows. 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.
Plastic Wrap
Learn how to unravel a knotted necklace, even one with delicate loops. It’s easy to get frustrated when trying to get the knots out of a badly tangled necklace, but try using some plastic wrap before you call it quits. Put the tangled necklace onto the plastic wrap, then pour a little mineral oil or baby oil onto the piece. Use a sewing needle to untangle the necklace. Wash them using dish soap, and then pat dry them.
You can see in this article that jewelry can make the difference by giving your outfit a finished look. Jewelry can make you look more attractive, professional or simply original. The next time you are getting ready to go out, throw on some jewelry to ensure you will look your best.