How do you feel and think about jewelry? Do you have knowledge of the different types of jewelry, and can you recognize the quality of different pieces? These tips are the first step in understanding the world of jewelery. This article will provide some great tricks for all of your jewelry needs.

Clean all of your jewelry with a polishing cloth. This will give your jewelry shine and luster without the use of potentially harmful chemicals. Use a two-sided cloth to simply polish your jewelry as if it were composed of glass. The first side is designed to polish, while the other is for adding shine.

Separate your jewelry for storage to avoid getting pieces tangled. Using boxes, hooks, holders, and compartments is very effective for ensuring the pieces stay separated. Throwing the jewelry together into the jewelry box is a no-no. This can harm delicate parts, and tangle some pieces with others, like necklaces.

You need to know the type of gem that you are purchasing. There are different types of gems, including imitation, natural and lab produced. Natural gems and synthetic gems are real gemstones, whereas imitation is just an item of plastic with gemstone colors. A natural stone is mined from the earth, and a synthetic is a lab-created gem.

Always check with your jeweler about insurance policy options before buying anything. This is to avoid any future complications. If anything were to happen you have yourself covered and to avoid complications with that jeweler in the future, they can replace or fix it for you if you run into problems. You can even find insurance on jewelry pieces that were stolen or misplaced.

Keep your jewelry from getting tarnished to preserve its best appearance. Don’t wear jewelry near water. Metals can become dull, rusty or tarnished if submerged in it. For added protection for your jewelry, try adding a thin coating of clear nail polish.

Consider the stones whenever you buy jewelry. Try to choose a stone that meshes well with your taste or personality. Also, consider what looks good on you. Look for colors in neutral shades that you can wear with any of your favorite clothes. You want to have plenty of opportunities to show off every piece.

Costume Jewelry

You need to pay special attention when caring for costume jewelry. Many of their settings are glued instead of set. Costume jewelry should never be immersed or make contact with harsh chemicals. Wiping your jewelry off with with a slightly dampened cloth and then wiping it dry is usually sufficient to keep it clean. This will help your costume jewelry to continue looking great.

If you put on your jewelry only after you have put on your makeup, you will have to clean it less. Any kind of spare dust or oil will attach itself to your jewelry, so putting it on before makeup will just make it look a little dirty. Earrings and necklaces are especially prone to this kind of contamination.

Make sure you look into the history of your gemstone, especially if it was treated at all. It is important to understand the varying treatment processes because each one requires a specific care regimen. You can easily damage your gem, stripping the former treatment off, by cleaning it with the wrong solution.

Be sure to always remove your jewelry before going for a swim. The chlorine in swimming pools can ruin a piece of jewelry. Salt water is similarly abrasive to some jewelry. Taking it off before you swim will protect your jewelry and keep it looking beautiful for years to come.

Remember these tips when you buy jewelry or choose what you are going to wear with your outfit. You’ll be able to buy the right item for the best price, ensuring you’ve made the best decision, and that the piece lasts a lifetime. Developing an eye for stylish, well-made jewelry comes with knowledge and experience of this ancient art form.