Jewelry can be intimidating if you aren’t familiar with it. Perhaps you’ve received a gift or inheritance, or purchased a piece on a whim. Owning jewelry dates back centuries, so where do you look for answers when you have questions? This article is going to outline a few useful tidbits about jewelry to help you on your quest to be a more educated consumer.
When purchasing sterling silver, take along a good magnifying glass, along with a small magnet. Metals that aren’t precious will connect to the magnet, signaling that it is fake. There should be a stamp hallmarked that says something like .925 sterling or ster, on sterling silver If you don’t see a stamp of any sort on a piece, then be wary of whether it is actually silver or not.
Knowing what type of jewel you are buying when you purchase jewelry is very important. There are basically three distinct types: natural gems, synthetic gems and imitation stones. Synthetic and natural are real stones, while the imitation ones are plastic that is colored. The difference here, however, is that synthetic is man-made in a laboratory while natural is found buried in the earth.
When you are shopping for diamonds, there are ways to compare the stones. Take a very close look at the piece you like, and then make the comparison to any others on your favorites list. Look out for tricks that make the diamond look better than it is.
Take note of whether they wear hoop earrings or studs, yellow gold or white gold, an ankle bracelet, etc. This way, you know where you should start when buying a gift.
There are a lot of different types of stones to think about getting when buying new jewelry. Try to select stones that are an extension of your individuality and that enhance the tone of your skin. Choosing neutral colors can help them match anything you wear. Taking these things into account will give you a piece of jewelry you can wear many times and in diverse situations.
For a special and personalized gift, have a jewelry piece custom made for your recipient. Giving a gift that requires thought and creativity will make it even more special.
Find out if your gemstone was treated before you buy it and if it was, how it was treated. Care for your gemstone is different, depending on how it was previously treated. You don’t want to clean them with a type of solution that could strip the treatment or damage the gem.
Untangling knotted chains can be easy if you know how to do it. Before giving up on a tangled knotted mass of precious metal, source some plastic wrap. After placing the necklace on the wrap, coat it with mineral or baby oil. Use a straight pin to untangle the knot. Wash them using dish soap, and then pat dry them.
You can have a more beautiful diamond if it is cut correctly, as opposed to a diamond of a bigger size. It’s also important to consider the personality of whomever is to receive the diamond.
When you are shopping for gifts, why not consider a jewelry set? Jewelry stores often offer remarkable deals on jewelry sets. Eventually you can split the set up and give someone just one piece of jewelry when a holiday comes around. It’s a good way to ascertain that you are never without a great gift to give a loved one.
When taking a dip in the pool, take off your jewelry. Chlorine in pools will damage your pieces causing them to lose their luster. The salt in seawater will result in the same effect. Taking these off before swimming will protect their beauty and extend their life.
To keep your necklaces tangle-free, look for pretty, embellished robe hooks. Install the hooks in a row on a wall or closet door, and use them to organize your necklaces by style, color, length or any other system that works for you. Doing this will keep your jewelry from getting all balled up in the bottom of your jewelry box.
Don’t buy a piece of jewelry based solely on the brand. Few people can identify jewelry brands on sight. A jeweler who convinces you that a brand is worth paying more for is probably just out to get as much of your money as possible. Many brands offer excellent quality.
Crystal or onyx stones both stand out and make bold statements. It is certainly possible to spend less and come out with a piece of jewelry that is absolutely remarkable.
Be sure that you dress simply when you plan to wear jewelry that is big and elaborate. Instead, wear the classic “little black dress” or other solid background to highlight your interesting jewelry item.
Displaying your jewelry can be a little confusing if you are trying to sell your goods locally. When looking for materials that you can use in your jewelry, also be on the lookout for creative display materials. With a bit of ingenuity, even the most random object can be transformed easily into a unique jewelry display case. Look for interesting ways to use things like hatboxes, baskets and unique sculptures.
Jewelry is a very large topic, and there are a lot of things to know about it. That said, if you read carefully and know what you are buying, you can pick only the best pieces and care for them properly. The world of jewelry is filled with many exciting discoveries. These tips should give you a nice head-start in exploring this wide world.