From earrings to bangle bracelets, gold rings to silver pendants, jewelry comes in many shapes and sizes. There is more to know about each piece than just what color it is and how it fits. You must also pick an item that is of a quality that will last and then you must care for it. Here are some tips and tricks to help you to have a great jewelry collection.
Try adding a special personal touch to your pieces by getting them professionally engraved. You can add just about anything and it makes it a more special and memorable piece to you or somebody you care about. You can get names, initials, small messages, symbols, etc. finely carved into your pieces to truly make them one-of-a-kind.
Try displaying your jewelry with a fine jewelry box that opens with drawers or a vertical jewelry box with glass doors. Don’t just allow your jewelry to hide away in the dark; properly display it, complete with a gorgeous box. Most vertical boxes also include hooks for fishhook earrings, necklaces and bracelets.
If you have a large collection of fashion jewelry, make sure to only clean them with a damp cloth. Using polishing cloths or jewelry cleaning liquids will only eat away at the top layer causing the base metal to show through. After you are finished cleaning, keep your jewelry stored away to prevent any damage or tarnish.
When storing your fine jewelry in a chest or case, wrap each piece in a small piece of velvet cloth. That way harder gemstones will not scratch softer gemstones and metals. It also helps pieces not get tangled with themselves and the velvet helps to keep the pieces safe from excess moisture.
To make a patterned outfit really stand out, pair it with a neutral necklace. A neutral piece in a complimentary tone will anchor your ensemble and make you look more coordinated. Try choosing a piece that offsets your outfit in some way. For example, if you’re wearing a vintage floral top, a modern neutral necklace can give your look some balance.
When buying or selling jewelry, consider looking into specialized pawn shops. These shops are going to have individuals who know what they are talking about. They will be able to appraise the approximate value of the jewelry much more accurately than a typical pawn shop, allowing you to have peace of mind with your sale or purchase.
When cleaning silver, it is best to invest in a jeweler’s rouge cloth. It has a polishing compound on the red side which is safe to use with all gemstones, and the yellow side is intended for giving a polish that will sparkle. This will keep your jewelry looking gorgeous for a long time to come!
What style of jewelry you choose for your wedding should be influenced by the style of your dress. If you have a high neckline then you can forgo a necklace and instead have drop earrings with a lot of sparkle. Long sleeves will usually mean you don’t want to wear a bracelet.
You should regularly clean your silver jewelry. You should not let it get black or gray. A cheap, and simple, way to effectively clean your jewelry is to brush your pieces just like you would your own teeth. Just put a bit of toothpaste onto a dry cloth and rub. Clean in no time.
If your crystals have dirt in hard to reach places, you should soak your jewelry in warm water with mild detergent. Then you should use a toothbrush to carefully scrub your jewelry off. This process will safely get rid of dirt on the outside of your jewelry, without damaging your precious crystals.
Avoid buying jewelry while gold and silver prices are high. Shop around and look for bargains when it is necessary to purchase a ring while gold is at an all time high. Shopping at locally owned jewelry stores and staying away from large chain stores, will help you find a quality and reasonably priced piece of jewelry.
In order to keep your jewelry at its best, remove your jewelry before doing house cleaning, going swimming, performing personal care such as using lotion and bathing, or before exposing yourself to extreme heat or cold. The metal in your jewelry can tarnish or even crack if it is exposed to harsh chemicals such as chlorine, or if it is rapidly heated and cooled.
You don’t have to buy expensive cleaning solutions to clean your jewelry. Warm water and a few drops of dish-washing liquid is sufficient for cleaning gold, diamonds, and most gemstones. Harsh chemicals can damage the finish of your jewelry.
Before deciding to start a home jewelry business you want to make sure that your skills are up to par. Typically, people who purchase from jewlwers do so because they expect unique, high-quality goods. You will not be able to make too many sales if your pieces look unfinished and fragile.
Take care when cleaning pearls. They are porous and soft, meaning they can get scratched easily. Clean them with a gentle damp cloth after wearing, and store them in a breathable bag (not plastic). Try to keep them in a room that maintains a regular temperature. Always put your pearl jewelry on after applying lotion or perfume, as contact with these products can diminish the luster.
When shopping for expensive jewelry, bring a trusted friend or family member along. It can also be a confusing one, with so many choices available. Bringing a second person along gives you an extra set of eyes, as well as, an important second opinion.
Learning about jewelry is an important part of ownership, so take pride in the fact that you are seeking knowledge to better yourself. It will allow you to have gorgeous pieces, which will stand the test of time, allowing you to adorn yourself with only the best. A diamond IS forever!
