Forms of jewelry have been around for thousands of years. Jewelry makes a great fashion statement and a great piece of accessory to complete any number of outfits. There are many decisions to make when it comes to purchasing, making or gifting jewelry. Use the tips below to make the right choices when it comes to selecting the jewelry that’s right for you.
Make sure to regularly polish your metal jewelry. Over time it begins to collect dirt, oil and dust and that affects its sheen and overall appearance. This makes the jewelry look worn and old. Go ahead and refresh those pieces using some simple polish to make them look like brand new again.
If you have metal allergies, make sure to purchase nickel free jewelry. Nickel is a common alloy that is mixed in with precious metals such as sterling silver to make them more pliable. Silver itself is very liquid in its original state and therefore not substantial enough to be properly molded into jewelry. Oftentimes, another alloy such as nickel is added. Make sure you check what you are purchasing to make sure it is nickel free.
When you are shopping for jewelry, make sure that you ask your jeweler the “right” questions about their wares. You need to discuss things like diamond grades. You also need to ask who the graders are of their pieces. Find out what their education and experience is, and see what the guarantees are on whatever their grades are.
When buying jewelry, don’t worry too much about current trends. Look for classic pieces that can be worn over several years. Something that’s too current will be quickly out of date. A stylish piece that you enjoy but isn’t the latest thing can be a part of your wardrobe for years to come.
Question any piece of jewelry that is so cheap it’s too good to be true. Look at any gemstones to ensure they don’t have large inclusions in them. Look for stamps on the metal to prove that it is what it’s claiming to be. If someone takes offense to your double checking authenticity, they’re probably lying.
If you wish to keep a piece of jewelry looking fantastic, preventing it from tarnishing is important. If possible, remove your jewelry if you are around water. Metals can become dull, rusty or tarnished if submerged in it. If you must take your jewelry somewhere wet, prepare it by adding some clear nail polish on the surface.
To open a jump link when making chain jewelry, hold the jump link steady with pliers your left hand, and grip the opposite side of the opening with pliers in your right. Gently twist your hands towards each other. This twisting action helps the jump ring maintain its circular shape without distortion, which will occur if you try to push the sides together without twisting.
When making jewelry, beeswax is a wonderful product to use for taming frizzy twine. Just rub a little on to the twine and you’ll have a smooth look in no time. Your beads will go on easier and your piece will have a more elegant, professionally made look.
If you have a piece of jewelry that has a clasp that is broken there is no reason to throw it away because you can get it fixed. You can take it to a jewelry shop and have it repaired. You need to call the jewelry store going in so that you can be sure that they will fix jewelry regardless of where it was purchased.
Never wear any jewelry, especially gold pieces, in a swimming pool. The chlorine and other chemicals used to keep pools clean can cause rapid deterioration of the composition of your jewelry. Make sure you remove all pieces, including earrings or other piercings that you may not remove for any other occasion.
If you choose to make and sell jewelry at craft bazaars or flea markets, take time to ensure that each piece has a clearly marked price tag that cannot be tampered with, yet can be removed without damaging the merchandise. Although nobody likes to think that theft can happen to them, it is best to protect your investment of time and money.
When cleaning your gold jewelry, it is important to remember you should never clean it with abrasive chemical cleaners. These products will strip gold of its natural shine and luster. If you need to remove grime from hard-to-reach locations on your gold jewelry, try using a soft-bristled toothbrush, mild soap and warm water for cleaning.
Don’t store your jewelry in the bathroom or laundry room. Any space where the humidity is normally high, or where the temperature fluctuates drastically, can lead to damage of your precious jewelry. Instead, store it in a climate-controlled location such as your bedroom, perhaps inside or on top of a dresser.
When you are purchasing jewelry, you should avoid making a purchase simply because it carries a particular brand name. Not many people will be familiar with the brand, and if you allowed yourself to be persuaded by the jeweler to buy that brand, you more than likely paid far too much for the piece. Excellent quality can be found from a lot of different jewelry brands.
As the beginning of this article mentioned, jewelry has been a part of mankind for thousands of years as a great adornment for outfits. Jewelry makes a lasting statement and shows a great deal of your personality. Apply the tips from the article above to go on your way in becoming an expert in selecting the right jewelry choices for you and others.
