The meaning behind individual pieces of jewelry can be as beautiful as the actual appearance of the jewelry. Jewelry can be a testament to celebrations in a person’s life and will serve as a memorial to the relationships between two loving people. Whether you are buying, selling or just want to enjoy your jewelry more, you need the right tips to help you get the most out of your experience.
Avoid using harmful substances like bleach, ammonia, acetone, turpentine and the like to clean them. Doing so can destroy enamel finishes, while clouding stones and crystals.
When you go shopping for sterling silver jewelry pieces, take with you a magnet and a monocle. If an item of jewelry is attracted by a magnet, it is not sterling silver! Only non-precious metals can be drawn to a magnet. There should be a stamp hallmarked that says something like .925 sterling or ster, on sterling silver If you don’t see such a mark, you might want to reconsider the purchase. This is usually an indication that the piece is fake.
Always compare prices before purchasing any diamonds. Get up close to inspect the diamond carefully. Make a comparison with other pieces you have looked at. Look out for tricks that make the diamond look better than it is.
Look at what they are wearing now. Do they like hoops or studs? Does the person prefer chokers or loose fitting necklaces? Once you are aware of their preferences, you will be in a better position to determine what to buy them.
Keep your jewelry from getting tarnished in order to keep it looking it’s best. Don’t wear jewelry near water. A lot of metals will rust, tarnish or dull when they come in contact with water. You can give your jewelry an additional layer of protection by applying a thin coat of clear nail polish to it.
Going through a day wearing the jewelry will let you get familiar with how it hangs and whether or not it will be comfortable. It will also allow you to see if it can withstand every day wear and tear.
Costume Jewelry
Remember that even costume jewelry needs careful attention. Often, stones will be glued into their settings, which makes them more prone to falling out than regular jewelry. Don’t submerge costume jewelry in water or clean it with harsh chemicals. To care for it best, wipe your jewelry with a damp, warm cloth and dry it with a different cloth. You will be able to maintain its nice appearance with this method.
Your jewelry will stay cleaner if you wait until after you apply make-up to put it on. All the grime and dust from your makeup attracts jewelry. Therefore, putting on jewelry beforehand can make the piece look dingy. It is especially important to follow this tip for necklaces and earrings.
Think about the outfits you will wear it with when you buy a piece of jewelry. There is no need for a box of unused jewelry. Think about which outfits you will wear the jewelry with while you are shopping.
If you’re selling jewelry on the Internet, make sure your depiction of the piece is detailed, clear and eye-catching. This is extra important because the customer can not handle jewelry with an online transaction. Make sure any photos of the jewelry focus on the item itself and don’t have distracting backgrounds or additional items.
This includes both dry and steam saunas. The moisture and high temperatures in saunas can do real damage to your jewelry.
A clasp that will hold up is a very important part of any necklace or bracelet. Clasps keep your pendants safe. A safety clasp is available and is recommended for valuable bracelets and necklaces. It isn’t unusual for people to protect their most cherished jewelry with a second or even a third clasp.
If you’re going swimming, make sure you take off your jewelery first. Chlorine is a strong chemical and it can damage the luster and life of your precious jewelry pieces. The salt in seawater will result in the same effect. By taking your jewelry off of your body before swimming, you will be protecting it from the harsh chlorine and salt.
When you buy or sell a piece of jewelry, you’re not just dealing with a physical commodity–you’re dealing with somebody’s memories. All jewelery comes with some sort of human emotion attached.
