Jewelry is complicated no matter how you come into a piece. You might have inherited it or bought it on an impulse, but either way you probably need to look up some information on jewelry. The question is: where do you start? In this article, we will explore some important jewelry basics that will help you to become an educated consumer.
Polish your jewelry regularly with a jeweler’s polishing cloth. This method ensures your jewelry stays shiny without having to use any chemical cleansers or solvents. You just have to polish each piece the same as you would polish glass using the two-sided cloth. Use one side of the cloth for polishing, and reserve the other side for shining it afterward.
Imitation Gems
When you purchase jewelery ensure you know what you are buying. Natural gems and imitation gems have been joined recently by synthetic gems, making three main categories. Natural stones and synthetic gems are both real, but imitation gems are probably just colored glass or plastic. The difference here, however, is that synthetic is man-made in a laboratory while natural is found buried in the earth.
Before you think about picking up new jewelry, check into what the latest trends are to get a sense of what’s of value. One of the few things that can enhance the appeal of a lovely piece of jewelry is knowing that it came at a great discount!
Ask about insurance from your jeweler before purchasing a new piece. These policies dictate whether or not the jeweler will replace or fix your item of jewelry if it is damaged. For more expensive pieces, look for a jeweler that offers insurance for lost or stolen items.
If you wish to keep a piece of jewelry looking fantastic, preventing it from tarnishing is important. Avoid wearing your jewelry near water. Many metals can become tarnished, rusty or dull when exposed to water too often. Clear nail polish can be used to protect your jewelry if you apply a very thin coat of it on your pieces.
You should wear the jewelry for a few days to see how it feels and if it is comfortable. This will also let you know how the piece holds up in every day environments.
Try on a few different stones when you are shopping for jewelry. Choose a stone that goes well with your skin tone or the kind of clothes you wear and reflects your personality. Pieces in neutral tones work well with any item in your wardrobe. Do not buy anything that you cannot wear.
Take careful consideration when thinking of how you want to care for the jewelry you purchase. Different metals, stones, and settings have different needs to ensure proper maintenance. A technique that is effective for one type of stone or metal may actually cause damage to another. Speak with a knowlegeable jeweler if you do not know the best way to take care of your jewels.
As you have read, jewelry has a myriad of various aspects. If you are diligent about doing your research, you’ll be able to make educated purchasing decisions and learn how to care for those purchases. Jewelry is a fun and exciting world of its own. You will be well on your way to enjoying jewelry better when you make use of these tips.
