Many people are passionate about jewelry, either for themselves or for those they love. For those who have jewelry, it is important to know a little about taking care of it correctly. This article aims to answer a few of the most common questions people have about jewelry.
To keep your jewelry looking attractive, polish it regularly using a cloth made especially for this purpose. This is an easy way to get shine without chemicals and solvents. Use the dual-sided cloth to gently buff your jewelry as you would a delicate glass. Use the side of the cloth that is designed for polishing to remove fingerprints, dust and other surface imperfections, and then use the opposite side to buff the jewelry and make it gleam.
Don’t use acetone, bleach, ammonia or turpentine to clean copper. Harsh chemicals can destroy the enamel, and ruin the stones in your jewelry.
Store your jewelry carefully. Using boxes, hooks, holders, and compartments is very effective for ensuring the pieces stay separated. Do not ever just throw them in a pile. This can damage fragile, delicate jewelry, and necklaces can become very tangled in other jewelry pieces.
Sterling Silver
When shopping for sterling silver jewelry, it is a good idea to bring a small magnet along with you. You are able to detect fake pieces of sterling jewelry with a magnet, as non-precious metals are attracted by the magnet. You can recognize sterling silver by stamps that say ‘.925’ or ‘ster’. If the piece is not hallmarked in any way, be leery of its authenticity because oftentimes it is a sign of a fake.
Look at what they are wearing now. Do they like hoops or studs? Does the person prefer chokers or loose fitting necklaces? Knowing their preferences will be an invaluable guide when you go out to buy them a special item of jewelry.
Costume jewelry should be treated differently than your other jewelry. Many of the costume type settings are glued-in, rather than set-in. Avoid using harsh chemicals on these pieces, and do not immerse them. The best care is to wipe with a warm damp cloth and then dry with another cloth. This will clean off any residue and make it look like new, without damaging it.
If you are presenting a gift to someone who has their own unusual style, look for an item of jewelry that is in line with their clothing and lifestyle choices. An item that highlights their personality indicates that you put time and effort into the purchase, which is what you should convey when giving jewelry to someone.
Both men and women can become overwhelmed by jewelry sometimes, whether it is the style, price, or the right occasion for purchasing it. These tips should have helped you sort out some of your own confusion.