Jewelry is universally beloved for many different reasons. With the variety of jewelry that is available and the specifics concerning its wear and care, it helps to have some knowledge. Keep reading for more insight and information on the joys of jewelry.
Sterling Silver
When shopping for genuine sterling silver jewelry, you need both a discerning eye and a small magnet. 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. Sterling silver will always be hallmarked with a stamp such as .925, ster. or sterling. If the piece that you are looking at is not hallmarked, this is usually the sign that it is a fake.
Know the distinctions between kinds of gems before you make a jewelry purchase. Gems can be natural, imitation or synthetic. Synthetic and natural are real stones, while the imitation ones are plastic that is colored. Natural stones are found in the earth and are mined out, while synthetic ones are grown in laboratories.
Do some shopping around when you are looking to buy some diamonds. Make a close-range examination of stones you find appealing, and contrast them with other likely purchases. Beware, there are many tricks to enhance the look of a sub-par diamond.
Discover whether they wear studs, hoop earrings, or some other type of jewelry. Noticing these things lets you choose jewelry more suited to their tastes.
You will need to take special care when you are buying costume jewelery! Many of the stones and embellishments are just glued in instead of set in a professional setting. Don’t let them go under water or clean them with strong chemicals, or you could dissolve the glue. It is best to have two cloths ready, one warm with water and one dry, to use to wipe your jewelry. Doing so will keep your jewelry looking its best for life.
Having an ornate piece at your waist will naturally draw eyes by adding interest. You can pin in at the front-center of the belt or near the hip.
Gems are given chemical treatments in the process of cutting, polishing and setting. When you are thinking of buying, ask what treatment a stone was given. The way to care for a stone differs greatly depending on how it was treated. If you use the wrong cleanser because you are uneducated about the gem, you could strip off the treatment and even damage the stone.
Have a use in mind for every piece of jewelry you buy. A large jewelry box full of items you never use isn’t a wise investment. Bear in mind the contents of your wardrobe before you purchase a piece of jewelry.
There are so many things to wonder about when it comes to jewelry – how much to pay, what style to wear, when to give, how to care for it – that it’s easy for anyone to feel a little overwhelmed. Hopefully, the advice in this article will help you out the next time you are faced with a jewelry question!