The jewelry you own may include heirlooms, gifts or pieces you have bought. It can be difficult to know the age or provenance of a piece of 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.
Try using a simple polishing cloth on your jewelery collection. A polishing cloth is a very gentle way to get a good shine on all your pieces. Use the dual-sided cloth to gently buff your jewelry as you would a delicate glass. The first side is designed to polish, while the other is for adding shine.
When storing your jewelry, be sure that you store it in a place with low humidity and free of open air. To maximize protection, put your jewelry in a jewelry box or a small drawstring bag. Metals will become tarnished when exposed to air and humidity. Precious metals are able to be polished and retain their luster, but the non-precious metals have a coat, and polishing will cause the metal under it to show through.
Jewelry should last a life-time. When choosing your next piece of jewelry, be sure to deal with a reputable dealer to ensure you attain a high-quality piece. Any high-quality jewelry will show superior craftsmanship, and will be well-made. A reputable jeweler will be able to provide you with a full background of the piece, including where the stones are from and who made it. Put effort into your choice, so you can be sure that the piece will last generations.
When shopping for a diamond, it’s crucial that you do comparisons. Compare the jewelery you like with others that are similar; make sure to examine the pieces closely. However, be mindful that there are fraudulent ways to 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? These answers should give you a reasonable starting point for your shopping.
Keep your jewelry free of tarnish to make it look its best. Try to keep your jewelry away from water. Metals can become dull, rusty or tarnished if submerged in it. A very light coating of clear nail varnish can be applied to some jewelry, and this will add an additional line of protection against the elements.
If you want costume jewelery, you will have to take care of it. Quality costume jewelry may cost more, but a cheaply made piece will fall apart and will quickly become unusable. A piece that is in excellent condition will increase in value.
You can probably tell that there are many different ways you can approach jewelry. That said, if you read carefully and know what you are buying, you can pick only the best pieces and care for them properly. There is a wide range of jewelry out there for you to explore! These suggestions should be helpful for you to start out.