It may seem a challenge to buy that perfect present for a special woman; however, jewelry is a timeless gift that reminds her of you for years to come. Keep reading for some insightful tips on selecting, wearing or caring for jewelry.
Do not clean your jewelry with chemicals such as bleach or ammonia. Natural acids won’t erode the enamel on your copper jewelry the way harsh chemicals can.
Precious Metals
Keep your jewelry stored somewhere that is free from humidity or air. To protect your jewelry it is important to secure it in a small bag with a drawstring, or in a jewelry box that remains closed a majority of the time. Certain metals will be tarnished when exposed to humidity or air. Precious metals are capable of being polished until they are like new, while non-precious metals will not be able to be saved. This is because the non-precious metals are simple copper metal coated with the covering of precious metals, and when polished, they will allow the copper to show through.
Take a magnet and a keen eye with you when you head out to purchase any jewelry made from sterling silver. If the piece you are examining is not silver and is made from non-precious metal, it will be attracted to the magnet. Sterling silver should always bear a stamp that says Sterling, Ster. or .925. 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.
Natural Gems
Knowing what type of jewel you are buying when you purchase jewelry is very important. Natural gems and imitation gems have been joined recently by synthetic gems, making three main categories. While natural and synthetic stones are the real deal, imitation stones are made to look like a real gemstone, but could be anything from colored glass to plastic. Natural gems are those that are actually from the earth, whereas synthetic ones are made in labs.
When you purchase jewelry from a jeweler, ask about their insurance policy. Look for a good policy that lets you return damaged items. In some cases, insurance policies will cover lost, misplaced or stolen pieces.
You want to ensure that your jewelry always looks its best so do everything you can to stop it from tarnishing. Jewelry should not be worn near the water. This could cause your jewelery to rust or become more dull. For added protection for your jewelry, try adding a thin coating of clear nail polish.
As we previously mentioned, you cannot go wrong with a gift of jewelry when shopping for a woman. Apply these tips next time you wish to give something meaningful to your wife, girlfriend or mother.