The idea of beautiful jewelry can be as exquisite as the actual jewelry pieces themselves. Jewelry can be a testament to celebrations in a person’s life and will serve as a memorial to the relationships between two loving people. As your knowledge of jewelry increases, so too will your appreciation of jewelry.
Try to avoid cleaning it with harsh chemicals like ammonia or turpentine. Using them may result in damage to your jewelry, may cause dulling of gemstones, and may erode enamel work.
When you go shopping for sterling silver jewelry pieces, take with you a magnet and a monocle. If the piece you are examining is not silver and is made from non-precious metal, it will be attracted to the magnet. You can identify sterling silver by its markings, for example “sterling,” “ster,” or “.925.” If the piece is not hallmarked in any way, be leery of its authenticity because oftentimes it is a sign of a fake.
Keep your jewelry pieces looking beautiful by protecting them from tarnish. For example, avoid taking your jewelry somewhere it can get wet. Many of the metals become tarnished, rusty or dull when they get exposed to the elements of water. For added protection for your jewelry, try adding a thin coating of clear nail polish.
Give the jewelry a little test drive and wear it for a little bit to see if it is comfortable and lays right. This can also help you see whether the piece is durable enough to last.
You need to learn the best ways to take care of your jewelry. Every metal, setting, and stone has different requirements when it comes to care. Processes that may work for one type of jewelry may be harmful to others. If you are uncertain what the best practice is for caring for a particular piece of jewelry, ask your jeweler.
Remember that even costume jewelry needs careful attention. Many of their settings are glued instead of set. Avoid using harsh chemicals on these pieces, and do not immerse them. Use a damp cloth, then dry it with another clean, dry cloth. You will be able to maintain its nice appearance with this method.
Before you purchase a new piece of fine jewelry, think about how you will wear it. There is no need to spend your money on a bauble that you cannot see yourself wearing. Consider specific outfits and styles when making your selections.
Whether you are buying or selling or just own jewelry, it is a priceless investment. All jewelry carries the weight of human emotions, whether they be a symbol of happy times or hopes for the future.