Jewelry is always fun to buy and own, whether it be for yourself or someone you love. There are many types of jewelry available, so it helps to understand some basic maintenance ideas. Learn how to sort your jewelry for storage.
Take a magnet and a keen eye with you when you head out to purchase any jewelry made from sterling silver. You can detect fake sterling silver with the magnet, since non-precious metals are drawn to magnets. Your sterling silver jewelery should always be imprinted if it is real. The stamp may read “.925” or “ster”. 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.
Find out more about the gems you look at. Ask about where they came from and to which category they belong. A stone may be natural, synthetic or imitation. Synthetic stones are lab created jewels, while imitation stones are normally colored glass. The only difference between natural and imitation gemstones is where they are made. Natural occur naturally, while synthetic stones are grown in labs.
Before buying a new item of jewelry, do a little research on recent trends. It is one thing to get a gorgeous bauble, but it is another to get it on sale!
Costume Jewelry
If you want to collect costume jewelry, concentrate on getting quality peices. Quality costume jewelry may cost more, but a cheaply made piece will fall apart and will quickly become unusable. Make sure you have a piece that is in excellent condition, because this will be a lot more fruitful for you down the road.
Test it out by wearing it yourself; you don’t want to give a piece that will be uncomfortable or awkward for the recipient. Doing this also helps you see if the jewelery is long lasting or likely to break easily.
Taking good care of your jewelry is important if you want it to last. Take into account that different types of material takes different types of care, like stones and metals. Processes that may work for one type of jewelry may be harmful to others. Consult with a jeweler if you are unsure exactly how to care for your own jewels.
Costume Jewelry
Costume jewelry does require some special care. Costume jewelry is often put together using glue and other adhesives, unlike stoned that are set using metal. Don’t submerge costume jewelry in water or clean it with harsh chemicals. The best way to maintain your costume jewelry is to use a moist, warm cloth first, then dry it off with another cloth. This will clean off any residue and make it look like new, without damaging it.
The price, style, color, material, occasion – there is so much to think about when selecting jewelry that it can easily become overwhelming. However, this article is written to help you answer any questions you have about jewelry.
