Regardless of how you come into the jewelry pieces you own, it is important to know the right ways to properly care for it. In this article you will learn some handy tricks for getting the most out of the money and effort you put into jewelry.
To keep your jewelry looking attractive, polish it regularly using a cloth made especially for this purpose. This is a chemical-free method to maintain the appearance of your fine jewelry. You can use the two-sided cloth to polish your jewelry in the same way you would polish a drinking glass. First, use the polishing side to polish it up, then use the other side to shine it.
For example, you should never use bleach, turpentine, or ammonia on your jewelry. Using them may result in damage to your jewelry, may cause dulling of gemstones, and may erode enamel work.
Store your jewelry in a place that is not subjected to humidity extremes or open 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. Metals will become tarnished when exposed to air and humidity. It is possible to restore precious metals to their previous state, but it’s better to avoid damaging them in the first place.
Synthetic Stones
When you are purchasing a new piece of jewelry, be aware of the gemstone that it contains and what it is made of. The three different types of stones are natural, imitation and synthetic. Imitation is plastic that is colored to looked like the stone, but natural stones and synthetic stones are real. Natural stones are mined, and synthetic stones are created in a laboratory.
When shopping for diamonds, it’s best to comparison shop. Find a few reference pieces that you like, and see if other diamonds can do better. There are many ways to make a diamond look better than it really is.
Make sure a piece of jewelry is still in style before you buy it. Price a variety of similar items before buying an expensive piece.
Ask about a jeweler’s insurance policy before buying anything. If something happens to your piece, you’ll know you can take it to the jeweler you bought it from, who will repair it or replace the piece. Some jewelers have insurance policies that cover lost of stolen jewelry, also.
Well-cared-for jewelry is immensely valuable, both in terms of memorable sentiment and real economic worth. Learn the proper ways to clean and store your jewelry. Educate yourself with the information available about caring for your jewelry and you will enjoy it for many years.