Jewelry always makes a wonderful way to mark momentous occasions, whether for love or special achievements. Even a small piece of jewelry can get a wonderful reaction and will be cherished for years to come. Reading this article will expand your useful knowledge of jewelry, whether your own or if you are picking a gift.
Sterling Silver
When shopping for genuine sterling silver jewelry, you need both a discerning eye and a small magnet. Take the magnet with you to find fake pieces of jewelery, sterling silver will not stick to the magnet. Your sterling silver jewelery should always be imprinted if it is real. The stamp may read “.925” or “ster”. If the piece is not hallmarked in any way, be leery of its authenticity because oftentimes it is a sign of a fake.
Look at what they are wearing now. Do they like hoops or studs? Does the person prefer chokers or loose fitting necklaces? Knowing their preferences will be an invaluable guide when you go out to buy them a special item of jewelry.
Ask about a jeweler’s insurance policy before buying anything. You want to know if they will be able to repair or replace the piece if it was to break. You might find some jewelers who are willing to insure it against loss and theft.
If you can prevent your jewelry from tarnishing, it will surely look much more attractive. Never wear your jewelry when you are going to be near water. A lot of metals will rust, tarnish or dull when they come in contact with water. Painting a thin layer of clear-colored nail polish on your metal jewelry can add a protective barrier to it.
Costume Jewelry
If you like to collect costume jewelry pieces, become very choosy about each piece’s condition. Costume jewelry can be very expensive and a great investment, but a piece that shows too much wear and tear will not be worth the money or time. Jewelry that’s in good repair can be a much better investment.
If your “giftee” is a unique person, try finding a special piece that is crafted specifically for them. A one-of-a-kind jewelry piece is a great way to show someone how much they mean to you.
Watch for jewelry sales if you’re in the mood to shop. You can save a lot of money with the right sale. Check online, in the store windows, and in the paper for the greatest sales. If a particular piece was designed to fit a current trend, and that trend is nearing conclusion, then you could make a saving as big as 50%.
As you can see, jewelry makes a great gift for many different occasions. Even the smallest piece can mean a lot to the one receiving it. There are many things to consider when wearing, storing and caring for jewelry, whether it is your own or someone else’s. No matter what your reasoning, apply what you have learned from this article to find more pleasure in your jewelry.