Many people love jewelry and, they enjoy both wearing it themselves, and giving it to friends and family. There are a lot of different kinds of jewelery that you can buy, there are a lot of different ways to wear it as well. Information is the key. Read on for the best tips in the proper care of your jewelry.
Avoid using harmful substances like bleach, ammonia, acetone, turpentine and the like to clean them. Harsh chemicals will dull your stones and dissolve the enamel on your jewelry.
Sterling Silver
When purchasing sterling silver, take along a good magnifying glass, along with a small magnet. Jewelry made with non-precious metals will be attracted to the magnet, revealing any fakes. Sterling silver will always be hallmarked with a stamp such as .925, ster. or sterling. 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.
Always compare prices before purchasing any diamonds. Take a close look at a truly top notch diamond, and then hold everything else you consider to that standard. Be careful of tricks that jewelers use to make a diamond look bigger or better.
Make sure a piece of jewelry is still in style before you buy it. You will enjoy your jewelery even more if you can get it on sale.
To help maintain its appearance, take good care of it to keep it from getting tarnished. Never wear your jewelry when you are going to be near water. Some metals will tarnish, dull or rust when exposed to water or perspiration. For added protection for your jewelry, try adding a thin coating of clear nail polish.
Costume Jewelry
It’s great that you love costume jewelry, but make sure you evaluate the condition of any piece you plan to buy. 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. The most useful pieces in your collection are the ones that are in excellent condition.
Stones are an important part of jewelry so ensure they factor heavily in your decision. Try to select stones that are an extension of your individuality and that enhance the tone of your skin. Neutral colors are versatile enough to wear with any outfit in your closet. It’s a waste of time buying something that you won’t wear regularly.
There are so many things to wonder about when it comes to jewelry – how much to pay, what style to wear, when to give, how to care for it – that it’s easy for anyone to feel a little overwhelmed. Remember to use these tips to choose jewelery.