Jewelry has been in existence for eons, and the variety of designs is unlimited. You might find out how to select and care for a piece of jewelry which you will cherish forever when you check out these tips.
Keep your whole jewelry collection sparkling with a polishing cloth. In this way, you will not have to deal with chemicals or solvents while you achieve the shine you love. Use the dual-sided cloth to gently buff your jewelry as you would a delicate glass. Use the side that is designated for polish, and the other to make it shine.
Avoid using things like bleach, acetone, ammonia, turpentine, and other related chemicals to clean them with. Natural acids won’t erode the enamel on your copper jewelry the way harsh chemicals can.
The metals in jewelry can tarnish if exposed to humid air, so you will want to store them in a way that protects them. Some good examples of proper storage would be,a jewelry box that is closed, or a small draw string bag. Humid air affects the metals in jewelry and causes tarnishing. Precious metals are able to be polished and retain their luster, but the non-precious metals have a coat, and polishing will cause the metal under it to show through.
Sterling Silver
Bring a magnet when shopping for sterling silver jewelery. Take the magnet with you to find fake pieces of jewelery, sterling silver will not stick to the magnet. Look for the hallmark stamped on the piece of jewelry to determine what percentage sterling silver it is. If the piece you’re inspecting doesn’t carry such a mark, be careful, as it is likely a fake.
Always be aware of the type of stone you’re buying when dealing with gems. Natural gems and imitation gems have been joined recently by synthetic gems, making three main categories. Natural stones and synthetic gems are both real, but imitation gems are probably just colored glass or plastic. A natural stone is mined from the earth, and a synthetic is a lab-created gem.
To keep your jewelry looking great, take steps to prevent it from tarnish. For example, avoid taking your jewelry somewhere it can get wet. Metals will often tarnish or rust when in contact with water. To protect your jewelry from exposure, apply a single coat of clear nail lacquer to its surface.
Costume Jewelry
If you own costume jewelry, it is important to properly care for it. While normally is a beautiful investment, a piece of costume jewelry that is in poor condition is not worth buying. A piece that is free of any defects or wear not only looks better, but is also a better investment.
Put on the jewelry to see if it hangs correctly, then wear it for a few hours to test the comfort. Doing this also helps you see if the jewelery is long lasting or likely to break easily.
Find out what the ideal methods are for maintaining each piece of jewelry you own. Take into account that different types of material takes different types of care, like stones and metals. Not all jewelry should be cared for in the same way. If you can’t find proper treatment methods, try consulting with a professional jeweler.
Costume jewelry does require some special care. Many of the components of costume jewelry are glued into their settings rather than held in with prongs or other more permanent methods. Don’t immerse costume jewelry in water or use chemicals on it. To clean your jewelry, dampen a cloth with warm water and gently wipe the item. Then use a clean, dry cloth to dry the jewelry. This will make your costume jewelry sparkle for weeks, months, or even years.
Put your make up on before the jewelery. Dirt and oil accumulate in the small crevices of jewelry, and can make it look dull and shabby. This is particularly important with necklaces and earrings.
It is critical that the photos and descriptions you use to sell jewelry online are attractive and high-quality. This is very important to remember because the person that may purchase it cannot hold it before purchasing it. Make sure the background behind the jewelry in the photograph is bland and boring, so as not to distract the viewer’s attention away from the piece itself.
A clasp that will hold up is a very important part of any necklace or bracelet. If your chains and pendants with costly gems do not have secure clasps, you may lose them. For very expensive necklaces and bracelets, at least one safety clasp is recommended. It isn’t unusual for people to protect their most cherished jewelry with a second or even a third clasp.
Take your jewelry off before you go swimming. The strength of chlorine means it can hurt the shine of your jewelry and decrease its life. Likewise, salt water can also damage your jewelry. Your jewelry will last longer and stay more lustrous if you remember to take it off before getting into the water.
These tips should be helpful in preparing you to make a personal statement with jewelry. The millions of jewelry designs to choose from can be daunting, and reading facts on jewelry can be of great help.