If you are looking to purchase a gift of jewelry for a friend or relative, knowing their tastes helps a lot. Knowing what stores they like helps too. But if you don’t have any idea where to start, consider the following tips that can help you pick out the right piece.
Don’t purchase used earrings without disinfecting the posts or ear hooks. Other people have been wearing them, especially true for vintage pieces, and there are plenty of germs lying around. Take some lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide, squeeze some onto a cotton swab and run it over the ear pieces of the earrings. This will kill the germs, making it safe to wear the earrings.
If you are considering a titanium wedding band, remember that it cannot be re-sized and may be a bit more difficult to cut off in an emergency than rings made from precious metals. Titanium rings are less likely to bend or crush under pressure, however, so an accident that would heavily damage a gold or platinum ring may not harm a titanium one.
Buy dainty jewelry for slender women, and chunkier jewelry for a larger lady. If your wife is petite, then a tiny watch is appropriate. Buy the same watch for your six-foot tall spouse and it might not even fit on her wrist! Whatever you do, DON’T buy men’s jewelry for a woman! She’ll know the second she lays eyes on it and could be offended.
Use a cloth dampened with a solution of water and a few drops of dish-washing liquid to clean your pearls. Lightly rub each pearl with the cloth, and allow them to air-dry. Never soak pearls, as doing so can cause massive damage to the integrity of the gem. Keeping your pearls clean ensures a long life for them.
Many types of metals will quickly tarnish when exposed to air for prolonged periods of time. One of the easiest ways to avoid this is by placing them in an air-tight location. A great and simple solution is purchasing small zipper plastic bags and then carefully sealing your jewelry inside them.
If you have suffered through skin irritation from a piece of jewelry, you will want to look for future pieces that are described as hypoallergenic or nickel free. Other options in jewelry that are less prone to cause sensitivity is that made from titanium or surgical stainless steel. Options are available to keep you fashionable.
If you wear fashion jewelry you have to keep in mind that it cannot be cleaned the same as regular jewelry. You should wipe it with a damp cloth and then dry it. Soaking it in water can lead to damage since most fashion jewelry is made with jeweler’s cement.
When buying jewelry, look for stones that actually flatter your eyes of complexion. Avoid red stones if you have very pale skin, and avoid paler stones if you have dark skin. A stone with a color similar to your eyes will do wonders for you. Find something that you can easily wear with your outfits too.
If you want to buy cheap jewelry, buy homemade jewelry instead of going to a store. A lot of people use their blogs to sell their own creations. You can also look at online auction and shopping websites to find artisans selling cheap jewelry. Make sure you buy something from someone you can trust.
For cleaning any type of expensive jewelry, the salesperson you’re purchasing it from should have the best solution. Be sure to ask for some cleaning product at the same time you’re buying your jewelry. With any luck, you may even be able to pick some up for a discounted price.
When cleaning your jewelry, make sure to use warm water and soap. Always dry thoroughly with a soft cloth, making sure not to leave any water behind on your jewelry. Some pieces come with special cleaning instructions, so make sure to follow those as well. It is important that you do not use any other chemicals unless specified.
A popular modern component of jewelry for a quirky and individual style is buttons. Buttons come in all sorts of shapes, colors, and can be made from all sorts of materials, including metals such as gold and silver, glass, and plastic. They can be formed into rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
Simple diamond stud earrings, a solitaire pendant, and a glitzy cocktail ring are wardrobe staples that look equally stunning with jeans or formal wear. For an inexpensive or ethical alternative to diamonds, choose cubic zirconium pieces instead. It’s very hard to tell the difference between the two stones, and the price allows you to choose larger stones without a hefty cost.
To take good care of your jewelry, invest in a nice jewelry box. It will keep your necklaces and bracelets from getting tangled and other pieces from getting scratched or tarnished. It is always nice to have a well organized box when you are looking for an accessory before you go out.
Antique and heirloom rings, earrings, and necklaces should be protected from heat, extreme cold, excessive humidity, and dust. One of the most protected places for priceless, delicate vintage jewelry is in a soft container that is stored within a fireproof safe. The environment should be cool and dry to protect each piece from deterioration.
Gifts of jewelry are so meaningful to the receiver, even if the item is not to their taste. It’s even better to do a bit of research into finding a piece of jewelry that is right for him or her. The perfect piece will show you listen, and that you care.
