Taking the next step into the wondrous and complex land of jewelry can sometimes be quite challenging. Choosing the right pieces, buying at the best prices, cleaning without ruining, or selling to make a profit, are all fraught with a certain difficulty. However, by keeping the helpful tips listed below in mind, you will soon find yourself acting like a pro in the field!
Making your own jewelry is easier than you think. You can find interest pendants at craft stores that can be placed on chains you already own or you can easily buy an inexpensive chain. If you knit or crochet, you can use yarn to create chokers and bracelets. Even if you buy and combine store bought items, making your own jewelry still allows you to design what you wear.
Buy real gemstones, not fake knock-offs. Real gemstones, like diamonds, give off a gorgeous sparkle that can be spotted from a mile away. Fake gems are dull and glassy and aren’t even worth wearing. If you can’t afford a real gemstone, why not buy Swarovski crystal? They’re gorgeous, too, and have their own special sparkle to share.
When you are buying jewelry as a gift for someone else, be sure to figure out what their preferences are. Many people only like gold or silver, not both. Look at the recipients wardrobe choices and current jewelry to find what jewelry type they would be most likely to enjoy and actually wear.
It is important that you take your jewelry off before you go to bed. Sleeping with your jewelry on causes chains and joints to weaken. This, in turn, causes your jewelry to get damaged more easily. Make sure you take your jewelry off when you go to bed to eliminate undue stress.
Bracelets and necklaces must have a good, secure clasp. Weak clasps can cause the loss of expensive pendants, chains and stones. For especially valuable necklaces and bracelets, adding a safety clasp to the piece is a good way to safeguard them. You might even want to add an extra clasp on your jewelery for added protection.
When taking a dip in the pool, take off your jewelry. Chlorine is a strong chemical and it can damage the luster and life of your precious jewelry pieces. Salt water can also degrade jewelry. Take off your jewelry before swimming to ensure that it lasts as long as possible before you have to replace it.
When you are wearing pearls you have to make sure not to expose them to any harsh hair sprays, perfumes, or other chemicals. They tend to lose their luster very fast if they are exposed to these chemicals because the nacre (skin) of the pearl will start to peel off.
Even though some people use toothpaste to clean their gold, silver or gemstones, jewelers do not recommend this practice. The abrasives in toothpaste can scratch the surface of precious metals and gemstones. To restore the jewelry back to its original, unscratched condition will require buffing and refinishing by a professional fine jeweler.
If a piece of jewelry starts to darken or turn black, the problem may not be a matter of quality of the piece. This effect can actually be traced to a high acid content in the wearer’s skin. Often, but not always, a high acid content may also indicate a higher probability of an allergic reaction to metal alloys.
Gold jewelry can be effectively cleaned with one teaspoon of ammonia, one teaspoon of dish soap, and one cup of water. The dish soap will act as a de-greaser, while the ammonia has an oxidation quality. You can use this as your regular cleaner for gold jewelry, but never use it on precious stones.
It can be very hard to tell a natural ruby or sapphire from a synthetic one. Lab created stones are beautiful and are made in a lab which makes them much cheaper than natural gems that are mined out of the earth. It is therefore advised that you have a reputable gemologist examine any piece you are considering. Find a reputable, knowledgeable person to take a look at a stone prior to purchasing it.
Enamelled jewelry has long been popular for its bright colors, reflective nature, and extreme durability. It is no longer restricted to pins, but can now be found everywhere, including such disparate places as watches, earrings, and pins. It’s great for all ages because it has all the durability of metal and can be as bright or subdued as you like.
Choosing the right ring is a big decision and you may live with the consequences for the rest of your life. Discuss and know with confidence what your partner wants. Although it may seem that your spouse will love it because they love you, their mind may change in a couple year when they have to look at the ring hanging off of their finger everyday.
Deep green jade is a stunning focal point in oriental rings, earrings, and necklaces and requires a delicate touch when cleaning and caring for the stones. Do not ever soak the stone in water as this can damage the surface. Instead, wipe the stones with a soft, damp cloth. Finally, use a second, dry cloth to wipe away excess moisture.
Create a tribal look with your jewelry by layering necklaces and bracelets. Take the time to match up pieces of your jewelry that look good together. The look will not be achieved by just throwing on every thing you own. Pick necklaces of varied lengths and not just one length. When layering bracelets the smaller the bracelet the better. Use chunky pieces sparingly.
If you are purchasing a diamond ring, it is always a good idea to ask to see the stone out of the setting. Generally, the jeweler will use the prongs in the setting to hide any flaws in the stone. While you may think you are getting a perfect stone, the prongs may be hiding a lot of flaws, so it is always better to check.
So, after reading and applying the helpful tips listed above, you should feel a bit more at ease in the wonderland that is jewelry. You should feel empowered and ready to act like a seasoned trader. What a wonderful hobby or business involvement with jewelry can be!
