Have you been thinking about venturing into the world of jewelry? Or perhaps you desire purchasing a gift for your friend? Either way, use these tips to get started.
Try cleaning your jewelry collection with a polishing cloth. You can keep your items shiny without using chemicals. You can use the two-sided cloth to polish your jewelry in the same way you would polish a drinking glass. Use the side of the cloth that is designed for polishing to remove fingerprints, dust and other surface imperfections, and then use the opposite side to buff the jewelry and make it gleam.
When you purchase jewelry from a jeweler, ask about their insurance policy. Look for a good policy that lets you return damaged items. For more expensive pieces, look for a jeweler that offers insurance for lost or stolen items.
Be sure that you understand the kind of gemstone that is in the jewelry that you are purchasing. The three different types of stones are natural, imitation and synthetic. While natural and synthetic stones are the real deal, imitation stones are made to look like a real gemstone, but could be anything from colored glass to plastic. Natural stones are dug up out of the ground and synthetic ones are grown in a lab.
If you are wanting to collect costume jewelry, you should ensure you are aware of its condition. Costume jewelery pieces can be expensive but they are not worth the investment if they look too old. An item in good condition holds its value better in the long run.
Keep your jewelry pieces looking beautiful by protecting them from tarnish. Jewelry should not be worn near the water. Many of the metals become tarnished, rusty or dull when they get exposed to the elements of water. It is wise to place a single coat of transparent nail lacquer on jewelry in order to protect it.
Think about what stones you would want before you purchase a new piece of jewelry. Choose stones that complement your complexion and that best reflect your personality. Also think about what color clothing you wear often, and chose a neutral color that will match many of the outfits in your closet. You want to have plenty of opportunities to show off every piece.
Do some research on the best way to clean your particular piece of jewelry. Not all types of jewelry can be cleaned in the same manner. Along the same lines, enhancing different stones and settings requires you to take different steps. If you can’t find proper treatment methods, try consulting with a professional jeweler.
Do some research on the best way to clean your particular piece of jewelry. Different styles of jewelry affect the way they need to be cared for; one type of metal will need a different treatment than another, for example. What works for one material could damage another. If you can’t find proper treatment methods, try consulting with a professional jeweler.
For those creative, quirky people in your life, shop for handcrafted original pieces. This means you have taken the time to think about the gift and make it as personal as possible. Customized jewelery will also help you convey the right message.
An attractive brooch can increase visual interest and accent your waist. Pin it in the front or at your hip.
If you are trying to sell jewelry online, it is important to post ample photographs from many angles so that each piece is presented in a pleasing and accurate way. As the potential buyer cannot physically touch the piece, this is important so that the jewelry is presented in its best light. Make the piece of jewelry the main focus of the photograph, rather than its surroundings.
Keep your jewelry unsoiled by only putting it on after all of your makeup has been applied. Dust and grime from makeup gravitates towards jewelry, and putting on your jewelry first can leave it looking dull or dingy. This is even more necessary for earrings and necklaces.
Know your options when shopping for diamonds. Every single diamond is unique and has individual flaws. Some flaws may not seem that critical to you when you see the diamond in person. Every jeweler is able to price point differently, depending on the flaw. Shop around to find a great, high-quality diamond at an affordable price.
Investigate your gemstone to determine if it has been treated before you purchase it, and what type of treatment it had. The type of care required will differ depending on the kind of treatment. Treatments can interaction with certain types of cleansing solutions, so doing your research can spare you from a chemistry mishap.
Every necklace, bracelet or anklet can benefit from a quality clasp. Clasps keep your pendants safe. If you have expensive or heirloom items, invest in a safety clasp. You might even want to add an extra clasp on your jewelery for added protection.
Don’t buy a piece of jewelry based solely on the brand. You’ll probably pay too much since a jeweler will be aware that you are probably buying the name and not the piece. Besides, many “regular” people won’t even recognize the brand when you wear it. There are many different manufacturers, that make high quality jewelry, without the huge markup for the brand name.
You may not have to sell your gold jewelry to get money out of your necklaces and bracelets. If you feel they are a little too long, just trim them a bit and sell the scraps. Then you will still have your jewelry and a little extra cash. You could make hundreds by shortening the chains of your necklaces, provided they are made of real gold.
You can make money with your gold bracelets and necklaces. The best part, though, is you still get to keep the pieces. Remove a small amount from the overall length while retaining enough for the piece to still hang properly. The excess you trimmed can then be sold. You can actually make a tidy sum by selling off odds and ends of jewelry in this manner.
You can make a real statement with a stand-out piece of onyx or crystal jewelry. You don’t have to waste money to get great results.
If you are wearing a simple outfit, wear bigger jewelery. Instead of this, you should wear a classic black dress or some other solid clothing item that can clearly highlight your particular jewelry piece.
It can be hard to properly display the jewelry that you have made to sell at holiday sales, craft sales and flea markets. When you are out looking for materials to create your jewelry, remember to think about creative displays. Look for baskets, racks and boxes. Use other original objects to display your creations.
The key to selling jewelery in craft shows or holiday sales is to display it in a way that attracts attention to the pieces. You may be able to purchase something where you buy your other materials. You can use items like cigar boxes, baskets and other unusual items to display your jewelry in an interesting way.
For the longest time, rubies have held a special place in the world of jewelry. Although true rubies are a rich, bright red, many stones are available in color variations that range from rosy pinks to deep maroons. Rubies are a durable stone. They can take abuse as well as any fine jewelry. Their strength and unique beauty make them an excellent choice for most people.
People love rubies, and there are several reasons why. True rubies are red, but rubies have a myriad of red shades that range from deep pinks to near maroon. Rubies are a highly resilient stone, and can hold up well against scratching, and most chemicals. Because of this combination of looks and strength, rubies are one of the most practical choices in fine stones.
Natural rubies and sapphires are hard to tell apart from their chemically produced counterparts. The ones grown in a lab are exactly the same and cost way less. Before investing a great deal of money in a piece of sapphire jewelry, you should first have it verified by an experienced, respected gemologist.
Keep in mind when shopping for natural sapphires or rubies that they are hard to discern from artificial ones. Both are beautiful and share physical properties, but created stones sell at an enormous discount over the cost of flawless mined stones. A qualified gemologist will be able to tell a natural sapphire by its natural inclusions, so have the stone checked before purchase.
One of the most beautiful gemstones out there is also one of the most underused: Alexandrite. This stone will change from a purple color to a green, depending if it is outside or indoors. Alexandrite is mostly found in rings, earrings, and pendants.
Always keep within your budget when you are buying jewelry. Taking on a large amount of debt so that you or your significant other can wear a gorgeous ring is an unwise financial move. Engaged couples who are young and not yet financially sound are better off purchasing an inexpensive starter ring. They will be able to upgrade to a better ring after they have financially established themselves.
Clean the piece carefully with a damp cloth to preserve its setting. Afterwards, dry the whole piece with a soft cloth. Neither costume nor fashion jewelry should be exposed to steam cleaning or cleaning with harsh chemicals.
To retain the jewelry’s natural look, clean the piece gently using a lightly dampened cloth. Don’t forget to wipe the piece dry with another soft cloth. Don’t use any type of chemical or steam on your costume jewelry.
Try layering childhood jewelry with bigger, modern pieces so that you can keep wearing memories from childhood without looking immature or dated. Use a pendant as a point of interest within the cluster, and choose necklaces which share a theme; be it a color, material, or design.
To continue using necklaces from your childhood without looking dated or immature, try layering them with bigger, more modern pieces. Find a more adult piece to bring the cluster together. If you can match them all to the same theme, that’s even better.
One way to get the most out a fairly modest diamond is to get an illusion setting for it. This involves a special mirror which is placed into the setting before the actual diamond is. The diamond then goes through a mirroring process on your hand, giving it a big and sparkly look. The only problem with this setting is that they can be difficult to fix.
If you are looking for diamond brilliance without the price tag, consider purchasing an illusion setting. In this effect, a small mirror is put under the diamond before it is set into place. The diamond will appear larger because it is reflecting in the mirror. It might be harder to make any needed repairs to this style however.
If you are going to go shopping for engagement rings, know the approximate price for diamonds before looking. Shopping for diamonds can elicit many emotions. Keeping to a budget can be tricky if you get swept away with the romance and excitement of shopping.
With the advice you’ve learned here, you should be better prepared to select, appraise and care for any kind of jewelry. Investing in a quality piece of jewelry is a classic move that you will enjoy for years.
Buy a wedding band that is within your budget; you can always purchase a more expensive one later. You can always get the perfect ring on another important occasion, such as a later anniversary. In some instances your jeweler may offer a program where they will buy back the simple ring in partial trade for your better one.
About The Author
