From earrings to bangle bracelets, gold rings to silver pendants, jewelry comes in many shapes and sizes. There is more to know about each piece than just what color it is and how it fits. You must also pick an item that is of a quality that will last and then you must care for it. Here are some tips and tricks to help you to have a great jewelry collection.
If you have a large collection of fashion jewelry, make sure to only clean them with a damp cloth. Using polishing cloths or jewelry cleaning liquids will only eat away at the top layer causing the base metal to show through. After you are finished cleaning, keep your jewelry stored away to prevent any damage or tarnish.
When going shopping for diamonds, make sure to set yourself a budget and stick to it. The world of diamonds can seem overwhelming and the prices vary a great deal. By keeping a budget in mind, you can cut down the vast variety, to a much more sensible variety to choose from.
A great source for unique and inexpensive jewelry pieces are local thrift shops. Local thrift stores can be a treasure trove for antique and truly unusual pieces. Often, these establishments do not have the staff, training or time, that is necessary to check for hallmarks or gold and silver content. A few dollar’s investment can often yield, not only some really unique pieces of jewelry, but also some pieces that may be, quite valuable.
If you’re making wire jewelry and don’t have wire cutters, just use a pair of fingernail clippers. The fingernail clippers are small and great for fine cutting. They will be able to manipulate through most sterling silver wire with ease. The fingernail clippers will no longer be useful for your nails though, because wire will dull them fast.
When deciding on the jewelry for your wedding, check out the differences between purchasing and renting. If you are only planning on wearing these extravagant pieces once, then renting may be your best bet. However, if you feel you would wear it again, or want to keep it as a memento, buying may be the best choice.
To help jewelry maintain its maximum possible value you should aim to keep it in a pristine condition. Not only will it look better on you but it will also fetch a higher asking price should you ever decide to sell it. Semi annual trips to jewelry store for regular cleanings will help accomplish this.
Take proactive steps to minimize the number of times that you have to clean your jewelry. When getting dressed, put your jewelry on after you apply perfume and makeup. This will prevent the residue of these products from leaving a film on your jewelry. Also, remember to remove your jewelry before cleaning and doing other housework.
Educate yourself about the gems you have in mind before going to make a new purchase of jewelry. You need to know what questions to ask in order to avoid being taken advantage of by a jeweler. Nothing feels much worse than being ripped off for something you thought was a high quality product.
When making any type of jewelry purchase, first consider the amount in which you are looking to spend and then formulate the high and low end of your budgets. Once you go to a jewelry store, do not feel pressured to go over your budget regardless of how good the deal the jeweler is presenting to you. If it seems too good to be true, chances are it is.
When storing your jewelry, follow any specific advice which is provided by the manufacturer. Different gem stones have different sets of rules for safe storage. Try to keep your pieces of jewelry from touching each other while being stored, since this can lead to scratching each other. If a piece of jewelry has its own box or pouch, use it for better protection of your valuable assets.
When it comes to taking care of your jewelry be sure that you are using only mild cleaning solutions when cleaning it. This will ensure that you are not compromising the structural integrity of your jewelry as well as not causing further surface damage such as discoloration. When in doubt, look for jewelry safe cleaning products when shopping.
As a jeweler, you should do your best to differentiate yourself from the concurrence. Set up your store in a unique way or create an original website. Create original pieces as well as classics. Choose the strategy that works for you: find your audience and create pieces that correspond to a certain style.
When considering jewelry for your wedding, be sure that you consider the option of renting the jewelry for yourself and/or your entire wedding party. This is important because you can save a lot of money and nobody in attendance will know either way. It is only important that you look your best.
Foiled rhinestones are a popular choice for children’s jewelry because they are extremely inexpensive and offer all the sparkle of a more expensive stone, or even more. Try them in such popular pieces as stretch bracelets, earrings, or anklets as a cheerful accent for children who wish to wear jewelry often.
Stay away from fads when buying expensive jewelry. Decide whether the ring or necklace you want to buy will be out of style in a couple years. Buying jewelry can often be an investment with a great turnaround. But if the piece of jewelry goes out of style it can be next to worthless when you turn around and try to sell it.
Learning about jewelry is an important part of ownership, so take pride in the fact that you are seeking knowledge to better yourself. It will allow you to have gorgeous pieces, which will stand the test of time, allowing you to adorn yourself with only the best. A diamond IS forever!
