It can be difficult knowing how to select just the right pieces of jewelry. There are so many different styles and materials to choose from, and they are available in such a wide range of prices. Then there is the issue of care and maintenance of the jewelry. This article features tips to help you out with many of your jewelry questions.
Don’t spend a lot of money purchasing cheap costume jewelry. Costume jewelry does sell in more designs and cost significantly less than fine jewelry. Yet, over the course of a few months or years, costume jewelry loses its color which causes the cheap metal to show through underneath. Invest in one or two pieces of fine jewelry that are sure to last a lifetime.
Many people see jewelry labeled as sterling silver plated and oftentimes think they’ve hit the jackpot when they purchase it at a very low price. In this case unfortunately, you do get what you pay for. This type of jewelry only contains a very thin coating of sterling silver on top of a cheap metal which can usually be identified as copper. The jewelry will eventually tarnish and cause the copper to show through underneath with enough wear.
When jewelry shopping, you need to be prepared to carefully look, and inspect anything that you may want to buy. You need to get a loupe. This is a small pocket-sized magnifier that can show you what kind of quality you will be getting. It magnifies the jewelry so that you can inspect it to see if you are getting something of bad quality or good quality.
Make sure you know what to look for when buying platinum jewelry. Platinum needs to be at least 95% pure in order for it to be considered real platinum. If it’s lower it is platinum alloy. Also, be aware that platinum can develop a patina, which many people feel gives jewelry a nice antique look. This jewelry also does not wear away and is hypoallergenic.
To assure your jewelry accentuates your best features, choose pieces that work with your face shape. For a heart shaped face, try chokers and dangly earrings. Round and square face types look great in teardrop earrings, and long necklaces are also an excellent pick. Those with rectangular faces should choose short necklaces and round earrings. If you have an oval shaped face, you can pull off any type of necklace, but angular earrings are best.
If you have a piece of jewelry that has a clasp that is broken there is no reason to throw it away because you can get it fixed. You can take it to a jewelry shop and have it repaired. You need to call the jewelry store going in so that you can be sure that they will fix jewelry regardless of where it was purchased.
Use jewelry in a bold, unexpected color to pick up an accent color in your outfit. If you are wearing a skirt with a floral, plaid or striped print, match your necklace, earrings or bracelets to a color used in the design. This is a great way to add more color to an otherwise subdued outfit, and it can pull your look together nicely.
Water is typically enough to clean most types of jewelry and precious stones. Simply use a damp cloth and wipe off any kind of residue or dirt that is on the jewelry. If there are any more stubborn problems, you can use a very light cleaning detergent to remove these issues.
Many precious gems and stones can not be put in a cleaning solution. It is important that you understand the composition of your ring and the composition of your cleaning solution. Some stones like pearl, opal, turquoise and other soft gems can get damaged by the harsh chemicals found in jewelry cleaner.
There are so many people who throw good money down the drain just to buy some expensive piece of jewelry that they don’t really need. Save your money and purchase knock offs. You can find ones that look identical to the original but can cost up to 75% less.
Have your jewelry be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off, when undressing and bathing. This helps limit potential damage to your jewelry from everyday activities, and also helps remind you to put it away so that it doesn’t get misplaced. The less time you wear your jewelry, the less chance it has of becoming damaged.
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.
Remove rings and bracelets before using bleach products. Bleach can damage jewelry, causing irreparable damage. This includes washing powder, liquid detergent, and even bathing in a chlorine treated hot tub or swimming pool. If you happen to get any kind of bleach product on your jewelry, wash it immediately using clear warm water, and dry with a soft cloth.
Before you make a jewelry purchasing decision, it is good to be armed with as much knowledge as possible. Then, when you finally have your pieces home and have worn them for some time, it becomes vital to know how to care for them properly. By applying the tips you have read in this article, you will be better equipped for both tasks.
