Jewelry can be an expensive investment in an artistic arrangement of precious metal and gemstone or it can be a handcrafted bit of whimsy, created with almost any kind of material. Even small children love to create jewelry masterpieces, such as macaroni necklaces and daisy chains. This article can tell you more about jewelry and why it is so prized.
When you’re considering a diamond purchase, plan on shopping around and making comparisons. Find a few reference pieces that you like, and see if other diamonds can do better. Be careful of tricks that jewelers use to make a diamond look bigger or better.
If you want to buy one of the ladies in your life a piece of jewelry, but don’t know her size, just sneak something out of her jewelry box that she already wears. That way you can have that item sized and get her the perfect jewelry in the perfect size – she’ll be totally amazed!
Nothing tells a woman you care like buying her jewelry with her birthstone. The fact that you took the time to research her birth date, and then her birthstone, will show her that you are willing to take the time to make her happy. No woman can turn that down!
When on vacation, pick up a beautiful piece of jewelry as a thank you to your wife. She may be on vacation, but chasing after the kids or hosing them down after being at the beach is no picnic. Buy her something to remind her of the good times you’ve had together on your trip.
Wearing less jewelry can actually make a bigger statement than overloading yourself with many smaller pieces of bright gold and shiny stones. Large pieces are trendy right now, so when stepping out, pick one or two pieces of jewelry that are bold and dramatic. Try pairing a large, colorful ring with dangling earrings.
To make sure no one can tell that you’re wearing costume jewelry, choose pieces that have a real metal setting. A gold or platinum setting can give an artificial gemstone a much more authentic look. This will make sure that you still look elegant even when you’re buying your jewelry on a budget.
If you love wearing jewelry, but hate the irritation it causes, then you may want to examine the metals in the jewelry. Higher karats of gold are less likely to cause irritation so opt for 14 or 18 karat. You could also try platinum or even palladium as both of these metals are harder and stronger than gold.
While it’s easy to point the finger at the metals in your jewelry causing your skin irritation, it could be as simple as the jewelry needing a good cleaning. Since bacteria and dirt can build up on your jewelry causing irritation, a warm water and gentle soap cleaning is recommended to rid the irritants and hopefully the bad reaction as well.
If you want your jewelry to go with any outfit you’re wearing, be sure that you’re purchasing neutral-colored jewelry. Believe it or not, gold doesn’t go with everything, and the sparkle of diamonds may actually clash against some ensembles. Go neutral and keep it tame if you want wardrobe-friendly jewelry.
Sterling silver is a porous metal that oxidizes when it comes in contact with oxygen. To keep your silver jewelry looking clean and shiny, wipe any dirt or other substances off with a warm, damp cloth. Dry it thoroughly and polish with a polishing cloth to restore its natural luster and shine.
If you are wearing a dress or blouse with an attractive pattern, a lot of embroidery, lace or other focal point, skip wearing a necklace. Instead, focus on earrings and rings that will complement and enhance the interesting points of your clothing. Simple anklets are also a nice touch with ornate clothing.
When shopping for expensive jewelry, bring a trusted friend or family member along. It can also be a confusing one, with so many choices available. Bringing a second person along gives you an extra set of eyes, as well as, an important second opinion.
When photographing jewelry, lighting is key. By now you know that your camera’s onboard flash is horrible. Too harsh, too bright for close distances, is impossible to previsualize and is likely in the wrong place. For jewelry, use continuous, diffuse (soft) lighting on stands. Photographic daylight-balanced fluorescents are recommended as they remain cool. Note that even those fluorescents will need some kind of diffusion.
If you decide to use a toothbrush to clean your vintage or fine jewelry, take special care to use only a brush with the softest bristles available. You should also purchase a toothbrush that will be used only for jewelry. The peroxide and other cleaning ingredients in toothpaste residue can be damaging to delicate metals and stones.
Remove your jewelry! Now is the time to break the bad habit of sleeping in your jewelry! Jewels and stones can become dislodged by thrashing and turning over, and then become lost in the sheets and bedding. Delicate gold and silver chains are also more easily snapped or broken during the nightly, tossing and turning!
A pave setting can be a unique choice when selecting a diamond ring. A pave setting is actually a bunch of tiny diamonds set together, rather than one single large diamond. The diamonds are placed in tiny holes, with their surface almost at the same height as your setting. It can be difficult to distinguish a pave setting for a single setting with the naked eye, but the cost is significantly less.
As discussed earlier, jewelry can be made from the simplest of items, by young children or it can be crafted by the finest of metals and gemstones by expert craftsmen. Few gifts impart sentiment, as does the gift of jewelry. This article can tell you more about jewelry and why it is often a prized possession.
