From spicing up your look to signifying status, jewelry has always been interesting to humans. Precious metals dug from the earth and even mesmerizing pearls found under the water have been a fascination to humans for a long time. There is jewelry for different occasions and in different price ranges. It can cost from a few dollars to millions of dollars, so there is sure to be some kind of jewelry for everyone out there.
When shopping for genuine sterling silver jewelry, you need both a discerning eye and a small magnet. Precious metals, like sterling silver, will not be attracted to the magnet. True sterling sliver always has some sort of hallmark stamp on it, such as .925, sterling or ster. If there is no marking on the piece, it may not be sterling silver.
When choosing jewelry as a gift for a girlfriend, make sure it is something that will really show her that you love her and understand her. At this point in your relationship, the jewelry that you give her should be more than just a gift, but a passing of your love.
If you find yourself putting off wearing a bracelet because you wear a watch, buy a bracelet that matches your watch in style and color, and wear it on your other wrist. Bracelets are fun and are one of the only pieces of jewelry that you can see on yourself when you’re wearing them. Wear one on your wrist without a watch, or simply get rid of your watch altogether.
If you are lucky enough to have a nice piece of emerald jewelry, then you will want to be careful in how you clean it, as it requires special care. You can soak it in cool water and then briefly brush it. Do not use hot water, steam or extreme heat, and cleaning with harsh solutions should be avoided.
When purchasing jewelry it is important to keep in mind for whom you are buying it, unless it is for yourself. You may really love a certain piece but the person you are buying it for my loathe it. So carefully consider the person it will be for, and then make your decision.
While jewelry makes a great surprise gift, you should avoid presenting jewelry at off-the-cuff moments. A really beloved piece of jewelry is one that reminds its owner of a particularly memorable occasion. If there is not a common or personal holiday associated with your gift, make an effort to turn the presentation itself into an experience to remember.
When you clean your jewelry, be sure to dry it and polish it before returning it to storage. This is especially true for gold and silver jewelry. The metal can tarnish if left damp. The stones in your jewelry will also develop water stains if they are put away with water on them.
A busted clasp or tarnished chain does not necessarily spell the end of your favorite piece of jewelry. Look for ways to adapt pendants, beads, or accents into a new form. A sparkling, distinctive brooch can be threaded onto a delicate gold or silver chain, then worn as a necklace or bracelet.
Storing jewelry can be the absolute death of its luster, even if you’re storing it in the box it came in. Avoid storing jewelry in only those manufacturer’s boxes and even store-bought jewelry boxes. If you’re storing your items long-term, wrap them up in an airtight container to ensure maximum protection. One of those zippered plastic storage bags, works wonders.
If you’re hard-pressed for cash and wish to sell your gold jewelry, avoid those TV companies. You’re better off going to a pawn broker. They will pay you full price for melt and won’t be too concerned with making money off of you. It’s very ironic that a pawn broker would give you the better deal, but it’s true.
When purchasing precious gemstones, be sure to ask whether they are genuine, natural stones, if this is important to you. The distinction between natural gemstones and “created” or synthetic ones is not always apparent, and some jewelers will not necessarily point it out to you. Created and synthetic stones are not fakes, but they are created in a laboratory rather than pulled from deep within the earth.
Preserve the look and tone of your vintage and costume jewelry by storing each individual piece in a soft, zippered pouch or bag. The inside of the bag should be lined with a soft, non-abrasive material. This will protect the delicate, aged metals, stones, and settings from dust and other contaminants.
If you own costume jewelry, proper care and cleaning is important to keep it looking great. Buy jewelry cleaner that is marked as safe for costume jewelry. Use a small, very soft toothbrush, and use it only for jewelry cleaning. Keep your jewelry clean and dry, dust-free, and away from any contaminants that might ruin it.
When you are into collecting various types of jewelry pieces, it is a good idea to take a journal and record the items that you have so that you can keep track of them. You also use the list as a reference guide if you are looking for a piece to add to your outfit for the day. Furthermore, such a list is useful should you ever need to make an insurance claim.
Once you realize the impact jewelry has not only on feeling good about yourself, but on how other people will perceive you, you will understand how important it is to know what jewelry symbolizes. You will find that your status can sometimes be determined by the type of jewelry you wear and that you don’t have to always go all out because you can find affordable jewelry as well.
