Whether it was passed down to you or purchased as a gift, jewelry is something that many of us hold near and dear to our hearts. Protecting this jewelry and making sure you receive top dollar if you sell it are important things to us all. Make sure you use these jewelry tips to approach the topic with the wisdom needed.
When you purchase jewelery ensure you know what you are buying. You have three options as far as the type of gem: natural, imitation and synthetic. While both natural and synthetic stones are still real, imitation is just glass or plastic made to look like the natural stone. Natural gemstones are mined, while synthetic gems are artificially grown.
The world of body piercing has taken body jewelry to new heights. Many people like the feeling of having their tongues pierced, but having metal jewelry in your mouth can be damaging to your teeth. There are many colorful options available for plastic tongue jewelry that is safer for your mouth and won’t make your dentist cringe.
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.
When you are working with any kind of silver there is one word that you should always keep in mind – polish! If you polish your silver regularly it will keep it shiny and beautiful for much longer. This helps to extend the life of the piece as well as look newer for longer.
Many types of metals will quickly tarnish when exposed to air for prolonged periods of time. One of the easiest ways to avoid this is by placing them in an air-tight location. A great and simple solution is purchasing small zipper plastic bags and then carefully sealing your jewelry inside them.
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.
If you are buying a piece of jewelry for a woman, be sure to take the time to make note of the style of jewelry she wears on a daily basis. Once you have a better idea of what her jewelry style is, you will be able to narrow down the styles and types of jewelry items and find one that will be sure to wow her.
Be sure to ask the person you are dealing with at the jewelry store if the gem you are trying to purchase has been treated in any way. A lot of times they are treated to make them look better and last longer, but that decreases the value of the gem.
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.
If a piece of jewelry starts to darken or turn black, the problem may not be a matter of quality of the piece. This effect can actually be traced to a high acid content in the wearer’s skin. Often, but not always, a high acid content may also indicate a higher probability of an allergic reaction to metal alloys.
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.
When you choose your jewelry, think about where you will be going and what you will be doing. For example, if you are going to a movie or play, don’t wear anything jangly, such as bangle bracelets or jewelry with bells that might bother other theater-goers! If you will be around a baby, don’t wear dangling earrings, or you may live to regret it!
Educate yourself before purchasing that special engagement ring. Diamonds can be confusing, and understanding the “Four Cs” is important as it will effect the quality and price of your stone. Do a little research before looking at your options. Talk to a trusted jeweler as well. This will help you to get the best value for your money.
You’ll have a hard time spotting any difference between synthetic gemstones and natural ones. While the stones appear to be identical, both physically and chemically, the man-made stones are a lot cheaper than the natural ones. Before buying natural sapphire, have a gemologist to view its natural inclusions.
Some people have a sensitivity to many metals that precludes them from wearing much metal jewelry. The miracle of modern engineering has developed some hypoallergenic metals such as surgical stainless steel or titanium that are better suited to many of them and allows them to wear chain necklaces, traditional-looking rings, and earrings.
The tips you have just read in the above article cover a fairly wide range of jewelry-related issues. Make sure you’re absorbing and subsequently applying these tips as needed. Jewelry is something we all want to protect, so pay attention to what you’ve learned about jewelry through this article.
