One of the most important things to consider, once you have decided to purchase a specific piece of jewelry, is where to go to physically purchase the item. This article describes things to look for in a piece of jewelry and some great tips for caring for your precious pieces.
When dealing with precious and fragile stone jewelry, take them to get professionally cleaned. This is much better than scratching or destroying them yourself with regular jewelry cleaners. Even the jewelry cloths may be too much for some stones. Make sure though that they are not cleaned too often as this can be very counterproductive and actually weaken the stones.
Finding the right piece of jewelry to wear for a special occasion can be a hard task. If wearing your hair in an up-do, a pair of dangling earrings may look nice. Whereas if you are wearing a dress with a “busy” pattern, a simple necklace and studded earrings might be more appropriate. Base your jewelry off of your outfit and what will complement it, and you will be sure to find the right piece for that special occasion.
If you lose the butterfly backing for your post earrings, you can easily replace them. Any local craft stores carry replacement backings for post earrings in the jewelry making aisles. You can find them in different metals such as sterling silver, gold plating, silver plating or silver tone metal. You no longer have to throw your old earrings out, you can replace the backing quite affordably.
To make create a simple, feminine look, try layering thin necklaces. The delicate appearance of a thin chain necklace can soften your look and draw attention to your face. When layering necklaces, it’s best to make each layer a different length, but to only wear necklaces with a very similar style.
Combine your gold and silver jewelry. What used to be “so not in fashion” is now considered modern and sleek. Gold earrings can be worn with a silver necklace, or you can even pair gold and silver rings on one hand. The color combination goes great with any outfit as well.
If you don’t know the ring size of the person you’re buying jewelry for, just get the size they have in stock – DON’T resize it based on your guess! You don’t want to be messing with a ring over and over again or you could affect it’s hardiness. When you give the ring to the recipient, let them know you will pay to have it resized.
To make eye-catching jewelry, don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors. If you have difficulty thinking of a palette, look around you and take your inspiration from things found in nature. Contrasting, complimentary, traditional, or monochromatic color schemes can make quite the statement when integrated into a jewelry piece.
You should not wear your jewelry if you plan on going for a swim or if you plan on going in any other body of water that may contain harsh chemicals. These sorts of things can cause your jewelry to age much more quickly. Protect your jewelry and be conscientious.
Consider purchasing pearl jewelry. Pearl jewelry provides a sophisticated look, and it is relatively inexpensive. Do not buy natural pearls, which do carry a high price tag. Search for cultured pearls; you want to find ones that look shiny and are not dull or murky looking. Consider going to a jeweler so that you are less likely to be sold a fake item.
If you have some fine jewelry or heirloom jewelry whose value you want to protect through insurance, it is wise to take excellent pictures of these pieces and to have an appraisal done by a professional. Make sure that the pictures you take are good, quality ones. Using a flash when taking these pictures will not lead to good pictures of your jewelry. It is best to capture a picture of your precious jewelry under soft, diffused fluorescent bulbs.
If you want to save money when buying jewelry, avoid the big names. These jewelers pay big bucks to market their names and pass that cost on to the consumer. You can often find high quality jewelry that does not have the “big name” attached to it for a fraction of the cost.
Practice with cheaper copper or steel wire if you’re new to jewelry making. Sterling silver wire is very expensive and messing it up will cost you money, save this for when you become more experienced.
To care for your jewelry, wipe it down with a soft cotton cloth after every use. This will wipe away any fingerprints, dirt or oil that may have accumulated during wear. Occasionally, dampen a cloth or use a bristled brush to get into the crevasses. Make sure all jewelry is dry before you put it away.
Before you step out for the day take one last look at your jewelry. It is important to edit your look, whether it means taking pieces off or adding a few. Accessories are key to a put together look for both men and women but too many accessories, especially jewelry, can create a gaudy look. On the other hand, some clothing can look undone without the appropriate jewelry.
Again, it is important to consider the retail venue where you will be purchasing your new piece of jewelry, before you actually buy the item. By applying the advice and tips provided in this article, you will be one step closer to the store and your new piece of jewelry.
