Forms of jewelry have been around for thousands of years. Jewelry makes a great fashion statement and a great piece of accessory to complete any number of outfits. There are many decisions to make when it comes to purchasing, making or gifting jewelry. Use the tips below to make the right choices when it comes to selecting the jewelry that’s right for you.
When you purchase jewelery ensure you know what you are buying. The three different types of stones are natural, imitation and synthetic. You have to know that imitation refers to colored plastic. The difference here, however, is that synthetic is man-made in a laboratory while natural is found buried in the earth.
Try adding some industrial metals to your collection. There is more to metal jewelry than just gold and silver. Industrial metals include stainless steel, titanium, tungsten carbide and tungsten. Industrial metals provide a much nicer shine and are more durable and less susceptible to damage. Titanium is known for being more lightweight, stainless steel and can be polished until it practically glows. Tungsten carbide can resist scratches for a long time, as well as being a dark metal.
Buy real gemstones, not fake knock-offs. Real gemstones, like diamonds, give off a gorgeous sparkle that can be spotted from a mile away. Fake gems are dull and glassy and aren’t even worth wearing. If you can’t afford a real gemstone, why not buy Swarovski crystal? They’re gorgeous, too, and have their own special sparkle to share.
If you are buying your jewelry from a pawn shop, check their qualifications. Find out if they have experience with jewels, certifications, or if they work with gemologists. A pawn shop that works with these items on a regular basis should be qualified to appraise and sell jewelry at proper costs.
When making jewelry and you want to turn a bead into a linked piece, take an eye pin and thread it through the bead’s hole. Let the bead slide to the bottom of the eye pin. Directly above the bead, use your pliers to bend the eye pin approximately 45 degrees. Using wire cutters, trim this to about half an inch in length. Using small round pliers, grasp the tip of the wire and start looping it around the pliers tip. Don’t give up if your eye pin loop is not directly round – practice makes perfect!
Consider which precious metal to choose for your engagement ring purchase. After setting and stone, the type of metal you choose makes your ring one of a kind. You should pay attention to any jewelry that your sweetie wears to fully understand her preference. Some women like white metals, while others appreciate yellows.
When determining the type of jewelry you should purchase for your significant other, you should always remember that quality does count. Even though you should always aim to make your purchase an affordable one, you do not want to sacrifice quality. When you have a set price, shop around for a good deal.
If you choose to make and sell jewelry at craft bazaars or flea markets, take time to ensure that each piece has a clearly marked price tag that cannot be tampered with, yet can be removed without damaging the merchandise. Although nobody likes to think that theft can happen to them, it is best to protect your investment of time and money.
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.
Buying used jewelry is an option to consider, as well. Used jewelry can be found in consignment and pawn stores, art galleries, estate sales, jewelers, or in some cases, yard sales. Before you consider used jewelry, research the type of piece you think you are looking for, so that when you see it at one of these places, you will be able to determine if the item is indeed legitimate or just a reproduction.
If you are purchasing jewelry online, investigate how much experience the seller has in the industry. Pay particular attention to how many years they have been making the items. Look to see that their web site includes a comprehensive description of what they do and search for any reviews or testimonials from clients.
Always store your pearls flat, and in a silk pouch. Pearls scratch very easily and so, soft silk is the safest material to store them in. Hanging pearls is a bad option because it can stretch the knotted string over time and ruin your precious investment.
When considering jewelry for your wedding, be sure that you consider the option of renting the jewelry for yourself and/or your entire wedding party. This is important because you can save a lot of money and nobody in attendance will know either way. It is only important that you look your best.
If your crystal jewelry is losing it’s luster, try simply wiping it with a soft cloth soaked in warm water. If the jewelry is very dirty or grimy, you may need to soak it in warm water, mixed with a small amount of dish soap. A soft toothbrush can the be used to brush away the dirt.
As the beginning of this article mentioned, jewelry has been a part of mankind for thousands of years as a great adornment for outfits. Jewelry makes a lasting statement and shows a great deal of your personality. Apply the tips from the article above to go on your way in becoming an expert in selecting the right jewelry choices for you and others.
