Finding the best information about jewelry is not always the easiest task. There is so much information available, you may not be sure where to start. You may be reluctant to seek it out. Fortunately, for you, you will find compiled here, some of the best jewelry tips available anywhere.
Vintage jewelry can actually make great fashion accessories. It doesn’t have to be your granny’s jewelry any longer. Make a statement piece by displaying a vintage necklace or a pair of vintage earrings. Vintage seems to be all the new rage and almost every store out there seems to be selling vintage inspired pieces. Why buy “inspired pieces” when you can buy the real thing for a fraction of the cost?
Take the time to notice what kind of jewelry they already wear. For example, if they wear earrings, are they hoop or studs? Do they prefer white or yellow metals? This way, you know where you should start when buying a gift.
Don’t discard your antique broach from Grandma, re-purpose it. If you put a chain through it, the broach instantly becomes a fashionable necklace. Vintage jewelry is extremely popular these days and finding a way to make it wearable makes it fashionable. Re-using is also a popular concept in our “green” society. That broach can serve you well with just a slight alteration to its use.
When purchasing a silver plated piece of jewelry, immediately paint it with a coat of clear nail polish. Doing this will extend the life of the piece. It can also prevent those tiny scrapes and scratches that are so easy to get. Re-paint the piece once every few months for best results.
Create a vintage Victorian look with jewelry you already own. Layer several necklaces of different lengths and materials together. If you don’t have any long necklaces, consider fastening several shorter ones together end to end. Thread a piece of ribbon or lace through them and add a cameo pin clipped to one side to finish.
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.
Avoid letting your jewelry come into contact with chemicals, such as those found in hairspray, lotion, perfume and other products. Some chemicals can stain or otherwise damage precious metals and stones. Porous stones like pearls, opal or turquoise should not be submersed in water for long, either, to prevent damage.
Think about getting a set of jewelry rather than a single piece. You will find that a great deal of stores offer discounts when you buy sets of jewelry. You can even divide the pieces and give them to multiple recipients or on multiple occasions. It is a great way to make sure that you always have a present for someone and that it is something they will love.
Once you have decided that you are going to purchase a piece of jewelry and are ready to start shopping, consider taking a friend or family member with you. This way, you have someone else to bounce ideas off of and another viewpoint for the items you are considering.
Keep a silver polishing cloth handy so you can quickly wipe down your jewelry before you put it on. Frequently polishing your jewelry will not only make it look great but it will also keep it from tarnishing as quickly. Keep your jewelry looking pristine when you use a polishing cloth frequently.
Whether you’re a man or woman shopping for jewelry, avoid asking store clerks how things look when you try them on. To make a sale, people are obviously going to be very flattering with you. A false sense of confidence here can result in a really bad purchase that you’ll end up regretting later.
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.
A quick and cost effective cleaning solution for fine jewelry requires little more than toothpaste and a toothbrush. While toothpaste should not be used on costume jewelry, it works great for brightening up silver, gold and gemstones. The small bristles on a toothbrush also penetrate and clean filigree style settings far better than a cleaning cloth.
For unique or one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry, consider looking in places other than shopping malls. Art galleries are increasingly featuring jewelry as an art form, with showcases and openings where you can meet the designer. You can often even commission a piece based on your own style or preference. Don’t be intimidated by galleries, as they are all just people creating items that are offered for sale.
To get the most bang for your buck when buying silver jewelry, know what each designation means. For example, silver that bears a “925” stamp is 92.5% silver. Meanwhile, jewelry marked “fine silver” contains 99.9% silver. The higher the silver content, the more likely your jewelry is to retain its value.
When you are ready to purchase a diamond from your jeweler, make sure you get an appraisal from an independent appraiser. The jeweler will likely offer you a free appraisal from an in house source, but in your best interest you need to go with the independent company. Why would you trust the fox in the hen house? Be safe, get your own appraisal.
As discussed in the beginning of this article, you have a lot of information available to you when it comes to jewelry. Sifting through it all is not easy. Even if you sift no further, you should keep these great jewelry tips in mind, and continue to educate yourself about your jewelry.
