Jewelry can be an expensive investment in an artistic arrangement of precious metal and gemstone or it can be a handcrafted bit of whimsy, created with almost any kind of material. Even small children love to create jewelry masterpieces, such as macaroni necklaces and daisy chains. This article can tell you more about jewelry and why it is so prized.
Do not attempt to shine your silver or gold jewelry with toothpaste. It is simply an incorrect home remedy that many try to pass off as fact that it works. The chemicals in toothpaste will erode your jewelry causing the gemstones to permanently lose their luster. For only a few dollars you can buy a proper polishing cloth and jewelry shining liquid.
When cleaning your fine jewelry, always follow the recommended cleaning directions for the gemstones used in the piece instead of the metals. Many jewelry cleaners designed to remove tarnish from metals can also dull or even destroy many soft precious gemstones. Use a cleaner safe for all gemstones and avoid harsh chemicals.
When purchasing a ring make sure that you’re purchasing a ring in your proper size. It can be hard to find rings in half sizes, but it is possible. Don’t purchase a size up and consider having it re-sized. Resizing is oftentimes a lot more expensive than purchasing another silver ring in your size.
Know what you are looking for, when you first get to the store. If you are well-prepared for your visit to the jeweler, you will be less likely to make impulse purchases should the opportunity arise. Have a plan and stick to it, to make sure you stay in budget and on track.
When buying jewelry, ask a friend what looks good on you. Though you may have a preference for gold, it may turn out to be that silver actually looks best for you and your skin tone. Of course, always consider your tastes, but don’t forego advice from others about what makes you look best.
To make sure your jewelry always looks appropriate, consider the occasion before choosing pieces. If you’re at work, it’s best to avoid chokers and hoop earrings. Pearls are very versatile, but aren’t ideal for a very casual environment. Wearing jewelry ideal for the occasion will keep you from looking out of place.
Jewelry should never be cleaned with bleach. Bleach damages soldered joints and can eat away at finishes. Jewelry should not be worn in swimming pools for two reasons. Jewelry is easily lost in swimming pools and chlorine bleach is used in the water of pools. If cleaning with bleach, remove your jewelry or wear protective gloves.
Do not buy any chemical solutions that promise to have your jewelry sparkling better than anything else. The only thing that you need to have on hand to keep jewelry clean is soap and water. Be careful and make sure that you dry your jewelry thoroughly because it can tarnish if you don’t.
When you decide to give someone a gift of jewelry, take a look at the jewelry they already own to see what their preferences are in color and metal. Many jewelry collections are tightly color-coordinated, so you should select stones to match an established scheme. Metal preference is even stronger, but easy to determine. Remember that very few people mix gold- and silver-toned metals.
As discussed earlier, jewelry can be made from the simplest of items, by young children or it can be crafted by the finest of metals and gemstones by expert craftsmen. Few gifts impart sentiment, as does the gift of jewelry. This article can tell you more about jewelry and why it is often a prized possession.
