At one level, selecting and owning jewelry is a visceral, natural experience. Jewelry is supposed to be beautiful. So, all you need to do is pick pieces that appeal to your taste or the taste of their intended recipients. There is a deeper level to jewelry, though. Buying, selling and caring for your jewelry are all processes that can be improved by learning a few handy tips. This article will give you those tips.
Make sure to regularly polish your metal jewelry. Over time it begins to collect dirt, oil and dust and that affects its sheen and overall appearance. This makes the jewelry look worn and old. Go ahead and refresh those pieces using some simple polish to make them look like brand new again.
If you are looking to purchase sterling silver jewelry online, make sure to also purchase a silver acid testing kit. Such kits are widely available online as well for under ten dollars. They provide a safe way for you to acid test the jewelry you receive to make sure of its authenticity. This way, if you are purchasing a vintage piece that may not be hallmarked, you are still able to know that you have not been scammed.
Make sure you know what to look for when buying platinum jewelry. Platinum needs to be at least 95% pure in order for it to be considered real platinum. If it’s lower it is platinum alloy. Also, be aware that platinum can develop a patina, which many people feel gives jewelry a nice antique look. This jewelry also does not wear away and is hypoallergenic.
If your gown is going to be relatively plain, pick colors for your jewelry from the flowers in your bouquet! It’s absolutely stunning when pops of color from your ears, neck, wrist and flowers, all shine through. You can even add a dash of sparkle to your bouquet with crystal embellishments.
To best protect the investment you made in your jewelry purchase, take care of it. Do not wear it when you do something like cleaning your house. If you do this, the chemicals you expose your jewelry to could harm the precious metals and stones. It’s likely worth the minute that it takes to remove it.
If you’re making wire jewelry and don’t have wire cutters, just use a pair of fingernail clippers. The fingernail clippers are small and great for fine cutting. They will be able to manipulate through most sterling silver wire with ease. The fingernail clippers will no longer be useful for your nails though, because wire will dull them fast.
If you’re having a difficult time finding that perfect piece of jewelry, consider buying a stone and visiting with a specialist. A jewelry specialist can design a setting just for you, in exactly the way you are envisioning it to be. Your piece will be unique and possibly more valuable because of it’s one of a kind nature.
Even knotted necklaces with delicate loops can be untangled. Don’t give up on getting the knots out, instead get a sheet of plastic wrap. Place the chain in on the plastic wrap and add a few drops of baby oil onto the knots. You would then untangle the necklace using needles. Use a mild liquid soap to remove the oil and then pat dry with a towel.
Using such methods, you can improve the entire experience of owning or giving jewelry. Every piece of jewelry matches someone’s particular tastes, and finding the right one for you requires no education. But when you learn a little about the non-aesthetic considerations, you can make your experiences of buying, giving and owning jewelry more economical and longer-lasting.
