Do your clothes long to be accessorized? Do they cry out for the wonderful accents that jewelry can provide? Or do you want to bestow a friend with the perfect gift? This article discusses advice you can take to make the best selections.
Separate your jewelry for storage to avoid getting pieces tangled. It’s better to keep pieces separate by using boxes, holders, hooks and other containers. Resist the urge to jumble all your pieces together in one box or basket. Not only can it damage finer, fragile pieces, but it can also make a tangled mess out of chains.
When you are shopping for jewelry in sterling silver, be sure to examine the piece closely, and take along a magnet for metal testing. Precious metals, like sterling silver, will not be attracted to the magnet. You can identify sterling silver by its markings, for example “sterling,” “ster,” or “.925.” If the item has no markings indicating its authenticity, then be wary.
Every piece of jewelry should last you a life-time. When purchasing your next jewelry item, focus on buying a quality, well-made piece. You can tell when jewelry is of high quality, due to the excellent craftsmanship. A reputable jeweler will be able to provide you with a full background of the piece, including where the stones are from and who made it. You need to buy quality jewelry so that you can pass it down as an heirloom.
If you can prevent your jewelry from tarnishing, it will surely look much more attractive. Never wear your jewelry when you are going to be near water. Some metals will tarnish, dull or rust when exposed to water or perspiration. To give jewelry an added layer of protection apply a thin layer of clear nail lacquer.
Before you buy, ask the jeweler if and how the gemstone was treated. Different treatments require different types of care. You want to avoid putting a solution on jewelry that has been treated, particularly if you do not know whether or not it will hurt the piece.
Sparkling gems from diamonds to sapphires, metals including gold, silver, and so many more, an infinity of different designs – the possibilities are endless with jewelry. Hopefully this article has broadened your horizons on the subject a bit. Use the advice you’ve learned here to make your jewelry an investment that you will treasure for years to come.
