One of the most remarkable things about the world of jewelry is its ability to span centuries without losing value. In the past, only the wealthiest individuals could afford access to the most beautiful gems, diamonds, and precious metals. Today, however, almost anyone can find and wear jewelry for their style and budget. These useful and proven tips about jewelry will help you find the perfect piece.
When shopping for sterling silver jewelry, it is a good idea to bring a small magnet along with you. As a precious metal, silver should never be attracted to a magnet. You will always find a hallmark stamp such as “.925” or “STER.” on genuine sterling, or alternately, it might simply say, “STERLING”. If the piece you’re inspecting doesn’t carry such a mark, be careful, as it is likely a fake.
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?
Stay away from cheap glass jewelry. Borosilicate and lampwork glass jewelry are a new rage. Many styles of this type of jewelry are popping up in malls all over the country. However the products labeled as high quality lampwork glass are nothing more than cheap imported glass goods. Such glass products are usually not kiln annealed which means that there is a high chance that the product can shatter, cutting your skin while you’re wearing it. Purchase glass jewelry from local artisans or reliable vendors that you know are selling quality products. If it’s too cheap, you know it is too good to be true. Good glass costs anywhere from the low forty dollar range up into the hundreds.
The world of body piercing has taken body jewelry to new heights. Many people like the feeling of having their tongues pierced, but having metal jewelry in your mouth can be damaging to your teeth. There are many colorful options available for plastic tongue jewelry that is safer for your mouth and won’t make your dentist cringe.
Enroll in a beading class, if you’re a fan of necklaces and bracelets. If you are buying them all of the time, this can put a dent in your budget. Instead, take a class and make some jewelry yourself. You will save a ton over buying already made products, have something unique to wear, and you can even sell some of your pieces for a profit.
When you need money quickly you may want to consider selling your jewelry to a local pawn shop. Many pawn shops will allow you to sell your jewelry to them and then they give you a certain amount of time to come back to retrieve it. It is a way to get the money you need with the ability to get your jewelry back if you choose.
Change your jewelry styles depending on the season of the year. Add spice to your wardrobe. In spring, for example, you will want to be wearing sterling silver and different designs with their origins in mother nature. Look for flower and insect designs that reflect the freshness of the season.
With the information you have just read, you will be able to enjoy and appreciate all types of necklaces, rings, and bracelets on a whole different level than before. Far from being just pretty little baubles, different pieces of jewelry have the power to transform and transcend like very few things can.