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.
You can keep the jewelry in your collection sparkling by using a special polishing cloth. These cloths can replace the need for chemicals or solvents during the process. Buff your jewelry with the two-sided cloth, just as if you were cleaning a glass. Use the side of the cloth that is designed for polishing to remove fingerprints, dust and other surface imperfections, and then use the opposite side to buff the jewelry and make it gleam.
Many people see jewelry labeled as sterling silver plated and oftentimes think they’ve hit the jackpot when they purchase it at a very low price. In this case unfortunately, you do get what you pay for. This type of jewelry only contains a very thin coating of sterling silver on top of a cheap metal which can usually be identified as copper. The jewelry will eventually tarnish and cause the copper to show through underneath with enough wear.
When buying jewelry for someone you love, find out what they’re favorite color is. Some people don’t like gold, or don’t like silver, or maybe they love the combination of red and gold. Look at the jewelry the person already wears, find out their favorite color, then combine the two!
Make sure a piece of jewelry is still in style before you buy it. Getting a nice piece of jewelry is good, but getting it at a discount is even better.
If you’re planning a traditional wedding, then you can’t go wrong with pearls! You can have them on your tiara, wear them as stud or dangle earrings, have a gorgeous “Y” necklace adorned with them, or even a pearl and Swarovski crystal bracelet. Blue pearls are an excellent way to get really traditional, or borrow your Mother’s or Grandmother’s single strand necklace.
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 learning a new jewelry-making technique, use cheaper materials. For instance, if you are learning wire techniques, pick up some aluminum or copper wire from a local craft store, instead of using your sterling silver wire. This will help you get the valuable practice you need to master the technique, while sparing your pocketbook. If you mess up on your top-quality materials, they may become unusable.
To get use out of an earring after one half of a pair is lost, use it as a brooch. Many earrings can be worn just as a brooch can, and can make a great accent piece. Try pinning the earring to a scarf or attaching it to your top just below the collar bone. A more delicate earring is a great way to accent a purse or a belt.
To avoid a tacky amount of jewelry keep to the rule of two. Two great pieces at a time is the most you should attempt in one outfit. Choose a bracelet and a necklace, a necklace and a ring, or ring and a bracelet. Keep it simple for maximum effect.
Remove your jewelry when you are going to be using beauty products. Lotions, perfumes, hair sprays, and shaving creams will hurt your jewelry. It may just make your jewelry dirty, but it could also damage your jewels. If you forget once in a while, that should be okay. Don’t make a habit of it.
When buying jewelry for someone it is important to consider what he or she does on a daily basis. You do not want to give a mother with toddlers a necklace, as she will not be able to wear it when she is around her children. Toddlers love to pull on necklaces and it could hurt the mother’s neck or cause the necklace to break. She would then feel guilt and no one wants that.
Budget your jewelry purchases well in advance and stick to the price range you settle on. The jewelry store can be every bit as tempting as the candy shop, but you must resist the urge to splurge. Jewelry carries lots of memories and associations with it; you do not want to spoil a piece by spending so much that you regret the sight of it later.
Always make sure you are getting your money’s worth. You can find jewelry for all kind of prices: look for the best quality possible for the amount of money you wish to spend. Do not pay too much for something you know is not worth it. If a price sound too low, you are probably mistaken about the quality.
When it comes to purchasing jewelry, make sure that whenever you are able to that you try it on first. This very is important because that piece of jewelry you love may not be as favorable after you try it on and find it to be extremely uncomfortable.
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.
