Choosing the right jewelry can mean the difference between gaudiness and class. It can also make the difference between needlessly expensive and deceptively cheap. In order to make the best use of jewelry in your outfits and gain help in selecting the best pieces, consult the advice in this article.
Do not purchase any jewelry from retailers in China. This country is notorious for selling fake gemstone and metal jewelry. Oftentimes, the jewelry advertised as sterling silver with real turquoise is just a piece of metal sprayed in silver and the turquoise is a fake piece of plastic. Such vendors may accept returns, but the hassle of shipping it back at your own cost, is usually not worth it. Be aware of scams like this.
You can easily create your own special charm bracelets. You can purchase blank charm bracelets at almost any jewelry store you can think of. The best part is putting on your own charms. Don’t be boring or bland by buying a pre-made charm bracelet. Display your private memories and personality with charms that mean something to you. Collect charms from different places you love to visit or take apart vintage pieces of mismatched jewelry that no longer serve a purpose. Making your own charm bracelet is not only a fun pastime, but also proves to be a fashion statement.
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.
When buying jewelry, you may want to consider lab-created stones. Gems created in a lab can be just as beautiful as natural gemstones, but they are often less expensive. You may be able to buy a much larger lab-made stone for the same price as a smaller natural stone. If you have ethical concerns, lab-made is definitely the way to go.
Diamonds are the perfect gemstone to buy for your wedding jewelry. The beauty of these stones is not only how they look, but also that they can be worn again for almost any occasion. Long, dangle earrings can be used for any dressy occasion, as can a diamond tennis bracelet.
Many types of metals will quickly tarnish when exposed to air for prolonged periods of time. One of the easiest ways to avoid this is by placing them in an air-tight location. A great and simple solution is purchasing small zipper plastic bags and then carefully sealing your jewelry inside them.
It is important that you take your jewelry off before you go to bed. Sleeping with your jewelry on causes chains and joints to weaken. This, in turn, causes your jewelry to get damaged more easily. Make sure you take your jewelry off when you go to bed to eliminate undue stress.
When purchasing jewelry it is important to keep in mind for whom you are buying it, unless it is for yourself. You may really love a certain piece but the person you are buying it for my loathe it. So carefully consider the person it will be for, and then make your decision.
When it comes to taking care of your jewelry be sure that you are only using a soft cloth to rub it down. This is critical in ensuring that you are not causing further damage by scratching it. Be sure that you purchase a jewelry specific cleaning cloth and do not use it for any other purposes.
Take care when cleaning pearls. They are porous and soft, meaning they can get scratched easily. Clean them with a gentle damp cloth after wearing, and store them in a breathable bag (not plastic). Try to keep them in a room that maintains a regular temperature. Always put your pearl jewelry on after applying lotion or perfume, as contact with these products can diminish the luster.
If you don’t have jewelry cleaner handy, you can shine your gemstones and diamonds with toothpaste and a toothbrush! It does an excellent job of making precious stones sparkle safely and economically. Just coat the jewelry item with toothpaste and scrub gently with an old toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly under warm running water and polish with a soft, dry cloth.
Lampworked beads are a popular element in modern jewelry. Because many artisans hand-make each lampworked bead, they can be unique and customized to suit your taste precisely. Made of glass, they come in a multitude of colors and shapes, and are inexpensive enough to suit almost any budget, making them popular for both kids and adults.
Charm bracelets are popular items of jewelry among women because it allows for large amounts of customization and allows them to showcase their interests as well as their tastes. Charms come in all forms, from horses and shoes to professional markers, and even age milestone markers. These are particularly popular among young women.
Simple diamond stud earrings, a solitaire pendant, and a glitzy cocktail ring are wardrobe staples that look equally stunning with jeans or formal wear. For an inexpensive or ethical alternative to diamonds, choose cubic zirconium pieces instead. It’s very hard to tell the difference between the two stones, and the price allows you to choose larger stones without a hefty cost.
Your jewelry should be removed prior to and during completion of daily chores and cleaning. Many household cleaners and chemicals are very caustic and can significantly compromise the quality of gold and silver, as well as that of the more colorful gems like rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. If you cannot remove rings, you should wear thick, protective gloves on each hand.
Jewelry can make or break an outfit, and it can make or break a budget. By applying the foregoing advice, you can shop for jewelry with more savvy, use it with more class and inform yourself about the finer points of accessories and style. Keep these tips in mind, if you wish to shine like diamonds in polite company.
