Have you ever looked at the mirror and known something was missing in your outfit? Even though your clothes look put together and you like your hair or makeup, something else is necessary. The solution is probably good jewelry. Just a single piece of good jewelry completes your look.
You can keep the jewelry in your collection sparkling by using a special polishing cloth. This is an easy way to get shine without chemicals and solvents. Simply use the two-sided polishing cloth to polish your jewelry the same way you would polish a glass. Use the polishing side first and, then the other side to make your jewelry shine.
Harsh chemicals and solvents can damage the finish of your jewelry and should never be used to clean it. Using them may result in damage to your jewelry, may cause dulling of gemstones, and may erode enamel work.
Keep your jewelry in a relatively air-tight container, and minimize its exposure to humidity. It’s best to store it in a closed box, like a jewelry box, or a drawstring bag. Humidity quickly tarnishes both precious and non-precious metal. Silver polishes work well to remove tarnish, but certain metals, such as bronze, may not polish well. The polish may remove the surface coating and then the metal underneath, such as copper, becomes visible.
Sterling Silver
If you want to buy sterling silver pieces, use a magnet and examine the jewelry very carefully. By using the magnet you can quickly determine if the jewelry item is made of a cheaper metal and not sterling silver. 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 that you are looking at is not hallmarked, this is usually the sign that it is a fake.
Look at what they are wearing now. Do they like hoops or studs? Does the person prefer chokers or loose fitting necklaces? Just paying attention to what they wear now will make buying for them much easier than asking a salesperson.
If you can prevent your jewelry from tarnishing, it will surely look much more attractive. Remove your jewelry if you plan on spending time in or near water. Water can dull and rust some types of metal if it is exposed to it too often. To give jewelry an added layer of protection apply a thin layer of clear nail lacquer.
Costume Jewelry
If you own costume jewelry, it is important to properly care for it. Costume jewelry is pricey and can retain its value in many cases, but pieces that are damaged aren’t worth much and aren’t worth the time to restore. The most useful pieces in your collection are the ones that are in excellent condition.
You should carefully consider how to best care for your jewelry. Depending on the metals and stones used in your jewelry, along with how they are set, you will need different maintenance methods. What can be beneficial to one type of stone can actually cause harm to another. Consult with a jeweler if you are unsure exactly how to care for your own jewels.
Makeup isn’t for jewelry. Let your makeup dry before you put on a piece of jewelry. Putting jewelry on prior to applying makeup or hairspray allows gunk and grime from your beauty products to settle on the jewelry, leaving it dull and potentially harming the finish. In particular, this hint is aimed towards your necklaces and earrings.
Plastic Wrap
Untangling knotted chains can be easy if you know how to do it. The first thing you need to do is get a piece of plastic wrap. Put the tangled necklace onto the plastic wrap, then pour a little mineral oil or baby oil onto the piece. Untangle it with the use of a needle. When your necklaces are straight, use dish soap to wash the oil off and pat them dry.
The diamond cut and clarity can make the stone more appealing than the size. Also, keep in mind the personality of the person you are giving the diamond to.
If you are looking for jewelry as a gift, consider a set rather than an individual piece. Many jewelers offer deals on jewelry sets. You can make it fun and split the set up to give them parts of the set on each holiday as they come. This is a surefire way to ensure that you are never without a gift for that special someone.
You should never wear your jewelry while swimming. Chlorine is a very strong and harsh chemical that can damage and dull your precious pieces. In the same way, salt water can have the same effects to jewelry over time. Your jewelry will last longer and stay more lustrous if you remember to take it off before getting into the water.
As this article has stated, jewelry is a great accessory to complete any of your outfits. Jewelry comes in many styles, from casual to formal, all designed to enhance your appearance. When you’re ready to step out, adorn yourself with some jewelry to make sure you look your best.
