The history and uses of jewelry are as fascinating as the array of styles and materials used in the designs themselves. Jewelry gives material form to memories and acts as a symbol of important relationships, such as engagements and marriages. When you know more about jewelry and its ability to preserve memories, you will find that even the act of buying and selling can be more enjoyable.
Keep your whole jewelry collection sparkling with a polishing cloth. This is an easy way to get shine without chemicals and solvents. Use this two-sided cloth on your jewelry as though you were cleaning glass. Use one side of the cloth for polishing, and the reverse to make it sparkle.
Imitation Gems
You need to know the type of gem that you are purchasing. Natural gems and imitation gems have been joined recently by synthetic gems, making three main categories. Natural stones and synthetic gems are both real, but imitation gems are probably just colored glass or plastic. The difference here, however, is that synthetic is man-made in a laboratory while natural is found buried in the earth.
Have shopping companions when you shop for diamonds. Look at what you like close up, and compare them to other pieces you have seen. With diamonds, you need to have a keen eye because of the many tricks people will use to enhance it.
Do they often wear hoop earrings, or stud earrings? Do they show a preference for white or yellow gold? Knowing their preferences will be an invaluable guide when you go out to buy them a special item of jewelry.
Make sure a piece of jewelry is still in style before you buy it. Purchasing a new trinket to add to your collection is always delightful, especially if you find it on sale.
Ask about any insurance a jeweler may offer when you are buying jewelry. If something happens to your piece, you’ll know you can take it to the jeweler you bought it from, who will repair it or replace the piece. In some cases, insurance policies will cover lost, misplaced or stolen pieces.
Preventing tarnish will keep your jewelry look its best. Don’t wear jewelry near water. If you let some metals get wet too often, they can tarnish, rust or become dull. Clear nail polish can be used to protect your jewelry if you apply a very thin coat of it on your pieces.
Research the proper methods for cleaning your jewelry. You should know that different materials require different maintenance. What is beneficial to one stone or setting may hurt another. Go ahead and ask a professional jeweler to find out exactly how you should be caring for your jewels.
If the person you are shopping for is a unique individual, consider choosing a one-of-a-kind piece crafted specifically for them. Purchasing a unique piece that matches his or her personality demonstrates how thoughtful and creative you are. This is what you should be expressing to someone you love enough to purchase jewelry for.
Apply your makeup and let it set before putting on jewelry. If you put on makeup after you put on your jewelry, dust and particles from the makeup will migrate to the jewelry, which makes it dirty quite quickly. This is especially true when earrings and necklaces are concerned.
Buying, selling or owning jewelry, involves investing in something almost priceless, which is the memory itself. Perhaps it symbolizes great memories from the past or even great times to come; jewelry is always emotional.
