No matter how you obtain the jewelry, it is important to care for your jewelry the right way. Jewelry has a high monetary value, and likely means a lot to you too. This article will give you the tips and tricks that you need to get the most from the money and time you devote to jewelry.
When buying diamonds, do not fall for the selling ploy of deceptive jewelry lighting. Many of these have quartz or halogen bulbs. The kinds of lights they emit can really make stones appear much brighter. This is because they shine it purposelessly behind them to give them a false glow in an attempt to attract customers.
A fun craft for your wedding is to make your own jewelry. It really is simple and it gives you the ability to customize the items exactly as you wish. For my wedding I used various shades of purple pearls and Swarovski crystals to make all my jewelry and my daughter’s as well. It was stunning AND affordable!
If you’re new to making wire jewelry, practice with copper wire or craft wire before moving on to sterling silver. There is a learning curve when it comes to making wire jewelry, and it’s likely you will have to try a few times before getting it right. Sterling silver is expensive and starting with that material is not very cost effective.
Consider your setting when buying an engagement ring. Do not rush into the first or cheapest setting you are shown. Your setting is equally as important as the stone you are getting set into it. Consider if you want a classic, or modern style for your ring’s look and feel.
When shopping for an excellent deal on a piece of jewelry, you should consider purchasing a piece that was previously owned. Many of them are just as nice as their matching new pieces, but the costs will be lower. Your significant other will likely appreciate the fact that you made an effort to find a high-quality piece of jewelry at an affordable price.
If you plan to make and sell your own jewelry as a quick way of generating extra income on the side, opt to focus on pieces that you can quickly make without sacrificing quality or style. This ensures that you are adequately compensated for your time and efforts used to create the piece.
If you choose to make and sell jewelry at craft bazaars or flea markets, take time to ensure that each piece has a clearly marked price tag that cannot be tampered with, yet can be removed without damaging the merchandise. Although nobody likes to think that theft can happen to them, it is best to protect your investment of time and money.
To keep jewelry safe, avoid putting it all in a jewelry box that sits out as a decorative piece in your home. Nothing says, “Come grab me, I am filled with expensive stuff!”� to thieves quite like a displayed jewelry box. If you want more access to your jewelry than a safety deposit box allows, and a professionally installed wall safe isn’t an option, get creative and hide your jewelry within objects not likely to even be touched by thieves. Air-tight containers can be be tucked inside plant pots or diaper pails, hollow out a book to form a secret compartment, or stash a small case at the bottom of a box of tampons! You need to think like a thief to avoid being taken advantage by a thief.
When soldering a wedding ring and an engagement ring together, make sure the jeweler polishes the rings. Engagement rings are often worn for some time before the wedding band is and it will look like the rings do not match if they are not polished to look new.
When cleaning crystal jewelry simply wipe the dirt away with a soft, damp cloth. Using any kind of chemicals on crystal can damage the shimmer and shine in a very short period of time. Your best bet is to stick to plain water and maybe a tiny touch of dish detergent if your jewelry gets really dirty.
You don’t have to buy expensive cleaning solutions to clean your jewelry. Warm water and a few drops of dish-washing liquid is sufficient for cleaning gold, diamonds, and most gemstones. Harsh chemicals can damage the finish of your jewelry.
Clean silver jewelry with products from your kitchen. Silver jewelry tarnishes with time but it is easily cleaned with vinegar. Combine half a cup of white vinegar with two tablespoons of baking soda in a small bowl. Stir the mixture until it forms bubbles. Put your silver jewelry into the solution leaving it for two to three hours depending on how tarnished it is. Remove the jewelry and wash it under cool running water. It will look as good as new!
Foiled rhinestones are a popular choice for children’s jewelry because they are extremely inexpensive and offer all the sparkle of a more expensive stone, or even more. Try them in such popular pieces as stretch bracelets, earrings, or anklets as a cheerful accent for children who wish to wear jewelry often.
If you decide to use a toothbrush to clean your vintage or fine jewelry, take special care to use only a brush with the softest bristles available. You should also purchase a toothbrush that will be used only for jewelry. The peroxide and other cleaning ingredients in toothpaste residue can be damaging to delicate metals and stones.
Properly-maintained jewelry is very valuable, not just financially but also sentimentally. You can protect your jewelry by understanding how to care for your jewelry. There is a lot more information you can learn if you just educate yourself and know how to get the most from your jewelery.
