Jewelry is more than a simple accessory choice for most people. In many cases, jewelry is also a big investment. With a few simple steps, you can protect both the appearance and the value of your jewelry collection. This article contains some helpful and effective tips for maintaining your favorite jewelry.
Save some of your most fragile jewelry for special occasions only. Some fragile stones like opal and peridot should only be worn for special events and then carefully stored until the next occasion. This may seem irritating since you want to be able to wear your best pieces, but it can prolong their life if you avoid exposing them to harm too often.
Store your jewelry collection carefully. For best results, separate different pieces into different boxes, compartments or hooks. Avoid just throwing them into a box in an unorganized manner. Fragile jewelry could easily be damaged by doing this, not to mention the nuisance of having to untangle necklace chains that could get caught together.
Create wire jewelry. There are so many resources available to help you get started. You can buy the supplies almost anywhere, charms, beads, dangles, special clasps plus much more. It does take quite a bit of practice, but it can be a fun hobby or even a career if you perfect it.
If you have metal allergies, make sure to purchase nickel free jewelry. Nickel is a common alloy that is mixed in with precious metals such as sterling silver to make them more pliable. Silver itself is very liquid in its original state and therefore not substantial enough to be properly molded into jewelry. Oftentimes, another alloy such as nickel is added. Make sure you check what you are purchasing to make sure it is nickel free.
When buying jewelry, you may want to consider semi-precious stones. Semi-precious stones can be found in a wide variety of colors, cuts, and price-ranges. Not only will you be able to get more for less, but, since many people choose precious stones, your semi-precious gemstone jewelry may seem ever rarer than diamonds!
If you would like to buy a pair of earrings for a loved one, make sure they have pierced ears first! It is a major faux pas to pick up a pair of gorgeous baubles only to find out they’re unwearable. If you can, check her jewelry box, or ask someone close to her who might know like her Mother.
To open a jump link when making chain jewelry, hold the jump link steady with pliers your left hand, and grip the opposite side of the opening with pliers in your right. Gently twist your hands towards each other. This twisting action helps the jump ring maintain its circular shape without distortion, which will occur if you try to push the sides together without twisting.
Stay inside your budget. Splurging outside your budget can cause many issues, not just financially. You may end up feeling over-stressed if you realize the piece you bought is causing you to get into debt. Financially over-stretching yourself is not the best way to purchase jewelry, so stick to your budget.
You can safely clean your jewelry at home. Mix a small amount of mild detergent in water. Allow your dirty jewelry to soak for several minutes and then gently scrub it with a soft toothbrush. Finish the cleaning by rinsing your jewelry in clean water and allowing it to air dry.
Stick to one stand-out piece of jewelry per outfit, and choose simpler pieces for the rest. If you are wearing long, shoulder-grazing earrings, for instance, keep your necklace simple. This gives the eyes somewhere to rest and keeps your ensemble from looking too busy.
If you’re looking for a good piece of jewelry on a budget have you ever considered a pawn shop? Often times people in hard financial times pawn their jewelry, even brand new and in pristine condition. This affords you the opportunity to get a fine piece of jewelry at a fraction of the price!
When it comes to taking care of your jewelry be sure that you are using only mild cleaning solutions when cleaning it. This will ensure that you are not compromising the structural integrity of your jewelry as well as not causing further surface damage such as discoloration. When in doubt, look for jewelry safe cleaning products when shopping.
Be ready to make alterations for your customers. People do not want to buy something that everybody has, or that will not fit them right. It is relatively easy to make a bracelet or necklace longer or shorter. Offer these alterations for free or at a small price and your customers will be satisfied.
Be careful when you buy jewelry from a locally owned company. If you end up relocating you will not be able to get the ring polished or resized for free and may end up paying substantial amounts for these services. Nation-wide franchises will perform these services at any of their stores and the service will be provided usually for free.
When buying jewelry for someone, you have to make sure you get hints from them as to which kinds and styles that they like. Make sure that they do not know you are snooping around for information or this could ruin your entire surprise and moment of affection. Be sneaky and have fun giving the jewelry!
If you own costume jewelry, proper care and cleaning is important to keep it looking great. Buy jewelry cleaner that is marked as safe for costume jewelry. Use a small, very soft toothbrush, and use it only for jewelry cleaning. Keep your jewelry clean and dry, dust-free, and away from any contaminants that might ruin it.
Chances are that you have developed a strong attachment to many, if not all, of your jewelry pieces. Now you should know how to keep that jewelry safe and beautiful. Following these jewelry maintenance tips regularly is the easiest way to protect your investment in your jewelry collection, while also keeping each piece as impressive as it was the day you bought it.
