One of the many remarkable things about broches, rings, necklaces, and bracelets is the power to captivate people of all cultures and eras with their beauty and design. Jewelry has always held a special place in the annals of history, fashion, and even anthropology. With these sparkling, hand-picked tips you will find new ways to appreciate and enjoy jewelry.
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.
Try adding some industrial metals to your collection. There is more to metal jewelry than just gold and silver. Industrial metals include stainless steel, titanium, tungsten carbide and tungsten. Industrial metals provide a much nicer shine and are more durable and less susceptible to damage. Titanium is known for being more lightweight, stainless steel and can be polished until it practically glows. Tungsten carbide can resist scratches for a long time, as well as being a dark metal.
Next time you are looking into making a jewelry purchase, you may want to consider an “out-of-the-box” place to shop. Many home-based make-up companies are spreading their wings and reaching out to a new consumer base by selling jewelry as well as make-up. The prices are usually reasonable and the merchandise ships quickly. So next time you are looking to buy some new jewelry, check out your favorite make-up rep.
Do not purchase any jewelry online, unless it is from a dealer you know and trust. There are many scammers online who promise you an expensive and real piece of jewelry, when in reality, it is fake. If you are unsure if you can trust a dealer, you can check out his or her credentials online.
If you’re having a traditional wedding and your family wants you to wear heirloom jewelry, find out what you will be wearing as early as possible! You’ll need to match your other items to what your family will be giving you. So ensure you have enough time to snag a pair of earrings or a bracelet to match.
Use an egg to antique your sterling silver jewelry. Just boil the egg, chop it up, and put it in a bag with your silver piece. In a few hours your jewelry will change colors and then you can polish it to a beautiful antiqued look. This is an effective method because egg contains sulfur, and sulfur causes the reaction when mixed with sterling silver.
Change your jewelry styles depending on the season of the year. Add spice to your wardrobe. In spring, for example, you will want to be wearing sterling silver and different designs with their origins in mother nature. Look for flower and insect designs that reflect the freshness of the season.
To get a stubborn knot out of a necklace chain, sprinkle the knot with cornstarch or baby powder. The powder slips into each nook and cranny, lubricating the metal and making it much easier to untie the knot with your fingers. If the knot is particularly difficult, you may need to use a sewing needle to help.
Jewelry should never be cleaned with bleach. Bleach damages soldered joints and can eat away at finishes. Jewelry should not be worn in swimming pools for two reasons. Jewelry is easily lost in swimming pools and chlorine bleach is used in the water of pools. If cleaning with bleach, remove your jewelry or wear protective gloves.
One thoughtful way to increase the memorability of jewelry given as gifts is to coordinate jewelry given over time. A series of gifts, each of which matches previous pieces given, shows thoughtfulness and taste that is sure to be appreciated by the recipient. Building a matching set of jewelry through multiple gifts demonstrates a commitment to the relationship between giver and receiver.
Always make sure you are getting your money’s worth. You can find jewelry for all kind of prices: look for the best quality possible for the amount of money you wish to spend. Do not pay too much for something you know is not worth it. If a price sound too low, you are probably mistaken about the quality.
When it comes to purchasing jewelry, listen to your gut feeling if you are having trouble making decisions. This is important because you may regret not going with that first item that jumped out at you – there is definitely a reason that it caught your eye in the first place.
To give a girl jewelry, make sure you are giving something appropriate for your relationship. Giving her a ring or something very expensive will make her think you are serious about her, and if you are not, then you are leading her on. It is also important to give her something that suits her style.
Make sure that you remove your jewelry when doing things that could damage it, such as cleaning the house, swimming in a pool or hot tub, even just putting on lotion. Normal cleaners and harsh chemicals can do damage to the finish of your precious metals and loosen the stones.
When you are accessorizing your outfit with jewelry, think about what items you want to make the statement. If you are already wearing a printed top, consider plainer and more simple jewelry to compliment the top. If you are wearing a plain and solid style shirt, jazz it up with jewelry that makes a statement.
So whether you have learned a new fact, historical tidbit, or way to wear your jewelry, keep in mind that these tips are meant to be shared! Use this information to make better decisions on buying, wearing, or possibly even making your own gorgeous jewelry; think of these tips as diamonds in the rough.
