Wearing jewelry and practicing the art of adornment is an age-old practice that has roots in cultural, social, and fashion movements and history. Whether you are looking for insight on how to wear jewelry to enhance your personal style, how to shop for the best jewels, or just for interesting facts, you will undoubtedly, find some intriguing and informative gems in these hand-picked tips.
There are two types of categories that jewelry falls under. Fine jewelry is jewelry made from silver, gold or platinum and is combined with any precious or semi- precious gemstones. Jewelry classified as costume is any form of jewelry made from low cost metals that contain only a silver or gold surface finish as well as synthetic or plastic “gemstones”. Both categories have their pros and cons, and it really depends on personal taste and budget that helps determine which to buy.
When choosing your wedding band set, keep in mind the jewelry you already own and regularly wear. A yellow gold wedding band isn’t the best choice if most of the jewelry you already own is white gold or silver. You will most likely be wearing your wedding band every day. Make sure it’s not only something you like, but something that matches what you already own.
When buying jewelry, don’t worry too much about current trends. Look for classic pieces that can be worn over several years. Something that’s too current will be quickly out of date. A stylish piece that you enjoy but isn’t the latest thing can be a part of your wardrobe for years to come.
Use jewelry in a bold, unexpected color to pick up an accent color in your outfit. If you are wearing a skirt with a floral, plaid or striped print, match your necklace, earrings or bracelets to a color used in the design. This is a great way to add more color to an otherwise subdued outfit, and it can pull your look together nicely.
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.
Avoid buying jewelry while gold and silver prices are high. Shop around and look for bargains when it is necessary to purchase a ring while gold is at an all time high. Shopping at locally owned jewelry stores and staying away from large chain stores, will help you find a quality and reasonably priced piece of jewelry.
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.
Save your cash and forgo the designer pieces, these add an estimated 80% more to the price tag. Local jewelers or chains offer products that are exactly comparable to luxury retailers and are more likely to give you financing offers or seasonal promotions.
Whether you’re a man or woman shopping for jewelry, avoid asking store clerks how things look when you try them on. To make a sale, people are obviously going to be very flattering with you. A false sense of confidence here can result in a really bad purchase that you’ll end up regretting later.
When you are trying to buy jewelry for your girlfriend, get her best friend’s opinion first. It is pretty likely that your girlfriend and her best friend share fashion tips and go shopping together. Her best friend will probably know what styles of jewelry will appeal to your girlfriend, so run your selection past her first. But, make sure if you’re trying to make your gift a surprise, that you swear the girlfriend to secrecy!
Rubbing alcohol is excellent for removing tarnish from sterling silver jewelry. You can either, soak the jewelry item in a small cup of rubbing alcohol for a few minutes or wrap the jewelry in a paper towel and pour rubbing alcohol over it. Let it soak for about 5 minutes and then polish with a soft, dry cloth.
Pearl jewelry is a versatile addition to a wardrobe and can complement many colors and styles. While natural pearls come in a small range of colors, including black, grey, white, cream, golden, pink, and coral-colored, a popular modern modification is to dye them different colors, such as a deep wine red.
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.
Professional jewelers and gemologists often rely on Sunshine Polishing Cloths to keep their metals, gems, and jewelry settings looking shiny and new. The cloths are available online and at most jewelry stores. These cloths are mild enough for even the most delicate rings, necklaces, and bracelets and are generally priced at only a few dollars each.
If find yourself considering jewelry to buy, wear, make, or sell, the tips that you have just read are sure to shine a little light on the beauty of metals, stones, and construction of gorgeous rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Men and women alike, have enjoyed the attractive and compelling allure of jewelry for centuries and will continue to do so indefinitely.
