You would like to know all there is to know about jewelry so that you know what to watch out for, when you are either purchasing or selling a piece. This article will provide plenty of advice so that you can be assured that no one will have a chance of ripping you off.
If you have a large collection of fashion jewelry, make sure to only clean them with a damp cloth. Using polishing cloths or jewelry cleaning liquids will only eat away at the top layer causing the base metal to show through. After you are finished cleaning, keep your jewelry stored away to prevent any damage or tarnish.
One “old fashioned” piece of jewelry that you might want to reconsider wearing, is a watch. Younger people are used to using their cell phones or other electronics to tell time, but in certain situations, it may be more appropriate or more professional to wear a nice watch. You don’t want to be constantly checking your watch at a job interview or a formal event, but wearing one sends a certain message.
Don’t discard your antique broach from Grandma, re-purpose it. If you put a chain through it, the broach instantly becomes a fashionable necklace. Vintage jewelry is extremely popular these days and finding a way to make it wearable makes it fashionable. Re-using is also a popular concept in our “green” society. That broach can serve you well with just a slight alteration to its use.
Enroll in a beading class, if you’re a fan of necklaces and bracelets. If you are buying them all of the time, this can put a dent in your budget. Instead, take a class and make some jewelry yourself. You will save a ton over buying already made products, have something unique to wear, and you can even sell some of your pieces for a profit.
Even though some of the pieces may be attractive, you should stay away from gold filled jewelry. No matter what the seller may say, gold filled jewelry can turn your skin green and the colors can fade away. The best thing to do if you do not know if it is gold filled is to just not buy it.
When choosing jewelry to wear to your wedding, decide first if you wish to buy it or rent it. Often the jewelry you wear as a bride isn’t necessarily something you’d wear again, so renting is an excellent choice and will get you a higher grade of item than you might be able to buy outright.
Know what you are looking for, when you first get to the store. If you are well-prepared for your visit to the jeweler, you will be less likely to make impulse purchases should the opportunity arise. Have a plan and stick to it, to make sure you stay in budget and on track.
If you plan to stay in the sunlight for any length of time, remove your gemstones before hand. Sunlight can have a damaging effect on many gemstones, dulling them or changing their color entirely. Stones such as Quartz, Citrine, and Amethyst are especially vulnerable. Better to leave your stones at home where they will be safe.
If you do not have enough money to buy jewelry, you can easily create your own. Earrings and necklaces are very easy to do: you can buy lovely beads for very cheap, or even make your own. Practice until you get it right, and people will not be able to tell the difference.
Don’t be afraid to play with different textures in your jewelry designs. Incorporating different types of beads (crystal, pearl, seed beads, glass, plastic, etc) will add a degree of interest to any piece. Adding in alternative materials, like metal rings and even fabric, will help you to create memorable, one-of-a-king jewelry pieces that will be sure to wow.
As you begin to shop for diamond jewelry, you will notice that most pieces are presented against a black velvet background. Viewing a diamonds in front of a black surface can actually alter your perception of the clarity and cut of the diamond. Instead, ask to view the piece against a lighter-colored surface and under magnification. This gives you a more accurate visualization.
If you are wearing a large, ornate necklace, don’t add large ornate earrings. Instead, do without earrings or wear something simple that complements your necklace, face and clothing. Likewise, if your earrings are large, dangly and attention getting, wear a simple choker or chain or no necklace at all.
If you love making jewelry, don’t neglect “found” items in your designs! You can use all kinds of interesting tidbits to add flair and originality to your creations. For example, vintage buttons can make some very nice earrings! If you’re into kitch, a collectible soda pop cap can make a cute pin! Be open-minded and creative to craft handmade treasures that will really stand out!
If you want to make money by making jewelery, but are unsure what to charge for your creations, you must take some important factors into consideration. For example, the cost of the materials is number one. You do not want to cheat yourself by charging less than what the piece of jewelery cost you to make in the first place.
In conclusion, you want to make sure that nobody is going to take advantage of you when either buying or selling jewelry. While nobody can stop a dishonest person from trying to cheat you, you can prepare yourself for the worst, by following the tips provided in this article.