Jewelry is one of the most ancient forms of personal decoration, yet it continues to change and evolve in the present day. Selecting and caring for good jewelry is more than just a matter of taste; it requires a little knowledge of the specialized concerns that apply to the field. Here are some tips for getting the most out of jewelry:
Store your jewelry in a place that is not subjected to humidity extremes or open air. It’s best to store it in a closed box, like a jewelry box, or a drawstring bag. Air and humidity will make the metals in jewelry tarnish. It’s possible to restore precious metals through polishing, but lesser-quality metals may suffer permanent damage.
When learning a new jewelry-making technique, use cheaper materials. For instance, if you are learning wire techniques, pick up some aluminum or copper wire from a local craft store, instead of using your sterling silver wire. This will help you get the valuable practice you need to master the technique, while sparing your pocketbook. If you mess up on your top-quality materials, they may become unusable.
When buying jewelry as a gift – keep in mind the person that you are buying it for – and make sure that it is appropriate. Save the super-expensive jewelry for loved ones. Giving pricey baubles to people who are not that close to you can give them the wrong idea, or make them feel uncomfortable. Let the relationship that you share with others dictate they type of jewelry that you give them.
Don’t worry about how much your jewelry costs. What is most important is that the pieces you choose reflect your individuality. It doesn’t matter whether you paid one dollar or a thousand, if you love the piece wear it with confidence. It is also perfectly acceptable to mix high and low cost jewelry.
If you can’t afford to pay consignment fees for your handmade jewelry, consider partnering with other small and local business owners or jewelers to hold a trunk sale, mini-bazaar, or retail showcase night to generate interest in the community. Small jewelers and crafters can benefit by bonding with one another instead of viewing each other as competitors. If you are very worried about this, only approach jewelers with dissimilar styles and fashions.
If you buy a diamond labelled as antique, research it. You should get a certificate of authenticity with your diamond. This should be from an independent source. Antique diamonds need to be at least a hundred years old to be considered antique. The diamond should also be from a recognizable European art period.
For cleaning any type of expensive jewelry, the salesperson you’re purchasing it from should have the best solution. Be sure to ask for some cleaning product at the same time you’re buying your jewelry. With any luck, you may even be able to pick some up for a discounted price.
When you make jewelry to sell at flea markets, craft sales and holiday sales, you may be at a loss for ways to display it beautifully. When you are shopping for materials to make your jewelry, also look for items that you could display it on. You can use every day items to display your jewelery, like boxes, mirrors, etc.
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.
Opals are beautiful stones, and not only naturally contain a myriad of colors, but also their base matrix can be any of a number of gorgeous colors, including the classic white and black, but also including beautiful blue or vivid orange matrixes. Just don’t let them dry out; wipe them down with water regularly to avoid cracking.
A great choice for jewelry is Marcasite. It has all the sparkle of cut stones, but is much cheaper than most other traditional options. It is much more durable than rhinestones and is widely found in costume jewelry and inexpensive pins. It offers a great backdrop that doesn’t outshine more expensive outfits or central stones.
Hematite is a popular choice for modern jewelry. It is a silvery gray stone with lots of almost metallic-appearing sparkle, but doesn’t have the disadvantage of corrosion or easy denting. Look for it in rings as the primary component as well as the central stone of pendants, rings, and earrings.
When selecting gemstone rings, think about how often you plan to wear them. Certain stones may not be strong enough for every day wear. Even if you don’t think you’re tough on your jewelry, little bumps and bangs over a period of time can lead to a crack. For something you want to wear all day everyday, diamonds are a girl’s best friend.
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.
To get an impressive diamond on a limited budget, consider dropping your standards on color and clarity just a little. Clarity ratings like SI1 and SI2 are not perfect, nor is a color rating of H or I. That said, the naked eye cannot see the difference between these and higher ratings.
A piece of jewelry that is well-selected, well-maintained and well-purchased can last longer than a lifetime, and carry many pleasant memories along with it. Helpful advice on the subject, like that above, can help the prospective owner (or purchaser) get more out of the time and money they spend on jewelry.