Whatever your jewelry situation is, the jewelry world can get confusing. Where should you look when it comes to finding knowledge about jewelery? In this article, we will explore some important jewelry basics that will help you to become an educated consumer.
Jewelry can come in sets that include multiple pieces. Matching earrings can be worn with a matching necklace, but if your set includes more than two items, it might be better to only wear one or two at a time. Wearing too many similar items doesn’t look at good as one or two complimentary pieces.
When wearing or buying jewelry, it is important to not go with anything large and flashy. I say this in literal terms, not as in “the diamond was so large.” This is because any jewelry like earrings or necklaces that are too large become gaudy and unattractive. It is best to stick to pieces that fit you and look right.
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.
To keep your jewelry looking great, take steps to prevent it from tarnish. Never wear your jewelry when you are going to be near water. Water can dull and rust some types of metal if it is exposed to it too often. It is wise to place a single coat of transparent nail lacquer on jewelry in order to protect it.
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.
If you are truly in love with a piece of costume jewelry, even if it is in less than good condition, it is okay to spend the money on it. A piece that you will treasure is more of an investment than the monetary cost of an item, so splurging can be allowed.
If you’re making wire jewelry and don’t have wire cutters, just use a pair of fingernail clippers. The fingernail clippers are small and great for fine cutting. They will be able to manipulate through most sterling silver wire with ease. The fingernail clippers will no longer be useful for your nails though, because wire will dull them fast.
If you’re making your own earrings, go to a welding supply store to purchase aluminum wire. You can purchase the wire there in a spool, which is far less expensive than buying it in smaller quantities. Some aluminum wire is also hypoallergenic, making it the perfect choice for individuals with sensitive ears.
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.
Cure the green skin of copper jewelry easily. When you wear jewelry that has a copper base you may soon find yourself turning into a martian. The green is caused by the metal oxidizing. Stop it in its tracks by applying clear nail polish to any jewelry surface that will be touching your bare skin.
Educate yourself about the gems you have in mind before going to make a new purchase of jewelry. You need to know what questions to ask in order to avoid being taken advantage of by a jeweler. Nothing feels much worse than being ripped off for something you thought was a high quality product.
You can have a more beautiful diamond if it is cut correctly, as opposed to a diamond of a bigger size. Most important of all, make sure that the piece you choose complements the nature of the intended receiver.
Look for creative ways to add value to your handmade jewelry. Instead of using a cardboard earring holder, you can offer earrings that are mounted on a handmade birthday or Mother’s Day card, or a necklace that is packaged in a vintage seed packet. Finding ways to encourage gifting of your wares, can make all the difference in the world for your cash flow.
One way to prevent damage to jewelry is to always be careful with clothing. The best way to ensure that clothes don’t hurt the jewelry is to always add accent pieces after being fully dressed. In a similar fashion, make sure that jewelry is always removed before any articles of clothes.
One of the biggest dangers to jewelry is loss. When you are not careful with the pieces of fine jewelry that you have, it can be quite easy to lose it. By paying attention, especially to very small pieces and stones you will ensure that you have your jewelry throughout your life.
As we have noted, the world of jewelry is quite diverse. But, with thorough and comprehensive investigation, you can be confident that you are buying and taking care of quality pieces. The more you learn about jewelry, the more you’ll see what an awe-inspiring and dazzling world it can be. The advice above should be a valuable stepping stone for beginning your quest.