Since ancient times, both men and women have adorned themselves with jewelry. Jewelry is more than just pretty accessories to wear with your clothes. In addition to fashion purposes, people also wear jewelry for cultural, religious or medicinal reasons. The following article provides you with information on the different types of jewelry and why it’s so popular with people of all ages.
Many people see jewelry labeled as sterling silver plated and oftentimes think they’ve hit the jackpot when they purchase it at a very low price. In this case unfortunately, you do get what you pay for. This type of jewelry only contains a very thin coating of sterling silver on top of a cheap metal which can usually be identified as copper. The jewelry will eventually tarnish and cause the copper to show through underneath with enough wear.
If you are looking to purchase fashion jewelry, make sure to invest a few dollars. While fashion jewelry is available in almost every design and price range under the sun, purchase something in the mid-price range. If you go too cheap, you may end up purchasing something with unhealthy metal alloys or inferior quality workmanship.
When you go jewelry shopping, make sure that it is with people you know and trust that can help you find what it is that you need. There should ideally be at least two people to help you with your shopping experience. The first should be an experienced and trustworthy jeweler. The other should be a loved one or good friend.
When going shopping for diamonds, make sure to set yourself a budget and stick to it. The world of diamonds can seem overwhelming and the prices vary a great deal. By keeping a budget in mind, you can cut down the vast variety, to a much more sensible variety to choose from.
When looking to invest in fine jewelry, understand the different price ranges different metals and gemstones fall into. For example, understanding that opal is very expensive, you can already figure out if you see someone selling it for under twenty dollars, it is a fake. Knowing that sterling silver is a lot cheaper than white gold, but quite similar in appearance, can help narrow down your price when looking to invest in a nice pair of earrings.
Question any piece of jewelry that is so cheap it’s too good to be true. Look at any gemstones to ensure they don’t have large inclusions in them. Look for stamps on the metal to prove that it is what it’s claiming to be. If someone takes offense to your double checking authenticity, they’re probably lying.
When you choose to make a jewelry purchase as a gift, do so from a store that allows you to make returns! You never know when someone just won’t like what you pick, and it’s a lot easier to take them with you when you return the piece to pick out something they like.
If you find yourself putting off wearing a bracelet because you wear a watch, buy a bracelet that matches your watch in style and color, and wear it on your other wrist. Bracelets are fun and are one of the only pieces of jewelry that you can see on yourself when you’re wearing them. Wear one on your wrist without a watch, or simply get rid of your watch altogether.
Feel comfortable in your jewelry venue of choice. If you feel that the seller may be trying to get you to buy a piece you are not interested in, walk away. Some jewelers are paid on commission, so the more they sell you, the better they are paid. Take this into consideration when choosing a jeweler.
To make eye-catching jewelry, don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors. If you have difficulty thinking of a palette, look around you and take your inspiration from things found in nature. Contrasting, complimentary, traditional, or monochromatic color schemes can make quite the statement when integrated into a jewelry piece.
While jewelry is a fun fashion accessory, it may be causing an allergic reaction. Certain metals that are added to strengthen the piece cause this. In order to avoid this reaction, you can limit the amount of time the jewelry is worn. Also, make sure your jewelry isn’t too tight, which will allow the skin to breathe, limiting the irritation.
When purchasing diamond jewelry such as engagement rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets, knowing the 4 C’s of diamonds are important. The 4 C’s include: Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat. Some jewelers also like to add a fifth C which is Certificate and it is the grading report on the quality of the diamonds in your piece of jewelry. Knowing the C’s of diamonds will make you a more knowledgeable customer.
You need a good clasp for any necklaces and bracelets. It is very easy for jewelry to be accidentally lost due to a cheap clasp collapsing and giving way. Valuable bracelets and necklaces should be secured with a safety clasp. It is common to have two or three clasps for expensive jewelry.
From fashionistas to newlyweds to the Pope, jewelry is worn by many different people for many different reasons. The above tips are a great guide for helping you decide which type of jewelry is right for you. As simple as it may seem, purchasing and caring for jewelry can be a confusing process, not to mention, figuring out how to wear it in a way that best reflects your personality and needs. Put these tips to use the next time you slip on a bracelet or start your search for the perfect ring.