Jewelry has been prized since ancient times. Now there are a multitude of designs to choose from. Let this article help you to identify the best possible jewelry investments.

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 jewelry shopping, you need to be prepared to carefully look, and inspect anything that you may want to buy. You need to get a loupe. This is a small pocket-sized magnifier that can show you what kind of quality you will be getting. It magnifies the jewelry so that you can inspect it to see if you are getting something of bad quality or good quality.

When getting body jewelry, find a licensed piercer who uses a needle. Even when piercing ears, it’s best to avoid piercing guns. Piercing guns are not as sterile, can lead to infection, and may damage skin and tissue. Avoid these risks, and look for a licensed piercing shop no matter what you’re getting pierced.

To make sure your jewelry makes you look great, wear jewelry that compliments your skin tone. If you have a cool skin tone, choose jewelry with a silver tone. When wearing gemstones, try pearls or jewel-toned stones. To compliment a warm skin tone, wear gold jewelry and pieces with earth tones. Coral and turquoise also look great on those with warm skin.

To create a slimmer body silhouette with jewelry, choose pieces that dangle. Dangling pieces are immediately eye-catching, and will create the illusion of a longer, leaner look. Focus specifically on the area you’d like to slim down. For a slimmer looking face, try dangling earrings. A long necklace with a dangling charm can make the upper half of your body look much thinner.

When making jewelry, beeswax is a wonderful product to use for taming frizzy twine. Just rub a little on to the twine and you’ll have a smooth look in no time. Your beads will go on easier and your piece will have a more elegant, professionally made look.

Costume jewelry needs to be handled and stored delicately. Many embellishments on costume jewelry are only secured with glue rather than set into the piece. Keep your costume jewelery away from water or chemicals. For best results, use a warmed, damp cloth to wipe your jewelry and then use another cloth to dry it. This keeps costume jewelry looking its best.

Soak diamonds for twenty minutes in a solution made of four parts water and one part ammonia for a sparkling shine. Scrub them with a soft dampened toothbrush allows cleaning of hard to reach places, such as under the gem or around the prongs. Dry it with a soft cloth to keep it shining and looking new.

Consider your setting when buying an engagement ring. Do not rush into the first or cheapest setting you are shown. Your setting is equally as important as the stone you are getting set into it. Consider if you want a classic, or modern style for your ring’s look and feel.

Before you buy, ask the jeweler if and how the gemstone was treated. Depending on the type of treatment used, the piece will require varying types of care. You do not want to try to clean a treated gem with a solution that may strip the treatment and damage the gem in the process.

Keep your plastic wristwatch clean and shiny. Just because you didn’t spend a lot on your jewelry doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take good care of it. A simple and cheap way to keep your watch looking great is to put toothpaste on a dry cloth and rub. Your plastic watch will look brand new.

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.

Remove your jewelry when you are going to be using beauty products. Lotions, perfumes, hair sprays, and shaving creams will hurt your jewelry. It may just make your jewelry dirty, but it could also damage your jewels. If you forget once in a while, that should be okay. Don’t make a habit of it.

If you are looking to get more for your money when purchasing a piece of jewelry, consider going to retailers that are not associated with a mega brand name. Typically, those companies carry a huge markup just for the inscription of their company name or logo in the item of jewelry. Be a smart shopper, and find items similar at other stores for a better price.

If you are purchasing jewelry online, investigate how much experience the seller has in the industry. Pay particular attention to how many years they have been making the items. Look to see that their web site includes a comprehensive description of what they do and search for any reviews or testimonials from clients.

The jewelry tips in this article will guide you in selecting the pieces that are appropriate for you. Choosing a piece of jewelry can be a bit tough, so make sure you read up on jewelry facts.

Accessorizing with jewelry is a skill and an art! The dos and don’ts for jewelry can change over time. Learning what to do need not be intimidating! Following is some of the information available to guide you with your choice of jewelry:

Pewter jewelry has been widely popular for decades. If you’re looking to invest in jewelry pieces made from pewter, make sure that they are lead free. For a long time, pewter jewelry has contained lead causing many unhealthy side effects to the wearer. Usually modern jewelry made from this metal is advertised as lead-free if it doesn’t contain any.

Make sure to keep regular tabs on the state of your jewelry. You need to constantly assess the condition of your pieces to catch any issues or damage early. It is best to catch them early because this is when you should get them fixed to avoid major or irreversible damage, or even losing the item.

Do not attempt to shine your silver or gold jewelry with toothpaste. It is simply an incorrect home remedy that many try to pass off as fact that it works. The chemicals in toothpaste will erode your jewelry causing the gemstones to permanently lose their luster. For only a few dollars you can buy a proper polishing cloth and jewelry shining liquid.

Have shopping companions when you shop for diamonds. Take a look at the diamonds up close, then put it next to other pieces you are interested in. However, be mindful that there are fraudulent ways to make the diamond look better than it is.

Take off your rings when you’re in the shower. It can be often tempting to keep your wedding band or promise ring on all the time, but the chemicals in soap, body wash and shampoo can have negative effects on your ring. Another great reason is because rings can often slide off and disappear down the drain. Keep your ring everlasting and safe by removing it before stepping into the shower.

For jewelry to stay shiny and new-looking, it is important to keep it from tarnishing. Jewelry should not be worn near the water. Metals can become dull, rusty or tarnished if submerged in it. If you must take your jewelry somewhere wet, prepare it by adding some clear nail polish on the surface.

Going through a day wearing the jewelry will let you get familiar with how it hangs and whether or not it will be comfortable. This also helps you to see its durability.

When buying jewelry it is important to remember that you can finance it. There are a lot of jewelry stores who offer in house financing for their customers. That means that you could get a loved one jewelry that they have always dreamed of and pay for it over an extended period of time. Financing helps to make gift giving a little bit easier.

If you have pearl jewelry, you can add to their preservation by putting on perfumes and lotions first ,then after they’re absorbed into your skin, put your pearls on. Since pearls are porous, these products can be absorbed into the pearl, which can cause it to lose its natural luster.

If you have old bracelets, necklaces or rings that you like but do not wear, consider revamping them into new pieces. Gemstones can be reset by professional jewelers, and necklaces can be reworked into bracelets or combined with other necklaces to create a modern, multi-chain design. Be creative and look for ideas online for recycling those outdated pieces.

Do not let a seller talk you into something you cannot afford or do not really like. Some sellers are excellent at what they do, but remember that you are the one making the decision. You should ask for advice, but keep in mind that the sellers’ best interest is to see you buy something expensive.

Clean silver jewelry with products from your kitchen. Silver jewelry tarnishes with time but it is easily cleaned with vinegar. Combine half a cup of white vinegar with two tablespoons of baking soda in a small bowl. Stir the mixture until it forms bubbles. Put your silver jewelry into the solution leaving it for two to three hours depending on how tarnished it is. Remove the jewelry and wash it under cool running water. It will look as good as new!

When considering jewelry for your wedding be sure that you shop for it in plenty of time for your wedding date. This is important so that you not only get the best prices for it but also to ensure that it is available for you with plenty of time to spare.

If you have trouble with your engagement ring causing your finger to break out, it may be because there is nickel in the stone’s setting. Protect your skin from this less-expensive metal by coating the inside of the setting with clear fingernail polish. Allow it to dry completely before wearing. You will need to touch it up from time-to-time.

It is very difficult to distinguish natural sapphires and rubies from artificial ones. These fancy stones might look physically and chemically identical, but the fake ones are much cheaper in cost compared to the natural and flawless gems. Always have a gemologist look at a piece if it is advertised as natural sapphire to see if the piece has natural inclusions or not.

So, now do you have some ideas? Enjoy your choice of jewelry! If you see some tips that will be of value to you that is great! Remember, accessorizing need not be intimidating!

At one level, selecting and owning jewelry is a visceral, natural experience. Jewelry is supposed to be beautiful. So, all you need to do is pick pieces that appeal to your taste or the taste of their intended recipients. There is a deeper level to jewelry, though. Buying, selling and caring for your jewelry are all processes that can be improved by learning a few handy tips. This article will give you those tips.

Pewter jewelry has been widely popular for decades. If you’re looking to invest in jewelry pieces made from pewter, make sure that they are lead free. For a long time, pewter jewelry has contained lead causing many unhealthy side effects to the wearer. Usually modern jewelry made from this metal is advertised as lead-free if it doesn’t contain any.

Protect yourself when purchasing diamonds by keeping written documents of your purchases as proof. This is the only way that you can prove the 4 C’s you were guaranteed when you purchased the piece or stone. Treat your sales receipts and appraisals as contracts of what you can expect from your purchase, especially if they are not up to the quality you were guaranteed.

Essential to anyone buying jewelry for reclamation purposes is a pocket-sized gram and carat scale. While a scale can’t determine the purity of the gold and silver you encounter in your jewelry hunting, a pocket scale can at least give you a basic starting point to determine fair pricing and valuing of your jewelry finds.

When getting body jewelry, find a licensed piercer who uses a needle. Even when piercing ears, it’s best to avoid piercing guns. Piercing guns are not as sterile, can lead to infection, and may damage skin and tissue. Avoid these risks, and look for a licensed piercing shop no matter what you’re getting pierced.

If you’re going to buy earrings for a woman, also get a matching necklace. If you want to buy a necklace, grab a bracelet, too. A matched set of jewelry is double the joy for whomever you’re buying it for, which makes picking the perfect item twice as much fun for you!

The meaning behind a diamond is eternity, that love will endure. You can never go wrong when buying diamonds, even if your budget is small. If you choose a quality metal like 14k gold and a smaller carat of diamond in a beautiful setting, whomever you’re giving it to will have a giant smile on their face despite the small price.

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.

To best protect the investment you made in your jewelry purchase, take care of it. Do not wear it when you do something like cleaning your house. If you do this, the chemicals you expose your jewelry to could harm the precious metals and stones. It’s likely worth the minute that it takes to remove it.

Create a solution of warm water and a few drops of dish-washing liquid and use it to soak your gold pieces. Scrubbing the piece with a soft toothbrush can help to remove any particulates that may be stuck to the jewelry. Cleaning your jewelry can keep it looking new for years.

View the gemstones in correct lighting, with the right background. Diamonds or other gems should never be viewed on a black background. Black backgrounds alter your perception of a gems real shine and color, so you may make a purchase and later realize that the stone is not as clear and perfect as you originally assumed.

To make sure your jewelry always looks appropriate, consider the occasion before choosing pieces. If you’re at work, it’s best to avoid chokers and hoop earrings. Pearls are very versatile, but aren’t ideal for a very casual environment. Wearing jewelry ideal for the occasion will keep you from looking out of place.

When you are viewing diamonds it is important that you do not look at them while they are sitting against a black background. You may perceive color differently and choose a diamond that is not really what you are looking for. Make sure to view it under a magnifier so you will see any flaws it may have.

When storing your jewelry, follow any specific advice which is provided by the manufacturer. Different gem stones have different sets of rules for safe storage. Try to keep your pieces of jewelry from touching each other while being stored, since this can lead to scratching each other. If a piece of jewelry has its own box or pouch, use it for better protection of your valuable assets.

Have gold bracelets and necklaces? Make some money with your jewelry without giving it away. If there is excess gold on the piece, remove that extra, then sell that while retaining the piece itself. With real gold and several chains, you could shorten the pieces to get hundreds of dollars.

Using such methods, you can improve the entire experience of owning or giving jewelry. Every piece of jewelry matches someone’s particular tastes, and finding the right one for you requires no education. But when you learn a little about the non-aesthetic considerations, you can make your experiences of buying, giving and owning jewelry more economical and longer-lasting.

If you’ve purchased jewelry, it’s important to take the time to take care of it. Just a little effort can make even a simple piece of jewelry last for a long time. In this article, you’ll find out ways you can take better care of your jewelry, and how you can make old jewelry look like new.

Do not purchase any jewelry from retailers in China. This country is notorious for selling fake gemstone and metal jewelry. Oftentimes, the jewelry advertised as sterling silver with real turquoise is just a piece of metal sprayed in silver and the turquoise is a fake piece of plastic. Such vendors may accept returns, but the hassle of shipping it back at your own cost, is usually not worth it. Be aware of scams like this.

Make sure to get rings sized properly so that they will fit you or someone who you are giving the ring to. Either go to a professional or use the string trick. You don’t want to play guessing games and end up having to return it several times to get it right. The ring should feel snug, but not too tight or two loose. Also, take into account, daily water weight fluctuation if you are measuring a finger yourself.

When shopping for stone jewelry, you need to be educated on everything to look for. Your jeweler can help guide you on what and how to look at stones to make sure that you can distinguish bad from good quality. This type of education can help you make better decisions without so much help when you are jewelry shopping.

If wearing earrings makes your ears feel itchy or irritated, ensure that you buy nickel-free jewelry in the future. Nickel is often used in inexpensive costume jewelry, but it can be very irritating to some people. Look for earrings with solid gold or platinum posts for the most hypoallergenic option.

What style of jewelry you choose for your wedding should be influenced by the style of your dress. If you have a high neckline then you can forgo a necklace and instead have drop earrings with a lot of sparkle. Long sleeves will usually mean you don’t want to wear a bracelet.

In order to save money on the purchase of jewelry you should consider looking at local antique shops. Many people sell their antique jewelry to the shops when they are in need of money or if they have inherited it and just don’t want it. There is no reason to pay the high markups that come with jewelry.

When selling jewelry online, you must be sure you brand yourself. You want to create a unique identity to differentiate yourself from your competitors in order to keep the consumers coming to you. One way you can do this is by incorporating a unique feature into the piece, packaging, or presentation.

If you choose to make and sell jewelry at craft bazaars or flea markets, take time to ensure that each piece has a clearly marked price tag that cannot be tampered with, yet can be removed without damaging the merchandise. Although nobody likes to think that theft can happen to them, it is best to protect your investment of time and money.

Add extra depth and meaning to custom pieces by incorporating gemstones and beads that are associated with deeper meanings. To convey a sense of purity and peace, incorporate white stones like opals, pearls, diamonds, and colorless topaz as focal pieces. These colors look especially striking when paired with gold accents.

Water is typically enough to clean most types of jewelry and precious stones. Simply use a damp cloth and wipe off any kind of residue or dirt that is on the jewelry. If there are any more stubborn problems, you can use a very light cleaning detergent to remove these issues.

The prices for diamonds vary greatly so shop around before making a purchase. Every diamond is unique in both its beauty and imperfections. When you personally see the stone, some flaws can be less important. Different jewelers may price differently in regard to these flaws. Do your research and shop smart in order to find the best diamond at the best possible price.

When soldering a wedding ring and an engagement ring together, make sure the jeweler polishes the rings. Engagement rings are often worn for some time before the wedding band is and it will look like the rings do not match if they are not polished to look new.

When it comes to taking care of your jewelry be sure that you are only using a soft cloth to rub it down. This is critical in ensuring that you are not causing further damage by scratching it. Be sure that you purchase a jewelry specific cleaning cloth and do not use it for any other purposes.

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!

Taking care of your jewelry lets you get the most for your money. A quality piece of jewelry should be able to last you a lifetime. Thanks to the tips in this article, you now know how to keep your jewelry looking great. If you keep the advice here in mind, you’ll be enjoying your favorite earrings and necklaces for years to come.

When it comes time for you to start shopping or selling jewelry, you may want to know where to begin, as there are many things to consider when buying or selling this type of commodity. The tips in this article can provide you with what you need to know to buy or sell jewelry.

Do not attempt to shine your silver or gold jewelry with toothpaste. It is simply an incorrect home remedy that many try to pass off as fact that it works. The chemicals in toothpaste will erode your jewelry causing the gemstones to permanently lose their luster. For only a few dollars you can buy a proper polishing cloth and jewelry shining liquid.

You don’t have to settle with the traditional clear diamonds. Diamonds are available in practically every color in the rainbow. They come in blue, pink, red, yellow, brown, black, purple and many more colors. You can find pieces where colored diamonds are the focal point or you can find pieces where they act like accents.

If you lose the butterfly backing for your post earrings, you can easily replace them. Any local craft stores carry replacement backings for post earrings in the jewelry making aisles. You can find them in different metals such as sterling silver, gold plating, silver plating or silver tone metal. You no longer have to throw your old earrings out, you can replace the backing quite affordably.

Don’t buy any jewelry that could easily be broken, or the recipient could end up disappointed. Many pendants come in tiny little chains that are so frail that they break right away, and if your loved one loses their new diamond pendant, they’ll be heartbroken. If the chain is inadequate that comes with a pendant, buy a larger chain or just buy a different pendant!

Check for wear and damage in every piece you buy. Spending money on jewelry can be a worthy investment, but if the item you invest in is not in good condition, you will be wasting your money. Thoroughly examine each piece to be sure your investments are truly worth the money.

When selecting jewelry for a child, make sure it is an item that can grow with them. You may have to have it sized up in time, but an item they would be happy to wear as an adult will last them a lifetime. Choose classic styles with timeless elegance.

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.

Think about what stones you would want before you purchase a new piece of jewelry. Try to choose a stone that meshes well with your taste or personality. Also, consider what looks good on you. Pieces in neutral tones work well with any item in your wardrobe. If it isn’t a functional piece, you will not use it and it is pointless to purchase it.

If you’d like to wear jewelry while wearing a turtleneck, be sure to only wear long necklaces. Shorter necklaces compete with the neckline of your top and can leave your neck looking stumpy. Look for necklaces with a pendant that falls below breast length. When wearing a turtleneck it’s best not to layer your necklaces.

When giving a piece of jewelry to someone, you must always remember to keep the receipt. This applies to almost anything you purchase, but this definitely applies to a piece of jewelry because of how expensive it is. If you want to return the piece of jewelry for whatever reason, you need the receipt to get your money back. Otherwise, you will be stuck with a useless piece of jewelry that you spent lots of money on.

It is critical that the photos and descriptions you use to sell jewelry online are attractive and high-quality. This is very important because people need to evaluate the jewelry from the picture since they cannot handle it in person. Don’t let the background overwhelm the picture.

When you are working with any kind of silver there is one word that you should always keep in mind – polish! If you polish your silver regularly it will keep it shiny and beautiful for much longer. This helps to extend the life of the piece as well as look newer for longer.

Don’t jeopardize your wholesale jewelry sales by failing to thoroughly assess the quality of your suppliers’ offerings. Solid gold or silver jewelry is the highest quality, followed by vermeil, then plated jewelry. With plated jewelry, the top layer of gold is quickly eroded by skin oils and friction. This type of jewelry is perceived by buyers as being inferior to others.

A relatively recent popular trend is the rise of the “mood ring” or other such indicative jewelry, often made with liquid crystals that change their color in response to changes in body temperature. They are quite popular especially among children and teens, and can match many outfits because of their changing color.

As you have seen, buying or selling jewelry has various things to consider before starting. They just vary depending on what you are looking to do. All it takes to decide what to do is some research and legwork to find the best pieces and to sell more pieces for profit.

There is really no point in trying to procure jewelry if you have no idea what qualities to look for when you are searching. You should also know what steps you need to take to keep your jewelry in the best condition possible so that it will have a much longer life. The following article is full or helpful ideas for buying and maintaining your beautiful jewelry.

Create wire jewelry. There are so many resources available to help you get started. You can buy the supplies almost anywhere, charms, beads, dangles, special clasps plus much more. It does take quite a bit of practice, but it can be a fun hobby or even a career if you perfect it.

Try displaying your jewelry with a fine jewelry box that opens with drawers or a vertical jewelry box with glass doors. Don’t just allow your jewelry to hide away in the dark; properly display it, complete with a gorgeous box. Most vertical boxes also include hooks for fishhook earrings, necklaces and bracelets.

IF you’re thinking of buying your child jewelry, a charm bracelet is an excellent way to go. Add a new charm at every milestone, such as, his or her first lost tooth. When your child grows up, he or she will have a special story that is attached with each charm.

Personalized jewelry will never fail as a gift, especially for Mother’s Day. A ring with the birthstones of all her children will make a Mom beam with delight. You could also get a bangle bracelet with her childrens’ names engraved on the inside. My favourite is a ring with “I Love You” engraved on the inside.

Repurpose your jewelry to get the most wears out of each piece. Wrap a necklace around your wrist to fashion a new bracelet. Slip a pair of clip-on earrings onto a pair of pumps as shoe clips, and add a bit of sparkle to plain heels. Attach a pin or brooch to a necklace and update its look.

To keep pearl jewelry looking like new, store it separately from other jewelry. While many gemstones are hard, pearls are quite soft and can be scratched easily. Try keeping your pearls in their own container with a soft lining. If you really want your pearls with the rest of your jewelry, try placing them in a soft bag first.

Do not underestimate the power of pearl jewelry. Pearls are often considered a throwback to the days of old. How untrue this is. Modern pearls come in so many varieties, you can cheaply acquire them and spice up any fashion style you are trying to pull off. They come in many colors and shapes.

Take proactive steps to minimize the number of times that you have to clean your jewelry. When getting dressed, put your jewelry on after you apply perfume and makeup. This will prevent the residue of these products from leaving a film on your jewelry. Also, remember to remove your jewelry before cleaning and doing other housework.

If your pierced ears are sensitive to metal posts, try painting them with clear nail polish. Sensitive ears can be itchy, painful and red. By applying a thin coating of clear nail polish, the metal is covered and no longer presents a problem. You may wear your favorite earrings in comfort!

When cleaning your gold jewelry, it is important to remember you should never clean it with abrasive chemical cleaners. These products will strip gold of its natural shine and luster. If you need to remove grime from hard-to-reach locations on your gold jewelry, try using a soft-bristled toothbrush, mild soap and warm water for cleaning.

Don’t jeopardize your wholesale jewelry sales by failing to thoroughly assess the quality of your suppliers’ offerings. Solid gold or silver jewelry is the highest quality, followed by vermeil, then plated jewelry. With plated jewelry, the top layer of gold is quickly eroded by skin oils and friction. This type of jewelry is perceived by buyers as being inferior to others.

Storing jewelry can be the absolute death of its luster, even if you’re storing it in the box it came in. Avoid storing jewelry in only those manufacturer’s boxes and even store-bought jewelry boxes. If you’re storing your items long-term, wrap them up in an airtight container to ensure maximum protection. One of those zippered plastic storage bags, works wonders.

If your crystal jewelry is losing it’s luster, try simply wiping it with a soft cloth soaked in warm water. If the jewelry is very dirty or grimy, you may need to soak it in warm water, mixed with a small amount of dish soap. A soft toothbrush can the be used to brush away the dirt.

When you purchase jewelry that dangles and hangs, remember to budget a little money and time for selecting a good chain. A fragile chain can ruin a valuable piece by breaking at the least opportune moment. Get a jeweler’s advice to pick out a chain that strikes a good balance between attractiveness and durability.

Make sure that you remove your jewelry when doing things that could damage it, such as cleaning the house, swimming in a pool or hot tub, even just putting on lotion. Normal cleaners and harsh chemicals can do damage to the finish of your precious metals and loosen the stones.

If you are careful and adhere to many of the tips that you have read here then you should be on your way to obtaining some lovely pieces of jewelry. Now you will know the best buying methods and the best ways to care for these very treasured possessions.

The following tips will help you decide the right jewelry purchases for you. We’ve simplified the process by giving you information you can use about buying beautiful jewelry. Buying jewelry will help you build a accessory collection that makes a statement. Or it can be a fantastic long term investment. The advise offered in this article should help you in the selection process.

Designer jewelry can be pricey and not affordable to someone on a budget. Luckily, there are quality replicas available, and for a price almost anyone can afford. These replicas resemble the real jewelry but without the huge hit to the wallet. You can have the luxury of wearing it whenever you’d like, instead of just on special occasions. They are truly a fashionable, affordable, alternative to designer name jewelry.

Try opting for silver over gold. The olden days of silver being a lesser metal than gold are over. Silver is also consistently priced, while gold continues to rise in price. You don’t have to worry about karats with this metal. Just make sure to avoid nickel silver or German silver as they contain no real silver.

When storing your fine jewelry in a chest or case, wrap each piece in a small piece of velvet cloth. That way harder gemstones will not scratch softer gemstones and metals. It also helps pieces not get tangled with themselves and the velvet helps to keep the pieces safe from excess moisture.

Make sure that you clean your jewelry on a regular basis. Although it may not seem important, when you don’t clean your jewelry, you are taking the risk of getting skin irritations. This is because dirty jewelry can hold bacteria and germs in it. Also, cleaning jewelery will make it look brand new, even if it’s old.

A fun craft for your wedding is to make your own jewelry. It really is simple and it gives you the ability to customize the items exactly as you wish. For my wedding I used various shades of purple pearls and Swarovski crystals to make all my jewelry and my daughter’s as well. It was stunning AND affordable!

Read all your warranties and guarantees. Carefully paying attention to all the details in both of these can help you prevent any major issues from coming up. If you find any issues in the warranties or guarantees, you can correct them before you take the jewelry you’ve bought out of the store.

If you purchase any diamond over one carat, you need to get proof. Any diamond included in jewelry that is over one carat should come with a diamond grading report. This should be done by an independent gem grader and the report should include any information that could potentially affect its value.

Keep your plastic wristwatch clean and shiny. Just because you didn’t spend a lot on your jewelry doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take good care of it. A simple and cheap way to keep your watch looking great is to put toothpaste on a dry cloth and rub. Your plastic watch will look brand new.

Have a purpose in mind before shopping for jewelry. There is no need to spend your money on a bauble that you cannot see yourself wearing. Bear in mind the contents of your wardrobe before you purchase a piece of jewelry.

The cut, color and clarity of a diamond can make a bigger impression than size alone. Remember to think about the personality and style of the woman you’re getting the diamond for.

To get a stubborn knot out of a necklace chain, sprinkle the knot with cornstarch or baby powder. The powder slips into each nook and cranny, lubricating the metal and making it much easier to untie the knot with your fingers. If the knot is particularly difficult, you may need to use a sewing needle to help.

If your jewelry is causing skin irritation, there are certain steps you can take to minimize it. You can use a small amount of powder on the skin in the area the jewelry will be touching. This helps absorb moisture, which will then lessen the chances of allergies or irritation.

Even though some people use toothpaste to clean their gold, silver or gemstones, jewelers do not recommend this practice. The abrasives in toothpaste can scratch the surface of precious metals and gemstones. To restore the jewelry back to its original, unscratched condition will require buffing and refinishing by a professional fine jeweler.

When selling jewelry, learn everything about the materials you use. When buying jewelry, you should have a good idea of the different materials being used. This will help you evaluate the value of a jewel and know how long it will last you.

When it comes to jewelry, be sure that you listen for compliments from people that you respect and let that guide you as to the frequency that you wear a particular piece. This is important because there is obviously something about it that compliments your style and who better to listen to than your own peers.

You have all the information you need to make smart jewelry buying decisions now. So go out and have fun shopping, knowing that you are armed with the inside story to make your jewelry buying experience pay off for you. You can feel free to use your knowledge to expand your jewelry collection with an eye toward good quality investment pieces.

Few things are more exciting and exhilarating than shopping for a new ring, bracelet, or necklace. With so many choices, it can be very difficult to identify the best deal, the brightest stone, or the most genuine materials available. Fortunately, this article is filled with useful tips on shopping for new jewels.

Costume jewelry is worth considering if you’re going to work and don’t wish to wear any jewelry that has a high value attached to it. Costume pieces of jewelry don’t contain any precious metals or gemstones, which makes them highly affordable and widely available. This type of jewelry does tend to tarnish over time and cannot be shined with a polishing cloth.

When buying jewelry, make sure that you don’t just rely on really prestigious name brands. This can generally lead to you paying 80% more than that of another popular jewelry retailer. Most of the non-prestigious jewelry retailers, also offer very nice holiday and yearly discounts, so it’s an overall better deal to shop with them.

The best thing you can do to care for your jewelry is to make sure it is properly insured, especially if it is highly valuable. This will protect your jewelry from theft, damage, and being lost. There are many ways you can insure your jewelry, and it is definitely worth looking into since no one wants to be left standing after suffering an unfortunate event.

When choosing jewelry to wear to your wedding, why not pick up some cufflinks and a tie tack for your groom? It looks so nice in photos when the bride and groom match, so take it a step further and include the bling you’re both wearing! Have the best man give it to him on the big day as a present.

Unless you’re giving your fiancee an heirloom ring, don’t shop for an engagement ring alone. Don’t feel pressured to buy something out of your price range, but make sure you can find a ring that fits your future bride and that she loves the ring. Why ruin the moment, by having to take the ring back for resizing or, even worse, just take it back?

If you would like to buy a pair of earrings for a loved one, make sure they have pierced ears first! It is a major faux pas to pick up a pair of gorgeous baubles only to find out they’re unwearable. If you can, check her jewelry box, or ask someone close to her who might know like her Mother.

When collecting costume jewelry, pay close attention to the condition of any piece you are considering. Costume jewelry can be very expensive and a great investment, but a piece that shows too much wear and tear will not be worth the money or time. A piece that is in excellent condition will increase in value.

Always keep your receipt. Making sure that you have a means of returning the item in question is one of the most important things to do in jewelry shopping. You never know if the person you are purchasing for may not like the piece, or if you may find a better deal elsewhere.

When selling jewelry online, you need to be able to stand behind your pieces. Because your customer does not get to handle the jewelry, it should be made to be able to hold up to regular use. Otherwise, you will lose customers. You should aim to offer a warranty program, and be willing to fix other pieces not covered by it.

Water is typically enough to clean most types of jewelry and precious stones. Simply use a damp cloth and wipe off any kind of residue or dirt that is on the jewelry. If there are any more stubborn problems, you can use a very light cleaning detergent to remove these issues.

If you get dirt inside of all of the little areas on a piece of jewelry they can be very hard to clean. The best thing to do is to heat it in a glass dish of soap and water on the stove and then brush it clean with a toothbrush. Make sure you do not let the soapy mixture come to a boil because it can cause damage.

For a quick, simple, retro look, choose a length of attractive ribbon that matches your outfit to wear as a choker. Various colors of lace ribbon are also very attractive when used in this way. This charming look from the 70s is easy and inexpensive to achieve and surprisingly fetching.

Diamonds in jewelry have been one of the world’s most popular precious stones! Diamonds are appealing because of their hardness and durability. They come in many different colors, not just white. You can buy diamond jewelry set with canary yellow stones, red diamonds, blue diamonds in every shade from light teal to steel blue like the famous “Hope Diamond” and every shade in between.

Nephrite is a popular stone used for jewelry. It is very tough and durable, and comes in a wide variety of colors, the most popular of which is a deep opaque green. It is frequently carved into ornate shapes and used as a pendant in a necklace or as insets in other jewelry.

Whether you prefer to shop in stores or strictly online, you have a world of attractive pieces available to you. Wedding rings, pendant necklaces, and tennis bracelets, are only a few of the wonderful types of jewelry that you can choose from. This information will make shopping for jewelry a snap.

Have you ever wondered what is missing when you look at your reflection in the mirror? Many times, an outfit seems to be missing something that will personalize it and make it a representation of your individuality. It’s jewelry. Even a simple piece can unite your outfit.

When shopping for stone jewelry, you need to be educated on everything to look for. Your jeweler can help guide you on what and how to look at stones to make sure that you can distinguish bad from good quality. This type of education can help you make better decisions without so much help when you are jewelry shopping.

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.

When choosing jewelry as a gift for a girlfriend, make sure it is something that will really show her that you love her and understand her. At this point in your relationship, the jewelry that you give her should be more than just a gift, but a passing of your love.

Unless you’re giving your fiancee an heirloom ring, don’t shop for an engagement ring alone. Don’t feel pressured to buy something out of your price range, but make sure you can find a ring that fits your future bride and that she loves the ring. Why ruin the moment, by having to take the ring back for resizing or, even worse, just take it back?

If your gown is going to be relatively plain, pick colors for your jewelry from the flowers in your bouquet! It’s absolutely stunning when pops of color from your ears, neck, wrist and flowers, all shine through. You can even add a dash of sparkle to your bouquet with crystal embellishments.

Before you purchase gemstone jewelry, you should first determine if and how the stone was treated. It is important to understand the varying treatment processes because each one requires a specific care regimen. You want to avoid unknowingly cleaning the gem with a chemical or solution that could strip off the protective treatment.

Change your jewelry styles depending on the season of the year. Add spice to your wardrobe. In spring, for example, you will want to be wearing sterling silver and different designs with their origins in mother nature. Look for flower and insect designs that reflect the freshness of the season.

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.

Always take off all types of jewelry before you go to sleep. This will help you to avoid two major problems at the same time. The first is that it is easy to lose pieces in your sleep. The second problem is that sleeping on jewelry can add stress to it and greatly shorten the lifespan.

You should not wear your jewelry if you plan on going for a swim or if you plan on going in any other body of water that may contain harsh chemicals. These sorts of things can cause your jewelry to age much more quickly. Protect your jewelry and be conscientious.

If you want to sell jewelry, learn the properties of each stone. Certain stones correspond to astrological signs or elements. Tell these stories to your customers: people are generally excited about finding the stone that was made for them. If your customers do not seem interested by this aspect, find another approach.

Don’t jeopardize your wholesale jewelry sales by failing to thoroughly assess the quality of your suppliers’ offerings. Solid gold or silver jewelry is the highest quality, followed by vermeil, then plated jewelry. With plated jewelry, the top layer of gold is quickly eroded by skin oils and friction. This type of jewelry is perceived by buyers as being inferior to others.

While sapphires are classically blue, they actually come in a myriad of shades- every shade besides red, in fact (red sapphires are known as rubies). They are characterized by their durability and strength, and are great candidates for jewelry because they can withstand just about everything, and can suit every wardrobe.

Simple diamond stud earrings, a solitaire pendant, and a glitzy cocktail ring are wardrobe staples that look equally stunning with jeans or formal wear. For an inexpensive or ethical alternative to diamonds, choose cubic zirconium pieces instead. It’s very hard to tell the difference between the two stones, and the price allows you to choose larger stones without a hefty cost.

Matching your jewelry to your personal style helps you maintain a unique, yet tasteful look. There are a lot of jewelry makers on the market that are making unique and progressive designs. These pieces range in price making them affordable for every budget. Take the time to shop around for pieces that appeal to you in style and price.

This article has revealed how jewelry can be used as an ideal accessory to compliment your wardrobe. You can use different types of jewelry so that you appear professional, classy or even fun. The next time you are getting ready to go out, throw on some jewelry to ensure you will look your best.

Jewelry is surely one thing a girl cannot do without. Every fashionista knows that the right mix of jewels can top off an outfit and really bring it to life. However, many women feel they don’t know where to start when it comes to choosing accessories to finish off a look. In these cases, a woman’s jewelry box can become an intimidating enemy. If you’re one of those women, read on because this article will give you tips and tricks to ensure you always pick the right jewelry, and combination of jewels, to go with any outfit.

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.

To keep your jewelry from overpowering you, select pieces that compliment your body type. If you’re petite, it’s best to stick to smaller pieces with more simplistic shapes. Tall or larger women may want to choose a powerful statement necklace to create a striking visual look. Whenever you choose a new piece of jewelry, think about your proportions and how well that piece will work with them.

If you are considering a titanium wedding band, remember that it cannot be re-sized and may be a bit more difficult to cut off in an emergency than rings made from precious metals. Titanium rings are less likely to bend or crush under pressure, however, so an accident that would heavily damage a gold or platinum ring may not harm a titanium one.

Soak diamonds for twenty minutes in a solution made of four parts water and one part ammonia for a sparkling shine. Scrub them with a soft dampened toothbrush allows cleaning of hard to reach places, such as under the gem or around the prongs. Dry it with a soft cloth to keep it shining and looking new.

When you go to make a new jewelry purchase, you need to give yourself a strict budget. It can be extremely easy to overspend on an awesome piece of shiny jewelry. It will be a lot harder to enjoy later if you do not stick to your own budget goals.

Ask your salesperson how they recommend you clean your new purchases. Different gemstones require different care processes. Your salesperson is most likely the best person to tell you great care methods for your individual piece. Knowing these methods can greatly increase the lifespan of your jewelry pieces, and keep them looking new for much longer.

Save your broken beaded necklaces to give them new life. Do not let them fill a sacred box in your bedroom. Go in your bathroom and grab the dental floss. Use it to restring your necklace and it will likely last longer than the original string lasted on the piece.

When selling a piece of jewelry online, you should make certain that you include size and lengths information. This is extra important with an online transaction because the customer can not physically see the jewelry. For example, if you are making jewelry pieces that are wire-wrapped, then you should include photos to assure your customers that the pieces are smoothly finished. Therefore, the sweater won’t be poked by a sharp wire.

When it comes to taking care of your jewelry – be sure that you take it off before taking care of your laundry. This is important to avoid the risk of losing it in your laundry as well as exposing it to harmful cleaning chemicals.

Do you have sterling silver jewelry? As you probably know, silver is a metal which oxidizes when in prolonged contact with air. To keep your silver nice and shiny, get into the habit of softly rubbing it weekly with a polishing cloth. If there is grime on your silver jewelry, simply use a soft, moist cloth to remove it. Dry the piece thoroughly and then use a polishing cloth to restore the shine.

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.

Remove rings and bracelets before using bleach products. Bleach can damage jewelry, causing irreparable damage. This includes washing powder, liquid detergent, and even bathing in a chlorine treated hot tub or swimming pool. If you happen to get any kind of bleach product on your jewelry, wash it immediately using clear warm water, and dry with a soft cloth.

Know yourself and be true to your style and preferences when considering a jewelry purchase. An artsy, Bohemian turquoise necklace that looks fantastic on the Volkswagen-driving mom down the street will not get much wear on your own body if you leave the house every day in a business suit with pumps. Don’t be tempted to think you’ll wear a piece of jewelry that is contrary to your inherent personality.

As this article shows, there are myriads of ways to accessorize an outfit with jewelry. So girls, keep these tricks in mind when you are putting together every outfit, and you are sure to end up on the top of everyone’s best dressed list. Thanks to these recommendations you will never be afraid of your jewelry box again.