One of the many remarkable things about broches, rings, necklaces, and bracelets is the power to captivate people of all cultures and eras with their beauty and design. Jewelry has always held a special place in the annals of history, fashion, and even anthropology. With these sparkling, hand-picked tips you will find new ways to appreciate and enjoy jewelry.
Do research on your fine stones, especially if you engage in regular activities that may chip or completely cause them to break into pieces. Not all stones are created equal. Some quartz, peridot, amethyst, to name a few, are among the most fragile stones and will require very gentle wear, care and storage.
When cleaning silver, it is best to invest in a jeweler’s rouge cloth. It has a polishing compound on the red side which is safe to use with all gemstones, and the yellow side is intended for giving a polish that will sparkle. This will keep your jewelry looking gorgeous for a long time to come!
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.
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.
If you like to buy costume jewelry, make sure that you examine the condition carefully. 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. Jewelry that’s in good repair can be a much better investment.
When buying jewelry, think about what kind of stone would be right. The gemstone you choose should work with your skin tone and suit your personality. If you choose a neutral color it will match anything you wear. If it isn’t a functional piece, you will not use it and it is pointless to purchase it.
Never wear any jewelry, especially gold pieces, in a swimming pool. The chlorine and other chemicals used to keep pools clean can cause rapid deterioration of the composition of your jewelry. Make sure you remove all pieces, including earrings or other piercings that you may not remove for any other occasion.
Know what to ask your salesperson. Find out if the gemstone you are interested in is natural, synthetic or imitation. Natural gems cost the most because they have a higher cost to attain them. Synthetic gems are man-made and are easier to get, so they are cheaper. Imitations are the cheapest overall, but, of course, they are not be of the best quality.
To help jewelry maintain its maximum possible value you should aim to keep it in a pristine condition. Not only will it look better on you but it will also fetch a higher asking price should you ever decide to sell it. Semi annual trips to jewelry store for regular cleanings will help accomplish this.
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.
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.
When it comes to quality and price, don’t count synthetic gemstones out. These gems, which are created in a lab, appear remarkably similar to the real thing. Take this into consideration as you shop for your next piece of jewelry: Rather than spending exorbitant amounts of money for a natural stone, opt for an affordable synthetic stone. The money saved on the stone can go toward a more intricate or higher-quality metal, such as platinum.
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.
When you want to store your fine jewelry, you should follow the instructions that were provided with your specific piece, and follow them exactly. Generally, you do not want pieces touching each other to keep them from scratching. It is best to store your jewelry in the box or pouch it came in.
When selling jewelry online, you should offer as many guarantees as possible. The customers cannot see the piece and judge of its quality: some people might not buy jewelry online because they do not wish to trust sellers. When you offer guarantees, your customers will realize that your jewelry must be quality.
So whether you have learned a new fact, historical tidbit, or way to wear your jewelry, keep in mind that these tips are meant to be shared! Use this information to make better decisions on buying, wearing, or possibly even making your own gorgeous jewelry; think of these tips as diamonds in the rough.
