From spicing up your look to signifying status, jewelry has always been interesting to humans. Precious metals dug from the earth and even mesmerizing pearls found under the water have been a fascination to humans for a long time. There is jewelry for different occasions and in different price ranges. It can cost from a few dollars to millions of dollars, so there is sure to be some kind of jewelry for everyone out there.
The best tool for any jewelry hunter, whether searching for personal treasure or for the profit in reclaiming gold or silver, is a jeweler’s loupe. Jeweler’s loupes are small, but powerful magnifying instruments designed specially for use in examining jewelry at very close range. Some jeweler’s loupes also have a built-in, battery-powered light which can be very handy if examining pieces in a dimly lit area. Most jeweler’s loupes are extremely economical in cost and can help you make the most of your jewelry-buying dollar, especially when buying from second-hand sources.
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.
Men are very picky about the jewelry they wear, especially when they are gifted some that may seem feminine. When selecting jewelry for a man, make sure it something that goes with the way that they dress. Also, when selecting what you will get for him make sure that it is subtle and not flashy.
Buy brightly colored jewelry to pair with the same black clothing. The same little black dress can seem like a completely new and exciting outfit simply by adding different accessories. Brightly colored jewelry will stand out against a dark color as well as giving you a dynamic look.
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.
When buying vintage jewelry, become familiar with the different time periods associated with each piece. A Victorian era piece may interest you more than one of a different era, so knowing the differences will help you be able to quickly spot the pieces you are most interested in purchasing, rather than spending lots of time browsing.
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.
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 have the cash resources, consider buying findings, fasteners, chains, and beads in larger quantities; most jewelry and craft suppliers offer significant discounts on large orders to encourage quick inventory turnover. Your jewelry-making business will consume less cash, but only if you purchase large quantities of items that can be used in a variety of pieces and styles.
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.
To help you clean and maintain your jewelry in top condition, remember to polish your gold and silver with a jewelry polishing cloth. Alternatives, such as a regular cloth or paper towel, have the potential to damage your gold or silver because they are not gentle enough for these delicate precious metals.
Avoid letting your jewelry come into contact with chemicals, such as those found in hairspray, lotion, perfume and other products. Some chemicals can stain or otherwise damage precious metals and stones. Porous stones like pearls, opal or turquoise should not be submersed in water for long, either, to prevent damage.
To take care of your diamond jewelry all you need is a baby toothbrush, ammonia, water and a soft cloth. You soak your jewelry in a little bit of ammonia mixed with water and then scrub it softly with the toothbrush. This will help remove all of the grime that builds up on it. Then rinse it off with water and dry with the cloth. It will shine like new after this.
Some people choose to clean their fine jewelry with warm water and mild soap. For most pieces of fine jewelry, this is an acceptable means of cleaning. Just make sure you rinse the jewelry well and dry it thoroughly with a soft, clean cloth. Both silver and gold may tarnish if it is not dried well.
While gold is often mixed with other metals in large amounts, platinum tends to be more pure. The most popular type is 900 Platinum, which is 90 percent platinum. Since there is so little of other metals used in the pieces platinum is considered hypoallergenic and is the preferred metal of people with allergies.
Once you realize the impact jewelry has not only on feeling good about yourself, but on how other people will perceive you, you will understand how important it is to know what jewelry symbolizes. You will find that your status can sometimes be determined by the type of jewelry you wear and that you don’t have to always go all out because you can find affordable jewelry as well.
