There are many reasons why people would choose to purchase jewelry. Whether it’s a special occasion like an anniversary, a birthday or just a gesture to show you care, jewelry can be a wonderful gift. Other people treat themselves to jewelry to make a good impression at a job interview or when meeting with a client. This article has some great tips on selecting jewelry that will help you to find something that truly speaks for you.
When making jewelry and you want to turn a bead into a linked piece, take an eye pin and thread it through the bead’s hole. Let the bead slide to the bottom of the eye pin. Directly above the bead, use your pliers to bend the eye pin approximately 45 degrees. Using wire cutters, trim this to about half an inch in length. Using small round pliers, grasp the tip of the wire and start looping it around the pliers tip. Don’t give up if your eye pin loop is not directly round – practice makes perfect!
Taking good care of your jewelry is important if you want it to last. Different metals, stones, and settings have different needs to ensure proper maintenance. Each piece is individual in its needs so don’t assume what works well for one piece will work well for all. Ask a jeweler when you do not know how to take care of your jewelry.
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.
To keep your jewelry in top condition, never wear it to sleep. When you sleep, your body produces a lot of sweat and gives off a lot of heat, both of which can cause serious damage to jewelry. Sweat can cause it to tarnish or rust, while the heat can cause soft metals to deform.
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.
Take a look at the jewelry a person already owns to get a feel for what they like. When you select gift jewelry, your intended recipient will appreciate jewelry that suits his or her style and taste. Pieces they already own – and especially ones they wear regularly – will point you in the direction of new jewelry they will love.
Post pictures of you working in your studio if you are going to sell jewelry online. Many sites buy their pieces abroad and sell them at a higher price. If you do that, be honest and open about it. Using pictures of your studio will show people that you are really selling your work.
To get cheaper rates on your jewelry-making supplies, try to take advantage of discounts and sales. Several chain hobby and craft stores sell basic supplies that you can use when making jewelry (such as thread, pliers, beads, etc), and these frequently can go on sale, sometimes up to 50% off. If you need to purchase items that are not sold in local stores, do research online before settling on a place to purchase from.
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.
Avoid storing multiple bracelets and/or multiple necklaces together, especially if they’re thin. They can easily tangle and outright tear while you’re trying to get them untangled. If you’re storing them in the same box, pick up some small bags to keep them in separately. A little time to separate could save you some big money.
A simple string of pearls makes the most elegant jewelry gift, suitable for all ages and styles. Best of all, pearls come in such a variety of sizes, that they are affordable to anyone. A single strand of pearls, no matter the size, is a stunning addition to any woman’s jewelry wardrobe and can be worn with everything from jeans and a shirt to an evening gown.
Invest in a jewelry box. If you keep your jewelry in different compartments of a jewelry box, it will protect your pieces from scratching one another and will slow tarnishing. When storing pearls in your jewelry box, an added measure is to place them in a piece of natural material such as a cotton pouch.
If you are wearing a dress or blouse with an attractive pattern, a lot of embroidery, lace or other focal point, skip wearing a necklace. Instead, focus on earrings and rings that will complement and enhance the interesting points of your clothing. Simple anklets are also a nice touch with ornate clothing.
Some people have a sensitivity to many metals that precludes them from wearing much metal jewelry. The miracle of modern engineering has developed some hypoallergenic metals such as surgical stainless steel or titanium that are better suited to many of them and allows them to wear chain necklaces, traditional-looking rings, and earrings.
As stated in the beginning, there are several reasons why someone may want to purchase jewelry. As long as this jewelry reflects the person that will be wearing it, nothing else matters. Keep the tips in this article in mind, when selecting jewelry for yourself or as a gift for someone else and you’ll be sure to find something suitable.
