There are a lot of things to know about jewelry, whether you are giving it as gift, receiving a gift yourself, or caring for a piece passed down to you. Where can you find information on this ancient human tradition? Read on to discover a few handy tips that can make you a wiser owner, buyer and giver of jewelry.
Be cautious about your jewelry storage. It is better to use boxes, compartments, holders, and hooks for keeping pieces separate. Never simply throw piles of jewelry in a box. Not only can this harm the fine and fragile pieces, but things like necklaces can get severely tangled up with other necklaces or other jewelry.
Look at what they are wearing now. Do they like hoops or studs? Does the person prefer chokers or loose fitting necklaces? These types of observations will provide a starting point to purchase an item they’ll cherish.
When you are shopping for jewelry in sterling silver, be sure to examine the piece closely, and take along a magnet for metal testing. You can tell if a piece of silver is sterling or not by using a magnet. Sterling will not react to the magnet, but non-precious metals will be attracted. Another way to tell if a metal is sterling silver is to check for a hallmark stamp, for example .sterling, .ster, or .925. If your silver is not marked, it could be because it is not real!
A piece of jewelry should be long lasting. It is important to invest in a quality piece of jewelry, so only work with respected and reputable jewelers. A valuable piece of jewelry will be well-made and feature superior craftsmanship. A credible jeweler should offer a complete history of the piece, including information about the creator and the source of the gemstones. You need to buy quality jewelry so that you can pass it down as an heirloom.
Costume jewelry needs special care. Costume jewelry is often put together using glue and other adhesives, unlike stoned that are set using metal. Don’t submerge costume jewelry in water or clean it with abrasives. Use a gentle cloth, like microfiber, to clean it. One wet, then another, dry. This keeps dirt from building up and making your jewelry look dull.
Well, it’s easy when you know how. This article has just touched on a few of things that you should know about this very rewarding hobby. There is much to learn, but at least you’ve now got a few good ideas to put to work.
