The jewelry you own may include heirlooms, gifts or pieces you have bought. It can be difficult to know the age or provenance of a piece of jewelry. The question is: where do you start? This article outlines many useful hints you can use to be more educated about jewelry.
The use of polishing cloths are helpful in cleaning your jewelry. In this way, you will not have to deal with chemicals or solvents while you achieve the shine you love. Simply use the two-sided polishing cloth to polish your jewelry the same way you would polish a glass. Use one side of the cloth for polishing, and the reverse to make it sparkle.
A magnet is a useful tool when shopping for jewelry in sterling silver. 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. Sterling silver will always be hallmarked with a stamp such as .925, ster. or sterling. If you don’t see a stamp of any sort on a piece, then be wary of whether it is actually silver or not.
Always be aware of the type of stone you’re buying when dealing with gems. A stone may be natural, synthetic or imitation. Imitation has little value, as it is generally plastic, while synthetic and natural are considered to be real gems. Natural comes from the ground, while synthetic ones are created in a lab.
If you want to maintain the look of your jewelry, you should prevent it from becoming tarnished. Do not wear jewelery around water. Many metals can become tarnished, rusty or dull when exposed to water too often. To protect your jewelry from exposure, apply a single coat of clear nail lacquer to its surface.
Before you purchase gemstone jewelry, you should first determine if and how the stone was treated. You have to select the type of care for your jewelry depending on its treatment. For example, improper cleaning with the wrong method may damage the stone by stripping the treatment.
Jewelry often has priceless memories attached to it. It can symbolize good times or future happiness; it is heightened via human emotions.
