Jewelry is treasured the world over for its beauty and significance. From exquisite diamond rings to colorful plastic bangles, people of all ages and genders love to adorn themselves with these attractive accessories. However, jewelry isn’t simply about fashion. It has a long history, dating back nearly 100,000 years. What is the allure of jewelry? The following article provides you with a wealth of information, advice, and tips about jewelry and its many forms and functions.
If you see a ring that claims to be diamond and has a sterling silver setting, be very wary. Diamonds are only professionally set in white gold, yellow gold or platinum. Very rarely and mostly never will you see a diamond ring set in sterling silver. There are a few infrequent cases with a few low grade diamond chips set in silver, but usually this will not happen. If you see a jewelry store with this practice, they are usually selling zirconia and claiming them as diamonds.
Try opting for silver over gold. The olden days of silver being a lesser metal than gold are over. Silver is also consistently priced, while gold continues to rise in price. You don’t have to worry about karats with this metal. Just make sure to avoid nickel silver or German silver as they contain no real silver.
Like with any important purchase, make sure that you are purchasing your jewelry from an experienced jeweler, one who has a solid reputation. You need one that you can trust and who can help you find what you need. They need to be friendly too, and not just another salesperson pushing what they think you should buy. It may even be wise to spend a little more in an established store, than to risk buying what seems to be the same item from someone spurious.
If wearing earrings makes your ears feel itchy or irritated, ensure that you buy nickel-free jewelry in the future. Nickel is often used in inexpensive costume jewelry, but it can be very irritating to some people. Look for earrings with solid gold or platinum posts for the most hypoallergenic option.
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.
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.
You should check your rings periodically for loose stones or bent prongs. It is best to catch these issues early and have the ring repaired by a professional jeweler than to lose a precious stone. Most jewelers can re-tip worn prongs to ensure your stone stays secure.
One thoughtful way to increase the memorability of jewelry given as gifts is to coordinate jewelry given over time. A series of gifts, each of which matches previous pieces given, shows thoughtfulness and taste that is sure to be appreciated by the recipient. Building a matching set of jewelry through multiple gifts demonstrates a commitment to the relationship between giver and receiver.
Before purchasing a diamond ring, earrings, or pendant, familiarize yourself with the wide variety of cuts available. The Asscher cut diamond is uniquely cut, in a square shape with cropped corners. This particular cut draws the eye to the diamond and is perfect for those with an appreciation of art deco styling.
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.
When it comes to purchasing jewelry, try to look for pieces that can be worn in multiple ways. This will maximize the usability of your investment. Many jewelry items can be used for different styles, depending on how it is worn or what is used to compliment it.
When it comes to men’s jewelry fashion tips, it is important to consider the fact that gold and silver should never be mixed together. While this may seem obvious to some people, this can be a common clashing mistake for many men. No matter what part of your body it is on, do not wear silver and gold at the same time.
Sterling silver is a porous metal that oxidizes when it comes in contact with oxygen. To keep your silver jewelry looking clean and shiny, wipe any dirt or other substances off with a warm, damp cloth. Dry it thoroughly and polish with a polishing cloth to restore its natural luster and shine.
If you are wearing a simple outfit, wear bigger jewelery. This type of jewelry is best complemented by solid clothing, including the basic “little black dress.”
Shop early for wedding rings to avoid problems. Since wedding rings can typically take 6 weeks to arrive, the earlier, the better. If you are ordering custom-made jewelry it can take even longer. You may also choose to have the inside of the ring engraved, but be sure to add this to your order to avoid extra time delays.
From little girls playing dress-up with their mothers’ costume clip-on earrings to royalty around the world decked out in gem-encrusted crowns and tiaras, jewelry is a fashion that is timeless and enduring. Cherished by people of all races and cultures, jewelry is a way to add style to one’s appearance, as well as to express one’s values and beliefs. From types of jewelry to styles of jewelry to jewelry trends and fads, this article is designed to give you all the information you need to make your own informed choices when selecting a piece of jewelry to add to your collection.
