Jewelry is universally beloved for many different reasons. For those who have jewelry, it is important to know a little about taking care of it correctly. This article is meant to help you in your search for some of the answers!
Do not clean your jewelry with chemicals such as bleach or ammonia. These chemicals can wreak havoc on your jewelry, from discoloring bands, to dulling stones, to eroding enamel or glue.
If you are shopping unmarked sterling silver jewelry, then by all means bring a magnet. Precious metals, like sterling silver, will not be attracted to the magnet. You can generally tell genuine sterling silver by its stamp, which will look something like “.925 ster.” If the piece you’re inspecting doesn’t carry such a mark, be careful, as it is likely a fake.
Keep your jewelry from tarnishing as best as you can. Exposure to water can affect the finish, so avoid it. Many of the metals become tarnished, rusty or dull when they get exposed to the elements of water. You can give your jewelry an additional layer of protection by applying a thin coat of clear nail polish to it.
Find out what the ideal methods are for maintaining each piece of jewelry you own. Metals, gemstones and settings all have different storage and cleaning requirements. What is beneficial to one stone or setting may hurt another. If you can’t find information about caring for a specific piece of jewelry, consult a trusted jeweler.
Take good care of your costume jewelry. A fair amount of costume pieces are set with glue. Don’t immerse costume jewelry in water or use chemicals on it. The best way to clean these pieces are to wipe them clean with a damp cloth and dry immediately with another cloth. This helps keep costume jewelry looking sparkling clean and new.
Apply your makeup and let it set before putting on jewelry. Your jewelry attracts dust and particles from cosmetics; if you apply makeup after you put on your jewelry, the particles will make it look dull. It is especially important to keep this in mind when putting on earrings and necklaces.
Some people find the appropriate selection of jewelry for particular occasions to be baffling. Others are puzzled by the pricing of precious metals and gems. With any luck, this article can help with your jewelry questions.