From earrings to bangle bracelets, gold rings to silver pendants, magnetic clasps jewelry comes in many shapes and sizes. There is more to know about each piece than just what color it is and how it fits. You must also pick an item that is of a quality that will last and then you must care for it. Here are some tips and tricks to help you to have a great jewelry collection.
If you have a large collection of fashion jewelry, make sure to only clean them with a damp cloth. Using polishing cloths or jewelry cleaning liquids will only eat away at the top layer causing the base metal to show through. After you are finished cleaning, keep your jewelry stored away to prevent any damage or tarnish.
When looking to invest in fine jewelry, understand the different price ranges different metals and gemstones fall into. For example, understanding that opal is very expensive, you can already figure out if you see someone selling it for under twenty dollars, it is a fake. Knowing that sterling silver is a lot cheaper than white gold, but quite similar in appearance, can help narrow down your price when looking to invest in a nice pair of earrings.
For an easy way to organize and display your earrings, attach a piece of metal screen mesh to an attractive photo or mirror frame. Paint your frame and mesh to match your decor, and attach your earrings to the mesh. You can hang the frame in your bathroom, bedroom, or closet to enjoy handy, tangle-free storage that doubles as art.
Ask about a jeweler’s insurance policy before buying anything. In the unfortunate, but possible event that your jewelry gets damaged, the jeweler will be able to replace or fix it for you. You should also think about getting additional insurance in cause of theft or loss.
When buying jewelry as a gift, buy something that can be worn every day. Diamond stud earrings are an excellent choice as they go with anything. Watches are also a very utilitarian option, just make sure it’s classy but casual enough that she could wear it to work. Neutral colors are also an excellent choice.
To create a fashion forward look on a budget, try shopping for vintage jewelry. Jewelry trends are cyclical and stylish jewelry can often be found for cheap at thrift stores. Take the time to sort through the old jewelry at your local thrift stores and flea markets. You’re likely to find some great pieces at a low cost.
To get additional usage out of your rope necklaces, try wearing them as bracelets. A rope necklace can easily be looped around your wrist to create a stylish layered bracelet. This is a great way to get extra utility out of a piece, and is especially effective if you want to change your look over the course of a day.
Always keep all of your jewelry organized in a way that makes sense to you. There are many great options for jewelry boxes and drawer organizers to help you keep your fine pieces in order. This way you know exactly where everything is when you need to wear your nicest pieces to impress!
Have your jewelry be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off, when undressing and bathing. This helps limit potential damage to your jewelry from everyday activities, and also helps remind you to put it away so that it doesn’t get misplaced. The less time you wear your jewelry, the less chance it has of becoming damaged.
Clasps
Create wire jewelry. There are so many resources available to help you get started. You can buy the supplies almost anywhere, charms, beads, dangles, special clasps plus much more. It does take quite a bit of practice, but it can be a fun hobby or even a career if you perfect it.
Pay attention to the construction of a piece of jewelry. The more claws that hold a stone in place, the better. Clasps need to be easy to open, but not flimsy. If a clasp is very thin, it could come loose or break quite easily, causing you to lose your jewelry.
When searching for antique jewelry to invest in, make sure you know what defines a piece as being an “antique.” Generally, an item is deemed to be an antique if it is 100 years or older. This can be difficult to ascertain, so you will need to either shop at a reputable antique store or do extensive research on your own. Details to look for include clasps, hooks, engravings and hinges.
If the clasps on your jewelry stick or don’t glide smoothly, use a bit of mineral or baby oil to lubricate them. You can gently rub the oil all over the clasp, then wipe the excess over the rest of the piece to keep it shiny and free from grime.
If you like making your own jewelry but just can’t get the hang of making loops for clasps or for hanging lockets or charms, a simple trick might help you turn your mangled messes into perfect curves. Instead of using the pliers to bend the metal you’re holding in your fingers, use your fingers or thumb to bend the metal around the pliers. Not only does this give you smoother loops, but it reduces or eliminates the dents that pliers can leave behind.
Learning about jewelry is an important part of ownership, so take pride in the fact that you are seeking knowledge to better yourself. It will allow you to have gorgeous pieces, which will stand the test of time, allowing you to adorn yourself with only the best. A diamond IS forever!