The concepts surrounding the gift of jewelry are as fascinating as the physical pieces themselves. Jewelry memorializes important and provides a way for people to show how much they care about each other. Learning about all kinds of jewelry can help you in preserving it for a longer time.

Use a soft cloth for all of your jewelry clean and free from damage. This method ensures your jewelry stays shiny without relying on abrasives or solvents. Use the two-sided cloth to polish your jewelry as though you were cleaning glass. Use one side for polishing and the other to polish it.

Clean all of your jewelry with a polishing cloth. This is a fairly simple way to achieve shine without dealing with solvents and chemicals. You can use the two-sided cloth to polish your jewelry in the same way you would polish a drinking glass. The first side is designed to polish, while the other is for adding shine.

This can dull your stones and the metal of the piece.

Sterling Silver

Do not use any chemicals on your jewelery stones. Using them may result in damage to your jewelry, may cause dulling of gemstones, and may erode enamel work.

When you are shopping for jewelry in sterling silver, be sure to examine the piece closely, along with a small magnet. You are able to detect fake pieces of sterling jewelry with a magnet, since non-precious metals are drawn to magnets. You can identify sterling silver by its markings, or alternately, it might simply say, “STERLING”. If you cannot find a stamp, then be wary.

Before adding a piece of jewelry to your collection, take a look at what’s new and trendy. The only thing that can make picking out a new piece of jewelry is getting it for a discounted price!

Jewelry should be stored in an air-tight and humid free area. To keep your jewelry properly protected, store it in a drawstring bag or jewelry box. Humid air affects the metals in jewelry and causes tarnishing. You can restore the precious metals back to their former glory, but plated jewelry is different. Trying to polish those pieces can reveal the non-precious metals underneath, such as copper.

Always check with your jeweler about an insurance policy options before buying a new piece of jewelry. If you can get insurance, you can take it back and see if they will fix it! Some jewelers even offer insurance on jewelry pieces that might have been misplaced or stolen.

Keep your jewelry from getting tarnished to preserve its best. Try not to wear jewelry away from water. Water can dull and rust some metals to lose their luster or to become tarnished or rusty.If you must take your jewelry somewhere wet, coat it thinly with clear nail polish.

When purchasing sterling silver, take along a good magnifying glass, along with a small magnet. By using the magnet you can quickly determine if the jewelry item is made of a cheaper metal and not sterling silver. In addition, sterling silver pieces are always stamped with silver hallmarks indicating such factors as the degree of purity, the manufacturer’s symbol, and the date of manufacture. Some of the most common hallmarks are “925, “ster,” “sterling,” and “sterling silver.” Be wary of pieces that lack any silver hallmarks, as this is an indication that they’re not genuine sterling silver.

Wear the jewelry around for a day so to be sure that it fits right and if it hangs right. This can also help you to see whether the piece is durable enough to last.

Consider stones when you buy jewelry. The gemstone you choose should work with your skin tone and make a statement about your personality.Neutral colored stones will work well with many different outfits.

Pay attention to the type of metal they wear, such as white gold or yellow gold. Also notice if your loved one usually wears hoops or studs. This will give you a good idea of where to start when purchasing that special item.

Costume Jewelry

You need to take special attention when caring for costume jewelry. A fair amount of costume jewelery are set in. You want to avoid immersing your costume jewelry. The best way to clean these pieces are to wipe them clean with a damp cloth and dry with another cloth. This helps keep costume jewelry clean and shiny.

When buying a new piece of jewelry, be sure to check on the current fashion trends. Getting a beautiful piece is fantastic; but it’s even better when it’s on sale!

If you are presenting a gift to someone who has their own unusual style, find a one-of-a-kind piece or commission a piece designed specifically for her. A unique ring, and it shows them that you care about them enough to buy them something that they’ll wear.

Selling, owning or buying jewelry means you are investing in something that is nearly priceless, which in itself is the memory. Jewelry is often more than just a piece of metal or stones, it is a memory from a moment in time, shrouded with emotions from the giver, as well as the recipient.

You need to know how to care for each piece in your jewelry collection. Metals, gemstones and settings all have different storage and cleaning requirements. The best way to care for a particular piece of jewelry could be harmful to a different piece. Talk with a professional if you aren’t sure what sort of care each jewel requires.