What jewelry represents is almost as interesting as actually wearing it. Jewelry can bring back memories of an important event or occasion and provides a way for people to show how much they care about each other. When you understand how jewelry works, it makes the whole process more memorable.
Harsh chemicals and solvents can damage the finish of your jewelry and should never be used to clean it. Doing so can damage the shine and luster of the stones on your favorite pieces.
When you go shopping for sterling silver jewelry pieces, take with you a magnet and a monocle. If the piece you are examining is not silver and is made from non-precious metal, it will be attracted to the magnet. True sterling silver will also have a mark on it to indicate its quality, such as “0.925” or “ster”. If you don’t see such a mark, you might want to reconsider the purchase. This is usually an indication that the piece is fake.
If you are shopping unmarked sterling silver jewelry, then by all means bring a magnet. Metals that aren’t precious will connect to the magnet, signaling that it is fake. You can recognize sterling silver by stamps that say ‘.925’ or ‘ster’. If there is no hallmark, watch its authenticity since it may be fake.
Your jewelry should endure an entire lifetime. Go to a dealer you can trust to make sure you get a quality item at a fair price. A valuable piece of jewelry will be well-made and feature superior craftsmanship. The jeweler should be able to give you a history on the piece, like who crafted it and where the stones came from if there are any. When you are looking for jewelry of the highest quality, it is important to be careful in your choice, as you want something that will last a lifetime.
Keep your jewelry from tarnishing as best as you can. If possible, remove your jewelry if you are around water. Exposure can result in tarnishing, rusting or dulling of different metals. If you are looking to protect your jewelry from the ill effects of water, try applying clear nail polish, just a thin layer, on the piece itself.
As mentioned earlier, jewelry is a great gift almost any time. Even the most delicate necklace or a modest pair of diamond earrings can make a big difference to the wearer. There are things you should know about how to take care of your own jewelry, too. Consider the tips mentioned here and use them to enhance your enjoyment of special pieces of jewelry for years to come.
