Everything You Want To Know About Jewelry
Human beings have been adorning themselves with bright and shiny objects for almost as long as civilization has existed. Jewelry can be simple adornment or it can signify any number of things. Jewelry can denote your position in society, a protection against evil, or membership to a society or clan. It can take the form of expensive gemstones, or be as simple as leather and bone.
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.
It is sometimes hard to stand out from the crowd or find a meaningful piece of jewelry. Jewelry stores usually sell the same type of designs that prove to be a bore after a while. Go bold and purchase handmade artisan jewelry instead. Handmade jewelry will always be a success due to its one-of-a-kind nature. You will never see anyone else wearing the same thing as you and you will also be supporting an artist instead of an import company relying on low wage labor.
When choosing your wedding band set, keep in mind the jewelry you already own and regularly wear. A yellow gold wedding band isn't the best choice if most of the jewelry you already own is white gold or silver. You will most likely be wearing your wedding band every day. Make sure it's not only something you like, but something that matches what you already own.
If you purchase any diamond over one carat, you need to get proof. Any diamond included in jewelry that is over one carat should come with a diamond grading report. This should be done by an independent gem grader and the report should include any information that could potentially affect its value.
To avoid a tacky amount of jewelry keep to the rule of two. Two great pieces at a time is the most you should attempt in one outfit. Choose a bracelet and a necklace, a necklace and a ring, or ring and a bracelet. Keep it simple for maximum effect.
If you are lucky enough to have a nice piece of emerald jewelry, then you will want to be careful in how you clean it, as it requires special care. You can soak it in cool water and then briefly brush it. Do not use hot water, steam or extreme heat, and cleaning with harsh solutions should be avoided.
When buying jewelry for someone it is important to consider what he or she does on a daily basis. You do not want to give a mother with toddlers a necklace, as she will not be able to wear it when she is around her children. Toddlers love to pull on necklaces and it could hurt the mother's neck or cause the necklace to break. She would then feel guilt and no one wants that.
Never swim with your jewelry on. Chlorine is a very strong and harsh chemical that can damage and dull your precious pieces. Salt water is equally as bad for your jewelry. It is advisable to remove all jewelry prior to participating in any water sports to protect and extend the life of your jewelry.
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.
Remove rings and bracelets before using bleach products. Bleach can damage jewelry, causing irreparable damage. This includes washing powder, liquid detergent, and even bathing in a chlorine treated hot tub or swimming pool. If you happen to get any kind of bleach product on your jewelry, wash it immediately using clear warm water, and dry with a soft cloth.
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.
Gold jewelry can be effectively cleaned with one teaspoon of ammonia, one teaspoon of dish soap, and one cup of water. The dish soap will act as a de-greaser, while the ammonia has an oxidation quality. You can use this as your regular cleaner for gold jewelry, but never use it on precious stones.
Remove your jewelry! Now is the time to break the bad habit of sleeping in your jewelry! Jewels and stones can become dislodged by thrashing and turning over, and then become lost in the sheets and bedding. Delicate gold and silver chains are also more easily snapped or broken during the nightly, tossing and turning!
If you have jewelry that is very valuable, you need to make sure that the items are insured in case of a robbery. You can also make use of a safety deposit box to protect your items while you are not using them. Keeping your jewelry safe is important, so take the time to insure that it is protected.
When purchasing a diamond, always ask for a diamond certificate. It may cost you a bit more, but it's worth it. To get insurance on a diamond, you need a certificate as it provides the exact details about your diamond. If for some reason you must sell your diamond, having a certificate will enable you to get more money for the stone.
Crowns, tiaras, necklaces, rings, and any other variety, it is all just jewelry and has been a part of human civilization for as long as can be remembered. While the styles and processes for making it have changed and some of the purposes changed, there is always the consistent purpose to jewelry, to adorn and beautify the human form.
