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.
Take a polishing cloth to each piece of jewelry in your collection. This is a natural way to shine all of your jewelry without relying on abrasives or other harsh chemicals. You use the special cloth to polish your jewelry just like you would polish your silverware. First use the polishing side, and finish with the other side to make it shine.
When shopping for diamonds, make sure that you shop for them based on their four main criteria: color, cut, clarity, and carat. The color refers to the hue of the stone. The cut refers to the way that the stone is fashioned, such as princess and square cuts. Clarity refers to the flawlessness of the stone. The carat refers to the weight of the stone.
When trying to shop for diamonds, make sure to take your time. Diamonds, unlike things like computers and cars, will not go bad on you. They should last a lifetime. Also, for the price ranges that these stones run, you should not buy them on impulse. Take your time and create the special piece for you or someone you care about.
Buy brightly colored jewelry to pair with the same black clothing. The same little black dress can seem like a completely new and exciting outfit simply by adding different accessories. Brightly colored jewelry will stand out against a dark color as well as giving you a dynamic look.
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.
Buying used jewelry is an option to consider, as well. Used jewelry can be found in consignment and pawn stores, art galleries, estate sales, jewelers, or in some cases, yard sales. Before you consider used jewelry, research the type of piece you think you are looking for, so that when you see it at one of these places, you will be able to determine if the item is indeed legitimate or just a reproduction.
While gold is often mixed with other metals in large amounts, platinum tends to be more pure. The most popular type is 900 Platinum, which is 90 percent platinum. Since there is so little of other metals used in the pieces platinum is considered hypoallergenic and is the preferred metal of people with allergies.
To get cheaper rates on your jewelry-making supplies, try to take advantage of discounts and sales. Several chain hobby and craft stores sell basic supplies that you can use when making jewelry (such as thread, pliers, beads, etc), and these frequently can go on sale, sometimes up to 50% off. If you need to purchase items that are not sold in local stores, do research online before settling on a place to purchase from.
Remember to combine large and very ornate jewelry with simple outfits. Try wearing something like a black skirt and white top in order to show off your piece of jewelry.
Invest in tools to help you stay organized. Jewelery making can involve a lot of small pieces. Investing in containers with smaller compartments inside or using tackle boxes for storing your jewelery is always a good way to stay organized. Your creative ventures will go a lot smoother this way.
Topazes are a beautiful and classic gemstone for jewelry. Their classic deep gold color matches beautifully with most clothing. While topaz jewelry is often found as cut stones in pendants, they can also be found as insets in pins and other types of jewelry. They can also be found in blue.
When you are purchasing jewelry for a significant other, make sure you keep the receipt. It is incredibly hard to pick out jewelry for another person; do not be upset if what you choose does not suit their taste or style. Allow them to have the option of exchanging the item for something else they would wear more often.
To keep simple costume jewelry pieces from tarnishing, chipping or discoloring, simply coat them with a layer of clear acrylic nail polish. While you would not want to do this with real gold or silver, this simple and cost effective solution works great to protect the glossy finish of plated pieces.
One of the most important things to consider when you are using jewelry to complete you overall outfit, is that the accessories should never overshadow your natural beauty or be way outside the realm of your style. Let your natural beauty dictate the outfit and the accessories.
Before you go shopping for the engagement ring, it is a good idea to have some basic knowledge on the price of diamonds and how much you plan to spend. Diamond shopping can evoke plenty of emotions for both the buyer and the recipient. Avoid tossing your predetermined budget out the window when the enthusiasm and euphoria takes over.
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.
