Whether it’s for you or a loved one, jewelry can really brighten one’s day. It can be difficult, though, to know exactly what you’re getting yourself into. How can you know you’re getting the best? How do you even know what kind of jewelry to get? How is it to be maintained? This article will give you some tips to make your choices a little easier.

Only purchase jewelry from well known retailers. If you are looking to purchase gold, silver or platinum make sure that the retailer has a professional set up and that their products come with a guarantee. Do not purchase from unknown vendors who claim that the jewelry they are selling at a discount price is made from real precious metals or gemstones, they are often imported fakes.

Many people see jewelry labeled as sterling silver plated and oftentimes think they’ve hit the jackpot when they purchase it at a very low price. In this case unfortunately, you do get what you pay for. This type of jewelry only contains a very thin coating of sterling silver on top of a cheap metal which can usually be identified as copper. The jewelry will eventually tarnish and cause the copper to show through underneath with enough wear.

When storing your fine jewelry in a chest or case, wrap each piece in a small piece of velvet cloth. That way harder gemstones will not scratch softer gemstones and metals. It also helps pieces not get tangled with themselves and the velvet helps to keep the pieces safe from excess moisture.

To make sure your necklace matches your outfit, look for pieces that mimic your neckline. If you’re wearing a v-neck top, pair it with a dramatic necklace that has angular elements. To compliment a scoop necked shirt, look for a necklace that’s rounded. A boatneck top looks best with a long, dangling necklace.

To dress up a knit top or a T-shirt, pair it with a long necklace that has a simple style. Long necklaces will add visual interest to your top, but keeping them basic will prevent them from overpowering your look. Try wearing thin layered necklaces or a necklace with a Y-shape.

Never use solutions or chemicals on emeralds. Chemicals, especially ammonia, will degrade emeralds to the point that they are unrecognizable. Emeralds are especially porous gemstones, so make sure to take great care when cleaning and storing these precious stones. If you are not careful with these, they will quickly lose their worth.

When you are giving a piece of jewelry to a significant other, you must do detective work as soon as you have an idea of the type of jewelry you will purchase. The real challenge is finding out exactly what that piece of jewelry should be. You should try to notice what kind of jewelry your significant other wears to get an idea of the piece of jewelry you should purchase.

You do not have to spend a mint on your jewelry. Don’t underestimate a classy piece of costume jewelry as a perfect accent for your best outfit. There is a large variety of great stones that are inexpensive. If you keep your eyes open you can acquire gems at crystal prices.

This includes steam and dry saunas. The high heat and humidity in these areas can significantly damage your jewelry.

Purchasing jewelry can be expensive. You don’t want to spend a lot of money on something that you are not totally in love with. Spend the time and do the research to find something that you will truly enjoy for many years to come. Waiting for the right piece to come along will make you very happy when you finally get it.

If you have some fine jewelry or heirloom jewelry whose value you want to protect through insurance, it is wise to take excellent pictures of these pieces and to have an appraisal done by a professional. Make sure that the pictures you take are good, quality ones. Using a flash when taking these pictures will not lead to good pictures of your jewelry. It is best to capture a picture of your precious jewelry under soft, diffused fluorescent bulbs.

Don’t be afraid to play with different textures in your jewelry designs. Incorporating different types of beads (crystal, pearl, seed beads, glass, plastic, etc) will add a degree of interest to any piece. Adding in alternative materials, like metal rings and even fabric, will help you to create memorable, one-of-a-king jewelry pieces that will be sure to wow.

These days of sky-high gold prices makes buying gold jewelry an expensive proposition. Karat selection is a way to reduce the price of your gold jewelry. 18 karat gold is a popular option, being 75% pure the quality, as well as the price makes it an attractive choice for those in the market to purchase gold.

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.

Those little boxes that your jewelry comes in when you first purchase it make great jewelry storage containers. All you have to do is take the padding out of the box, and then you are able to store several pieces of jewelry in there. This is a safe method for storing your jewelry.

If you have trouble with your engagement ring causing your finger to break out, it may be because there is nickel in the stone’s setting. Protect your skin from this less-expensive metal by coating the inside of the setting with clear fingernail polish. Allow it to dry completely before wearing. You will need to touch it up from time-to-time.

Purchasing jewelry will be a must for most people at some point in their lives. The right piece of jewelry can make a massive impression on someone. Make sure to use the advice given in this article tin orrder to have the jewelry that will continue to be loved long into the future.