When you are looking for stones you should remember a few simple tips. Going into a jewelry store without knowing what to look out for can result in you getting a piece that is not worth nearly as much as what you paid for it. Follow these tips, so that you can make the right selection.

Try not put any of your jewelry on before applying your makeup. By putting your pieces on before doing this, you risk getting them covered in things like powders and deposits from your makeup. This then collects around gem settings and on metal causing them to turn and look cheap and old.

Do not attempt to shine your silver or gold jewelry with toothpaste. It is simply an incorrect home remedy that many try to pass off as fact that it works. The chemicals in toothpaste will erode your jewelry causing the gemstones to permanently lose their luster. For only a few dollars you can buy a proper polishing cloth and jewelry shining liquid.

When buying jewelry as a gift, it is important to consider the body type of the person you are shopping for. Some body types look better with larger or smaller pieces of jewelry. Considering the body type of the recipient would make a big difference concerning whether they will actually wear the jewelry.

Clean your turquoise jewelry with warm water and a soft toothbrush. Never use chemicals on turquoise, as it is very susceptible to damage. Simply lightly scrubbing it and drying it with a soft dry cloth can keep your turquoise clean and undamaged, allowing it to last much longer than if you were to use any solutions.

Read all your warranties and guarantees. Carefully paying attention to all the details in both of these can help you prevent any major issues from coming up. If you find any issues in the warranties or guarantees, you can correct them before you take the jewelry you’ve bought out of the store.

When determining the type of jewelry you should purchase for your significant other, you should always remember that quality does count. Even though you should always aim to make your purchase an affordable one, you do not want to sacrifice quality. When you have a set price, shop around for a good deal.

Don’t worry about how much your jewelry costs. What is most important is that the pieces you choose reflect your individuality. It doesn’t matter whether you paid one dollar or a thousand, if you love the piece wear it with confidence. It is also perfectly acceptable to mix high and low cost jewelry.

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 choose to make and sell jewelry at craft bazaars or flea markets, take time to ensure that each piece has a clearly marked price tag that cannot be tampered with, yet can be removed without damaging the merchandise. Although nobody likes to think that theft can happen to them, it is best to protect your investment of time and money.

When you purchase jewelry to give as a gift, make sure you select pieces that are appropriate to the relationship you have to the recipient. The cost, style and material of gift jewelry all say a lot about the way the giver feels about the receiver. Be sure that your gift does not imply a relationship that does not exist.

Gold is too soft and needs to be mixed with other metals so that it can be hard and last longer. When you see the carat weight of gold that signifies how much gold is actually in the piece as opposed to other substances. Ten karat is the lowest that is available legally, and that is just 42% gold.

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.

In order to keep your jewelry at its best, remove your jewelry before doing house cleaning, going swimming, performing personal care such as using lotion and bathing, or before exposing yourself to extreme heat or cold. The metal in your jewelry can tarnish or even crack if it is exposed to harsh chemicals such as chlorine, or if it is rapidly heated and cooled.

When stitching peyote rings for your jewelry design, try stitching around a small dowel or pencil. This will help the peyote rings keep their shape while you are working on the jewelry pieces. They are also easily removable (just slide them out!). This works great for beginners who struggle with maintaining the shape of the rings and stitching at the same time.

Make heads turn with unique crystal or onyx pieces. Be friendlier with your wallet and you may just like the results.

Carnelian is a beautiful semiprecious stone very popular for use in jewelry. The fiery orange, yellow and red swirls are often spectacularly carved into ornate shapes that catch the light in dangling pieces like pendants or dangling earrings, but can also be found in such pieces as rings and bracelets.

A beautiful stone that many do not know about is Alexandrite. Depending upon the lighting levels, the stone may appear alternately green or purple. It is frequently found in pendants, rings, or earrings.

While it may seem like buying jewelry can be a long and tedious process, it is actually not as taxing as it sounds. You should have fun and enjoy browsing, but just be sure to keep an eye out for things that do not seem like they are what they should be.