There is really no point in trying to procure jewelry if you have no idea what qualities to look for when you are searching. You should also know what steps you need to take to keep your jewelry in the best condition possible so that it will have a much longer life. The following article is full or helpful ideas for buying and maintaining your beautiful jewelry.

Try not to bathe or swim in your fine jewelry. Many times the type of water (hard versus soft) can splash and wear the metal jewelry or stain the stone. There are also chemicals like chlorine found in many swimming pools that can turn stones and badly stain metal jewelry.

Do research on your fine stones, especially if you engage in regular activities that may chip or completely cause them to break into pieces. Not all stones are created equal. Some quartz, peridot, amethyst, to name a few, are among the most fragile stones and will require very gentle wear, care and storage.

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.

When dealing with jewelry that will displayed as part of you, it is important to trust the store that is selling you their items. If you trust them, it more likely they will not give you low quality pieces of jewelry. A company that you trust will give the feeling you that you made a good decision.

If you have a ring that’s too large, you don’t have to pay to get it re-sized. You can get a ring guard. A ring guard is a small, plastic tube with a slit. Press the ring into the slit, and the plastic will make the ring fit tighter. You may also be able to buy a multipack of different sizes and shapes.

Don’t buy novelty jewelry unless you know for sure that the person you’re buying it for will like it. If your wife is a fan of Sleeping Beauty, then a dwarf pendant is an appropriate gift. Don’t just buy an item of jewelry because it’s cute, make sure it’s appropriate, too.

When buying jewelry as a gift, buy something that can be worn every day. Diamond stud earrings are an excellent choice as they go with anything. Watches are also a very utilitarian option, just make sure it’s classy but casual enough that she could wear it to work. Neutral colors are also an excellent choice.

When giving a piece of jewelry to a significant other, an important tip to keep in mind is to remember that timing is critical. Besides giving the wrong gift for the wrong reason, you also want to avoid giving the right gift at the wrong time. The basic rule is that the more elaborate the gift is, the more extravagant the moment should be.

If you are attempting to sell jewelry online, it is important to present the item in a flattering manner. Your customer can’t actually see the jewelry, so they must make the decision solely based on your pictures. Take photos that clearly focus on the jewelry, without a distracting background.

Use jewelry in a bold, unexpected color to pick up an accent color in your outfit. If you are wearing a skirt with a floral, plaid or striped print, match your necklace, earrings or bracelets to a color used in the design. This is a great way to add more color to an otherwise subdued outfit, and it can pull your look together nicely.

While it’s easy to point the finger at the metals in your jewelry causing your skin irritation, it could be as simple as the jewelry needing a good cleaning. Since bacteria and dirt can build up on your jewelry causing irritation, a warm water and gentle soap cleaning is recommended to rid the irritants and hopefully the bad reaction as well.

Keep your jewelry in place with a strong clasp or closure. It is extremely easy to lose your valuable chains, pendants and stones with jewelry that has a flimsy clasp. For very expensive necklaces and bracelets, at least one safety clasp is recommended. There are those who add one or two extra clasps to their expensive jewelry items to be certain of their safety.

You don’t have to buy expensive cleaning solutions to clean your jewelry. Warm water and a few drops of dish-washing liquid is sufficient for cleaning gold, diamonds, and most gemstones. Harsh chemicals can damage the finish of your jewelry.

Don’t wash your hands while wearing inexpensive or costume jewelry, this can damage the finish. Even though these pieces may not have much monetary value, they can be highly sentimental and should be cared for with the same respect as precious jewelry. Place it in a pocket or in your purse before you wash your hands, so that you don’t leave them behind.

Don’t buy a piece of jewelry based solely on the brand. Most people will not really know where you discovered the piece. Sellers try to get you to buy brand name jewelry just because it is more expensive. You’ll be able to find high-quality jewelry from any number of brands.

Be ready to make alterations for your customers. People do not want to buy something that everybody has, or that will not fit them right. It is relatively easy to make a bracelet or necklace longer or shorter. Offer these alterations for free or at a small price and your customers will be satisfied.

If you are careful and adhere to many of the tips that you have read here then you should be on your way to obtaining some lovely pieces of jewelry. Now you will know the best buying methods and the best ways to care for these very treasured possessions.