Jewelry 101: What You Need To Know

Jewelry is almost always a wonderful gift idea for a special woman, especially if you don't have many other ideas of what to get her. Read these tips to find out how to select meaningful Dstyling. Bring a magnet when shopping for sterling silver jewelery. You are able to detect fake pieces of sterling jewelry with a magnet, as non-precious metals are attracted by the magnet. In addition, sterling silver pieces are always stamped with silver hallmarks indicating such factors as the degree of purity, the manufacturer's symbol, and the date of manufacture. Some of the most common hallmarks are "925, "ster," "sterling," and "sterling silver." If there is no hallmark, the piece is probably not authentic and may, indeed, be counterfeit. www.dstyling.com Know the type of gem you're buying, when you buy it. The types of gems available are synthetic, imitation and natural. You have to know that imitation refers to colored plastic. Natural stones are mined, and synthetic stones are created in a laboratory. When you're considering a diamond purchase, plan on shopping around and making comparisons. Compare the jewelery you like with others that are similar; make sure to examine the pieces closely. Keep an eye out for deceptive tricks to cause you to think a diamond is better than it actually is. If you like to collect costume jewelry pieces, become very choosy about each piece's condition. Even though it is not as expensive as its precious counterpart, costume jewelry represents a significant investment, one that can be lost if the pieces are allowed to get worn and broken. A piece that is in excellent condition will increase in value. Caring for your jewelry properly is important; you should definitely give it some consideration. Depending on the metals and stones used in your jewelry, along with how they are set, you will need different maintenance methods. A treatment that polishes one stone may scratch another stone. Go ahead and ask a professional jeweler to find out exactly how you should be caring for your jewels. If you're shopping for an individual who likes unique pieces of jewelry, you should consider purchasing an item that is made specifically for this person. Besides affection and admiration, an ideal jewelry gift expresses creativity and thoughtfulness. A custom-made piece selected to suit the recipient's personality is an excellent way for you to demonstrate these feelings. A brooch will add a little character to your belt. Think about placing it near your hip or at waist level. To preserve the pristine look of your jewelry, apply your make-up first, wait for it to set, then put on your jewelry. Your jewelry attracts dust and particles from cosmetics; if you apply makeup after you put on your jewelry, the particles will make it look dull. This applies to necklaces and earrings more than anything else. Gems are given chemical treatments in the process of cutting, polishing and setting. When you are thinking of buying, ask what treatment a stone was given. Gemstone treatment can affect the type of care the piece needs. Some cleaning solutions that work perfectly well on untreated gems can strip off treatments, and even damage stones, if you use them on treated gems. It is easy to find jewelry on sale. Jewelry sales offer big savings. Scope out the sales in every store you can find. If you buy the older fashions that are from the previous season, you can save a lot of money. It has been said already, but jewelry is rarely, if ever, the wrong choice for that perfect gift. Ideally, you can learn from the advice you've just picked up and be a little smarter when you make your next jewelry-related decision.