Choosing And Caring For Jewelry
Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.
Jewelry inspires passion in a lot of people. If you love your jewelry, research the proper techniques for keeping it clean and wearing it well. In this article, we will answer some of the questions that you have.
Some men do not understand the proper time and place to wear cufflinks. They are best used to embellish an already elegant shirt. Cufflinks add a finished, polished look and your cufflinks should match the shirt and suit’s style.
The ideal choker necklace should be sixteen inches long, so bear this in mind if you are shopping for one. This is a standard length; however, if it is not just right for you, simply take a measurement of you neck and subtract an inch. This will give you the ideal fit.
Properly storing anything that is of value is important to many people, and cleaning jewelry should hold the same importance. Always start by looking for damage, breaks or loose stones. These are the kinds of problems that you could accidentally make much worse when cleaning your jewelry. Get these items repaired and cleaned by a professional.
Gently rub the piece with a damp cloth, to keep the setting’s integrity. Follow this by drying it with a separate soft cloth. Avoid exposing your costume jewelry to steam cleaners or chemicals.
Rubies deserve their reputation as a very popular gemstone. While it’s true that rubies are red, there are many different shades of this color from maroon to clear deep rose pinks. Rubies are also among the most durable of gemstones, being highly resistant to chemicals and impacts. They make a great choice for jewelry due to its strength and beauty.
Take extra care when you are untangling necklaces. Instead of giving up a knotted chain as hopeless, try using plastic wrap and some clear oil. Lay the necklace out on plastic wrap, then apply baby or mineral oil. Do the untangling yourself with a pair of needles. Finally, use dish soap and dry gently with a towel.
Costume jewelry needs special care. Many of the stones and embellishments are just glued in instead of set in a professional setting. You want to avoid using strong chemicals or immersion baths on your costume jewelry. To care for it best, wipe your jewelry with a damp, warm cloth and dry it with a different cloth. This will ensure that your costume jewelry looks perfect.
When you’re considering a diamond purchase, plan on shopping around and making comparisons. Take a close look at a truly top notch diamond, and then hold everything else you consider to that standard. You should be aware that there are many deceptive people trying to sell jewelry; therefore, it is essential to learn and understand what is involved when selecting a new diamond.
Ensure that the clasps of your jewelry are sturdy and reliable. It is very easy for jewelry to be accidentally lost due to a cheap clasp collapsing and giving way. For very expensive necklaces and bracelets, at least one safety clasp is recommended. Some people may even choose to put a second or third clasp on their priceless pieces to keep them safe while wearing them.
When shopping for jewelry, think about the stones in the pieces. Choose a stone that goes well with your skin tone or the kind of clothes you wear and reflects your personality. Choose neutral colors that will easily match any outfit you decide to wear. Non-functional jewelry is just a waste of money as it will sit unused.
Everyone can get confused about jewelry from time to time. You will hopefully feel a little more confident when you tackle your next jewelry decision, thanks to this article’s tips.