Taking the next step into the wondrous and complex land of jewelry can sometimes be quite challenging. Choosing the right pieces, buying at the best prices, cleaning without ruining, or selling to make a profit, are all fraught with a certain difficulty. However, by keeping the helpful tips listed below in mind, you will soon find yourself acting like a pro in the field!
Do not use any chemicals on your jewelery stones. This will result in damage to both the stones and the metal of the piece.
If you have a light ivory skin tone with darker hair, consider purchasing jewelry in silver, white gold or platinum. The silvery colors look elegant set against an ivory skin tone especially if you have brown or black hair. Make sure to choose darker gemstones such as green, black or deep blue.
The world of body piercing has taken body jewelry to new heights. Many people like the feeling of having their tongues pierced, but having metal jewelry in your mouth can be damaging to your teeth. There are many colorful options available for plastic tongue jewelry that is safer for your mouth and won’t make your dentist cringe.
Nothing tells a woman you care like buying her jewelry with her birthstone. The fact that you took the time to research her birth date, and then her birthstone, will show her that you are willing to take the time to make her happy. No woman can turn that down!
When buying jewelry on eBay, it helps to know exactly what you’re looking for. There can be thousands of listings for a single type of jewelry. Avoid frustration by knowing the style and color you want before you begin looking. Unlike a brick and mortar store, it can take hours to browse through everything online.
When packing for a vacation, planning your jewelry is as important as planning your outfits. Since you can’t take your whole jewelry box, plan your outfits in advance and think about what jewelry you’ll be able to wear with multiple outfits. When checking your bags, never pack any jewelry that you absolutely can’t bear to lose. If you can’t live without it, wear it or leave it at home.
If you’re making your own earrings, go to a welding supply store to purchase aluminum wire. You can purchase the wire there in a spool, which is far less expensive than buying it in smaller quantities. Some aluminum wire is also hypoallergenic, making it the perfect choice for individuals with sensitive ears.
Metal allergies can make wearing any type of jewelry, most especially wrist watches, itchy and painful. A simple way to alleviate the itch that some non-precious metals (common in many watch cases) can cause, change your watch band to one made of leather or cloth and then apply a coat of clear nail polish to the back of your watch. The nail polish, while not permanent, can easily be reapplied when needed and protects your skin from being in direct contact with the metal case of the watch. If the buckle of that new watch band is metal, don’t forget to give it a coating of nail polish as well. Even that tiny bit of metal can cause some serious discomfort to those with sensitivities.
If your pierced ears are sensitive to metal posts, try painting them with clear nail polish. Sensitive ears can be itchy, painful and red. By applying a thin coating of clear nail polish, the metal is covered and no longer presents a problem. You may wear your favorite earrings in comfort!
Do not swim while wearing jewelry. The chlorine in swimming pools can ruin a piece of jewelry. Over time, salt water can also cause damage. It is advisable to remove all jewelry prior to participating in any water sports to protect and extend the life of your jewelry.
When it comes to taking care of your jewelry be sure to not transfer it between a wide range of temperatures in a short amount of time. This is important so that you do not cause stress fractures in your jewelry. Metals naturally expand with temperature change, however damage can occur if the change happens quickly.
Don’t store your jewelry in the bathroom or laundry room. Any space where the humidity is normally high, or where the temperature fluctuates drastically, can lead to damage of your precious jewelry. Instead, store it in a climate-controlled location such as your bedroom, perhaps inside or on top of a dresser.
Do not let a seller talk you into something you cannot afford or do not really like. Some sellers are excellent at what they do, but remember that you are the one making the decision. You should ask for advice, but keep in mind that the sellers’ best interest is to see you buy something expensive.
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.
If a piece of jewelry starts to darken or turn black, the problem may not be a matter of quality of the piece. This effect can actually be traced to a high acid content in the wearer’s skin. Often, but not always, a high acid content may also indicate a higher probability of an allergic reaction to metal alloys.
So, after reading and applying the helpful tips listed above, you should feel a bit more at ease in the wonderland that is jewelry. You should feel empowered and ready to act like a seasoned trader. What a wonderful hobby or business involvement with jewelry can be!
