Human beings have been adorning themselves with bright and shiny objects for almost as long as civilization has existed. Jewelry can be simple adornment or it can signify any number of things. Jewelry can denote your position in society, a protection against evil, or membership to a society or clan. It can take the form of expensive gemstones, or be as simple as leather and bone.
It is sometimes hard to stand out from the crowd or find a meaningful piece of jewelry. Jewelry stores usually sell the same type of designs that prove to be a bore after a while. Go bold and purchase handmade artisan jewelry instead. Handmade jewelry will always be a success due to its one-of-a-kind nature. You will never see anyone else wearing the same thing as you and you will also be supporting an artist instead of an import company relying on low wage labor.
When buying a diamond from a jeweler, make sure that you understand what kind of stone you are purchasing. Do not buy a stone based on seeing it against a black or dark background. This is a seller’s ploy to making it appear more attractive to your eye. You will get a truer view if you ook at it under magnification.
Prevent your jewelry from tarnishing so that it keeps looking great. Avoid wearing your jewelry near water. Exposure can result in tarnishing, rusting or dulling of different metals. If you are looking to protect your jewelry from the ill effects of water, try applying clear nail polish, just a thin layer, on the piece itself.
Put the jewelry on and wear it for a bit so you can describe the comfort and fit. Doing this also tells you how well it stands up to normal daily wear.
When buying jewelry it is a good idea to personalize it. You can choose to have an engraving on the interior of the piece or on the backside of it. It should be a message that will mean something to the person who is receiving the jewelry so that they can look at the engraving and think of fond memories from the past.
You should not wear your jewelry if you plan on going for a swim or if you plan on going in any other body of water that may contain harsh chemicals. These sorts of things can cause your jewelry to age much more quickly. Protect your jewelry and be conscientious.
When it comes to taking care of your jewelry, be sure that you always remove it before using any sort of powerful chemicals. This is important because when using cleaning chemicals, it is possible that they could come into contact with your jewelry and either ruin it, or temporarily disfigure it.
When cleaning your gold jewelry, it is important to remember you should never clean it with abrasive chemical cleaners. These products will strip gold of its natural shine and luster. If you need to remove grime from hard-to-reach locations on your gold jewelry, try using a soft-bristled toothbrush, mild soap and warm water for cleaning.
For nice, even beading on your handmade jewelry, make sure that you can’t see the thread from the previous stitch before moving on. This helps the thread to remain tight, providing tension among the crystal netting. You will end up with uniform beading in your jewelry if you follow this easy tip.
With gold prices at an all-time high, buying solid gold jewelery is not always an option. There are many high quality gold plated jewelery pieces, that look just like the solid ones, but are a fraction of the price. Next time you are looking for a great piece of jewelery, consider purchasing gold plated instead.
When buying gemstones, look for synthetic, rather than imitation. Imitations gems are just colored pieces of glass. In time, the color will chip and fade because they are not made to last. Synthetic gemstones are real gemstones, they are just grown inside a laboratory. They can be a more affordable option than natural gemstones too, and just as attractive.
For unique or one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry, consider looking in places other than shopping malls. Art galleries are increasingly featuring jewelry as an art form, with showcases and openings where you can meet the designer. You can often even commission a piece based on your own style or preference. Don’t be intimidated by galleries, as they are all just people creating items that are offered for sale.
Crowns, tiaras, necklaces, rings, and any other variety, it is all just jewelry and has been a part of human civilization for as long as can be remembered. While the styles and processes for making it have changed and some of the purposes changed, there is always the consistent purpose to jewelry, to adorn and beautify the human form.