Archive | May, 2013

How To Know If Your Diamond Jewelry Is Real Or Fake

31 May

How To Know If Your Diamond Jewelry Is Real Or Fake

Chunky necklaces have been around for a long time but they have become a fashion trend. Whatever your style, you can find a beautiful necklace made of stones, gems or beads. Colorful metal can be cut into fanciful flowers or linked together to form a chunky chain. If you are interested in this trend, you can find a necklace you love at just about any price.

If you are looking to purchase sterling silver jewelry online, make sure to also purchase a silver acid testing kit. Such kits are widely available online as well for under ten dollars. They provide a safe way for you to acid test the jewelry you receive to make sure of its authenticity. This way, if you are purchasing a vintage piece that may not be hallmarked, you are still able to know that you have not been scammed.

Like with any important purchase, make sure that you are purchasing your jewelry from an experienced jeweler, one who has a solid reputation. You need one that you can trust and who can help you find what you need. They need to be friendly too, and not just another salesperson pushing what they think you should buy. It may even be wise to spend a little more in an established store, than to risk buying what seems to be the same item from someone spurious.

Important: Know what to ask your salesperson. Find out if the gemstone you are interested in is natural, synthetic or imitation.

Next time you are looking into making a jewelry purchase, you may want to consider an “out-of-the-box” place to shop. Many home-based make-up companies are spreading their wings and reaching out to a new consumer base by selling jewelry as well as make-up. The prices are usually reasonable and the merchandise ships quickly. So next time you are looking to buy some new jewelry, check out your favorite make-up rep.

Essential to anyone buying jewelry for reclamation purposes is a pocket-sized gram and carat scale. While a scale can’t determine the purity of the gold and silver you encounter in your jewelry hunting, a pocket scale can at least give you a basic starting point to determine fair pricing and valuing of your jewelry finds.

This goes for any type of sauna, whether it’s the dry type or the steam type. Excessive moisture and heat can be damaging to jewelry.

Important: If you are looking to purchase a piece of jewelry with precious stones, there are synthetic gems that are more affordable, and have a similar grade of quality as natural gems. But, remember that imitation gems which are composed of plastic elements are indeed fake, whereas synthetic gems are cultured in actual laboratories.

IF you’re thinking of buying your child jewelry, a charm bracelet is an excellent way to go. Add a new charm at every milestone, such as, his or her first lost tooth. When your child grows up, he or she will have a special story that is attached with each charm.

Wearing less jewelry can actually make a bigger statement than overloading yourself with many smaller pieces of bright gold and shiny stones. Large pieces are trendy right now, so when stepping out, pick one or two pieces of jewelry that are bold and dramatic. Try pairing a large, colorful ring with dangling earrings.

A great tip that can help you maintain your jewelry is to take your ring off when you go to the gym to lift weights. Lifting weights with your ring on can do a lot of damage to your ring. You’ll constantly scrape it against the weights which will badly scratch it.

Important: Save your cash and forgo the designer pieces, these add an estimated 80% more to the price tag. Local jewelers or chains offer products that are exactly comparable to luxury retailers and are more likely to give you financing offers or seasonal promotions.

Stay inside your budget. Splurging outside your budget can cause many issues, not just financially. You may end up feeling over-stressed if you realize the piece you bought is causing you to get into debt. Financially over-stretching yourself is not the best way to purchase jewelry, so stick to your budget.

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.

The high price of gold can interfere with your fine jewelry purchases. If you must have gold, save money by selecting the appropriate karat. 18 karat pieces are made up of at least 75% pure gold. This is considered to be the best combination of price and quality.

Important: When buying jewelry for someone that you care about make sure that you are not stepping over your own boundaries of what you can afford. While most likely you do want to impress the other person, no jewelry purchase will adequately make up for putting yourself at a severe financial risk.

Look for jewelry stores that are accredited members of the Gemological Institute of America, or GIA, as well as the Jewelers of America. You are assured the best quality at the lowest price by stores with these certifications. You will find these certifications held by most big chain type outfits.

Keep your plastic wristwatch clean and shiny. Just because you didn’t spend a lot on your jewelry doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take good care of it. A simple and cheap way to keep your watch looking great is to put toothpaste on a dry cloth and rub. Your plastic watch will look brand new.

If you are wearing a large, ornate necklace, don’t add large ornate earrings. Instead, do without earrings or wear something simple that complements your necklace, face and clothing. Likewise, if your earrings are large, dangly and attention getting, wear a simple choker or chain or no necklace at all.

Important: Make sure that when you are viewing a diamond that you do not use a black background. The reason for this is that a black background will always distort the color of the diamond.

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.

If you have suffered through skin irritation from a piece of jewelry, you will want to look for future pieces that are described as hypoallergenic or nickel free. Other options in jewelry that are less prone to cause sensitivity is that made from titanium or surgical stainless steel. Options are available to keep you fashionable.

When purchasing precious gemstones, be sure to ask whether they are genuine, natural stones, if this is important to you. The distinction between natural gemstones and “created” or synthetic ones is not always apparent, and some jewelers will not necessarily point it out to you. Created and synthetic stones are not fakes, but they are created in a laboratory rather than pulled from deep within the earth.

Important: If your jewelry is set in marcasite, clean it by wiping a soft, slightly damp cloth across the stones and the setting. Immediately after, it should be dried thoroughly with a soft microfiber cloth.

When purchasing jewelry it is important to keep in mind for whom you are buying it, unless it is for yourself. You may really love a certain piece but the person you are buying it for my loathe it. So carefully consider the person it will be for, and then make your decision.

A strong clasp is essential to any necklace or bracelet. Without a solid clasp, your pendant, chain or expensive stone is at risk for loss. A safety clasp is available and is recommended for valuable bracelets and necklaces. There are those who add one or two extra clasps to their expensive jewelry items to be certain of their safety.

As you are getting ready to leave your house, be sure to put your jewelry on, only after you have applied styling products to your hair, spritzed perfume or applied any other chemicals or beauty products. The residue from these substances can tarnish or damage different meals and delicate stones.

Important: If you own costume jewelry, proper care and cleaning is important to keep it looking great. Buy jewelry cleaner that is marked as safe for costume jewelry.

When buying jewelry, stay away from well-known name brands. Without any difference in quality, just adding the name of a particular business to an item, could increase the price by as much as 80 percent. Try browsing styles that you like at these locations and then comparison shop at stores that are more likely to have sales.

When wearing chunky pieces, it is important not to overdo the jewelry. When you look in the mirror, you shouldn’t be distracted by too many accessories. Look for a strand of turquoise stones for a rugged look. Whimsical, colorful flowers are perfect for casual wear. If you need something more elegant, it is easy to find a crystal or pearl necklace.

Jewelry Tips You Can’t Live Without

31 May

Jewelry Tips You Can’t Live Without

Good Advice: Make sure to regularly polish your metal jewelry. Over time it begins to collect dirt, oil and dust and that affects its sheen and overall appearance.

When it comes to jewelry, there is a lot of advice that people have to give. This article will give you many tips about jewelry, whether it is for buying, selling, or even making. Use this article to help you learn more about jewelry, and have fun on your adventure.

Good Advice: Diamonds are the perfect gemstone to buy for your wedding jewelry. The beauty of these stones is not only how they look, but also that they can be worn again for almost any occasion.

Take off your rings when you’re in the shower. It can be often tempting to keep your wedding band or promise ring on all the time, but the chemicals in soap, body wash and shampoo can have negative effects on your ring. Another great reason is because rings can often slide off and disappear down the drain. Keep your ring everlasting and safe by removing it before stepping into the shower.

Good Advice: If you find yourself putting off wearing a bracelet because you wear a watch, buy a bracelet that matches your watch in style and color, and wear it on your other wrist. Bracelets are fun and are one of the only pieces of jewelry that you can see on yourself when you’re wearing them.

Are you looking to purchase jewelry for someone special? You should first learn about jewelry so you will be an educated consumer. Nothing would be more awful than to purchase a special ring and have it turn your friend’s finger green! Do your homework and educate yourself about buying jewelry. You will be glad you did.

Good Advice: To keep pearl jewelry looking like new, store it separately from other jewelry. While many gemstones are hard, pearls are quite soft and can be scratched easily.

Jewelry is often very difficult to purchase for a friend or loved one because there are as many different styles and types of jewelry as there are people to wear it. Bracelets are a great solution for many and are available in a huge variety of styles made for the fanciest of occasions to casual every-day wear. Plain silver and gold bangles are a staple for most women, but charm or sliding-bead style bracelets offer the buyer and the wearer the ability to completely customize the bracelet, as well as give the presenter a whole host of additional gifts to give in the future with the purchase of more charms or beads.

Good Advice: Ask your salesperson how they recommend you clean your new purchases. Different gemstones require different care processes.

To make a patterned outfit really stand out, pair it with a neutral necklace. A neutral piece in a complimentary tone will anchor your ensemble and make you look more coordinated. Try choosing a piece that offsets your outfit in some way. For example, if you’re wearing a vintage floral top, a modern neutral necklace can give your look some balance.

Good Advice: To add the perfect amount of flair to any outfit simply add one statement piece of jewelry. Whether it be a big ring, some bold earrings, a thick bracelet, or a chunky necklace, adding a statement piece to any outfit will not only bring it out of the ordinary but will also make it more ‘you’.

To keep your rings from overpowering your hands, never wear more than two on the same finger. Rings can easily look excessive, and even a series of thinner rings can look overwhelming. If you are wearing an oversized ring, it is best to wear only a few other rings along with it.

Good Advice: When purchasing diamond jewelry such as engagement rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets, knowing the 4 C’s of diamonds are important. The 4 C’s include: Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat.

Enroll in a beading class, if you’re a fan of necklaces and bracelets. If you are buying them all of the time, this can put a dent in your budget. Instead, take a class and make some jewelry yourself. You will save a ton over buying already made products, have something unique to wear, and you can even sell some of your pieces for a profit.

Good Advice: Take a look at the jewelry a person already owns to get a feel for what they like. When you select gift jewelry, your intended recipient will appreciate jewelry that suits his or her style and taste.

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.

Good Advice: Gold is too soft and needs to be mixed with other metals so that it can be hard and last longer. When you see the carat weight of gold that signifies how much gold is actually in the piece as opposed to other substances.

When purchasing high price jewelry, check with multiple stores and even online before buying. Comparison shopping is important because the price of jewelry can vary extensively from vendor to vendor. Comparison shopping also helps you to learn about the quality of the beautiful piece you’re hoping to purchase.

Good Advice: Do you have sterling silver jewelry? As you probably know, silver is a metal which oxidizes when in prolonged contact with air. To keep your silver nice and shiny, get into the habit of softly rubbing it weekly with a polishing cloth.

To add the perfect amount of flair to any outfit simply add one statement piece of jewelry. Whether it be a big ring, some bold earrings, a thick bracelet, or a chunky necklace, adding a statement piece to any outfit will not only bring it out of the ordinary but will also make it more ‘you’. Furthermore, a statement piece is sure to make a great conversation starter in any occasion.

Good Advice: 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.

If you have gold jewelry, you should try to avoid storing them in areas around diamonds and other hard gemstones. These hard stones can scratch or damage your gold. If you keep your gold away from hard jewelry, you can keep your gold looking better for longer.

Good Advice: When selecting the right piece of jewelry, it is important to have a gemologist or other registered jewelry appraiser present to ensure you are getting the right price. The difference in quality of some precious gems may look minimal to the untrained eye, but these slight differences can change the price of jewelry substantially.

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.

Good Advice: Nephrite is a popular stone used for jewelry. It is very tough and durable, and comes in a wide variety of colors, the most popular of which is a deep opaque green.

If you have a really expensive piece of jewelry, having a skilled jeweler craft a fake piece identical to the real is a good idea if you’re a frequent traveler. Jewelry is mostly sentimental, so wearing a fake piece on vacation will ensure that you’re keeping the real thing as safe as it can be.

Good Advice: To care for your jewelry, wipe it down with a soft cotton cloth after every use. This will wipe away any fingerprints, dirt or oil that may have accumulated during wear.

Always spray perfume before you put on your jewelry. The chemicals in perfume are not good for jewelry and can even cloud certain items like pearls. So remember, always spray your perfume before you put on your jewelry.

Good Advice: R

Labradorite makes a popular and easy to care for alternative to multicolored stones like opal. It has a similar play of color, although the primary color that reflects off of labradorite is blue, rather than all colors of the rainbow. However, you don’t have to keep it moist to prevent it from cracking.

Now that you have read many tips on jewelry, you are ready to enter into the world of fashion. There is so much that can be done when it comes to jewelry, and you need to have the knowledge before you get started. When it comes to jewelry, knowledge is power.

Finding Great Jewelry Does Not Have To Be Hard

31 May

Finding Great Jewelry Does Not Have To Be Hard

Every day, millions of people shop for jewelry. Jewelry is popular among all age groups and genders. Though many people buy jewelry, it is not always easy to shop for jewelry, as there are many different kinds for different people. The advice provided in this article should help you when you are shopping for jewelry.

When looking to invest in jewelry containing sapphires, opals or rubies make sure that you understand what lab created means. Lab created gemstones are grown in a laboratory using scientific means. Jewelry that you see labeled as lab created such as sapphire has never seen Mother Nature. If you are looking for natural gemstones, you may be paying a higher price and spend significant time looking for a vendor outside of your local mall.

Attending yard-sales is a great way to build up a collection of jewelry. Many people sell old costume jewelry for practically pennies. This is a perfect opportunity to stock up on broken pieces that can be repaired or made into new jewelry later. Many new beautiful pieces of jewelry can be born of old broken pieces. Use yard-sales to build up your collection.

TOP TIP! When you want to get diamond jewelry it is important that you know the quality of the stone you are trying to buy. Any qualified or knowledgeable jeweler will be able show you the quality of the diamond you are buying.

The best tool for any jewelry hunter, whether searching for personal treasure or for the profit in reclaiming gold or silver, is a jeweler’s loupe. Jeweler’s loupes are small, but powerful magnifying instruments designed specially for use in examining jewelry at very close range. Some jeweler’s loupes also have a built-in, battery-powered light which can be very handy if examining pieces in a dimly lit area. Most jeweler’s loupes are extremely economical in cost and can help you make the most of your jewelry-buying dollar, especially when buying from second-hand sources.

When you are going in with a mindset to buy quality jewelry it is of utmost importance that you are going to a reputable dealer of jewelry. Otherwise, you may in fact be duped and pay a lot for something that is not worth much. Make sure that the sales representatives can show they quality of the item.

In conclusion, millions shop for jewelry daily. Many men and women young and old like jewelry. There are so many different kinds of jewelry for people that it make shopping for jewelry a little difficult. If you use the advice that was provided in the article, you should have an easier time shopping for jewelry that fits you.

Do You Want Tips On Jewelry? Read On.

31 May

Do You Want Tips On Jewelry? Read On.

Jewelry has been a way to adorn ourselves since the beginning of time. From children with daisy chains to brides in pearls, everyone loves to be able to wear that special adornment that makes them feel special and beautiful. This article can help you find an affordable and beautiful way to adorn the one you love.

Don’t keep your jewelry in open air or someplace with a lot of humidity. To maximize protection, put your jewelry in a jewelry box or a small drawstring bag. Air and humidity can tarnish metals of all types. Tarnish can be removed from precious metals like gold and silver, but they cannot be removed from other metals.

TIP! 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.

Jewelry is often very difficult to purchase for a friend or loved one because there are as many different styles and types of jewelry as there are people to wear it. Bracelets are a great solution for many and are available in a huge variety of styles made for the fanciest of occasions to casual every-day wear. Plain silver and gold bangles are a staple for most women, but charm or sliding-bead style bracelets offer the buyer and the wearer the ability to completely customize the bracelet, as well as give the presenter a whole host of additional gifts to give in the future with the purchase of more charms or beads.

When choosing earrings, test the weight in the store. You can’t–and shouldn’t–try them on, but holding them in your hand may be able to tell you if they’re too heavy for all-day wear or just too heavy. Heavy earrings will eventually become painful. No matter how nice they look, you won’t want to wear them if they’re not comfortable.

To wear jewelry without feeling uncomfortable, choose looser fitting pieces. While more restricting pieces like tight bracelets or chokers may look great, you won’t be able to look your best if you’re not comfortable. Light, loose necklaces are totally on trend and can be worn all day without causing you to experience discomfort.

TIP! Essential to anyone buying jewelry for reclamation purposes is a pocket-sized gram and carat scale. While a scale can’t determine the purity of the gold and silver you encounter in your jewelry hunting, a pocket scale can at least give you a basic starting point to determine fair pricing and valuing of your jewelry finds.

View the gemstones in correct lighting, with the right background. Diamonds or other gems should never be viewed on a black background. Black backgrounds alter your perception of a gems real shine and color, so you may make a purchase and later realize that the stone is not as clear and perfect as you originally assumed.

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 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!

TIP! When you are going in with a mindset to buy quality jewelry it is of utmost importance that you are going to a reputable dealer of jewelry. Otherwise, you may in fact be duped and pay a lot for something that is not worth much.

When you are working with any kind of silver there is one word that you should always keep in mind – polish! If you polish your silver regularly it will keep it shiny and beautiful for much longer. This helps to extend the life of the piece as well as look newer for longer.

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.

If you love wearing jewelry, but hate the irritation it causes, then you may want to examine the metals in the jewelry. Higher karats of gold are less likely to cause irritation so opt for 14 or 18 karat. You could also try platinum or even palladium as both of these metals are harder and stronger than gold.

TIP! 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.

When you have opted to purchase a piece of jewelry for another person, always remember to consider the occasion in which you are purchasing for. This way, there is little room for interpretation of what the jewelry item signifies and both you and your loved one will be happy with the overall purchase.

When buying jewelry for someone that you care about make sure that you are always aware of the exchange or return procedures. This is very important in case either the recipient does not like it or if something happens where you choose to not give it to them. Be sure that all terms are in writing.

Gold jewelry can be effectively cleaned with one teaspoon of ammonia, one teaspoon of dish soap, and one cup of water. The dish soap will act as a de-greaser, while the ammonia has an oxidation quality. You can use this as your regular cleaner for gold jewelry, but never use it on precious stones.

As it was already said, everyone loves to slip on that special piece of jewelry that makes them feel beautiful and special. There is just something about jewelry that makes people shine. By using the information presented in this article, you can find that special piece to adorn yourself or the one you love.

Shopping For Sparklers:Tips To Take Along To The Jeweler

30 May

Shopping For Sparklers:Tips To Take Along To The Jeweler

Adorning the body with precious stones and metals goes back thousands of years. Jewelry comes in many different designs. Here’s where you can start learning about jewelry and start choosing pieces that you’ll enjoy for a long time to come.

Native American jewelry has a rich history in American culture. The colorful beads and designs tell stories of generations past. Jewelry was an important part of most Native Americans heritage, with beautiful pieces dating back thousands of years. These same styles and designs are still popular and in high-demand today.

When choosing earrings, test the weight in the store. You can’t–and shouldn’t–try them on, but holding them in your hand may be able to tell you if they’re too heavy for all-day wear or just too heavy. Heavy earrings will eventually become painful. No matter how nice they look, you won’t want to wear them if they’re not comfortable.

Many people see jewelry labeled as sterling silver plated and oftentimes think they’ve hit the jackpot when they purchase it at a very low price. In this case unfortunately, you do get what you pay for. This type of jewelry only contains a very thin coating of sterling silver on top of a cheap metal which can usually be identified as copper. The jewelry will eventually tarnish and cause the copper to show through underneath with enough wear.

If your gown is going to be relatively plain, pick colors for your jewelry from the flowers in your bouquet! It’s absolutely stunning when pops of color from your ears, neck, wrist and flowers, all shine through. You can even add a dash of sparkle to your bouquet with crystal embellishments.

The color gemstones are an important consideration when shopping for new jewelry. Choose pieces that have stones which express your personality and those that make you feel great when you wear them. Neutral colored jewelry is nearly always a good buy, because they blend in well with any outfit. If it isn’t a functional piece, you will not use it and it is pointless to purchase it.

If you own gold or silver jewelry be sure to take it off when you shower, sleep or submerse that area of your body in water. By doing these things you will prevent the jewelry from varnishing faster. The beauty of fine jewelry is it’s sparkle and gleam.

Purchase meaningful jewelry for any occasion. Giving jewelry as a gift leaves a long lasting impression on the intended recipient. However, you can always add a personal touch by having the jewelry piece engraved with a personal message or add a charm of great importance. Personalized jewelry given as a gift always makes a loving gesture.

The size of the diamond is not as important as its cut and clarity. Also, remember the person’s personality who will be receiving the diamond.

Deep, rich blue sapphires are commonly known as the birthstone for those born in September. Their dark, mysterious coloring is often thought to have protective powers over anyone who wears the gem in their rings, bracelets, or brooches. Blue sapphire nicely complements purples and deep scarlet accents and looks beautiful with all settings, but especially platinum or silver.

Always keep all of your jewelry organized in a way that makes sense to you. There are many great options for jewelry boxes and drawer organizers to help you keep your fine pieces in order. This way you know exactly where everything is when you need to wear your nicest pieces to impress!

If you want to buy one of the ladies in your life a piece of jewelry, but don’t know her size, just sneak something out of her jewelry box that she already wears. That way you can have that item sized and get her the perfect jewelry in the perfect size – she’ll be totally amazed!

A great jewelry tip is to disguise your jewelry when you wear it to work. A lot of places won’t allow their employees to wear jewelry and they’ll reprimand you if they see you wearing any. By wearing jewelry that’s flesh toned, it’ll be harder for them to see you’re wearing any jewelry.

Picking a good quality diamond is important when purchasing diamond jewelry. Ask to see the diamond under a jeweler’s loop or a diamond microscope. You should notice no visible flaws, fractures, cloudiness or black spots. Watch out for chips that are hidden under prongs as well.

When buying jewelry online, read the descriptions carefully. Look up words if you do not know what they mean. It is easy to take a flattering picture, but a description should give you a good idea of what you are buying. You should pay attention to size, colors and materials.

To assure your jewelry accentuates your best features, choose pieces that work with your face shape. For a heart shaped face, try chokers and dangly earrings. Round and square face types look great in teardrop earrings, and long necklaces are also an excellent pick. Those with rectangular faces should choose short necklaces and round earrings. If you have an oval shaped face, you can pull off any type of necklace, but angular earrings are best.

This article provided all of the tools to help pick out jewelry that matches your style and preferences. Reading about the various types of jewelry can make choosing the right item a lot easier.