Archive | June, 2013

Buying And Shopping Tips For Your Next Jewelry Purchase

30 Jun

Buying And Shopping Tips For Your Next Jewelry Purchase

What can complete an outfit or reveal your personality better than jewelry? However, it can be hard to find the right gift for someone, or choosing something that will look good with what you usually wear. Read these tips to learn more about jewelry and what it means or how you can wear it.

Don’t go overboard with jewelry. Wear one or two statement pieces with each of your outfits. Meanwhile it can be tempting to show off your collection, remember that everything should have a focal point, including your outfit. Choose a small pair of stud earrings with a matching delicate necklace for a conservative and casual everyday look or go bold with dangling earrings and a matching chunky bracelet. This creates a focal point in a positive way without overwhelming the eye.

Watch to see whether they usually wear necklaces or bracelets, or if they prefer dangly earrings to studs. Paying attention to these aspects of their current wardrobe will help you make a purchase they are more likely to enjoy.

Try making your own jewelry pieces. It just takes some tools and some materials to get started. More specifically, there are many kinds of materials you can use. You can use wire, string, beads, yarn, thread, glass, stone, metal, etc. The only limitation is your hands and your imagination, so have fun with it.

TIP! Some classic and very affordable types of jewelry that are available are pearls. These are very classic staples to any collection.

Buying jewelry for someone else can be challenging. Look at what they choose for themselves and try to find something similar. Avoid sized items like rings unless you know what their size is. If you guess, what’s going to happen if you guess wrong? It may help to go window shopping with them and see if they mention a certain store, brand, or even a specific item.

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!

Don’t discard your antique broach from Grandma, re-purpose it. If you put a chain through it, the broach instantly becomes a fashionable necklace. Vintage jewelry is extremely popular these days and finding a way to make it wearable makes it fashionable. Re-using is also a popular concept in our “green” society. That broach can serve you well with just a slight alteration to its use.

Take your face shape into account, when choosing jewelry. A round face looks best with jewelry that features vertical lines and strong angles. Jewelry with curves softens the strong angles of a rectangular face. A heart-shaped face is flattered by jewelry that creates width at the chin. An oval face can wear any style jewelry.

TIP! To make eye-catching jewelry, don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors. If you have difficulty thinking of a palette, look around you and take your inspiration from things found in nature.

Before purchasing a piece of jewelry, be sure to ask the jeweler about insurance policies. You want to know if they will be able to repair or replace the piece if it was to break. Some jewelers even offer insurance for jewelry pieces that have been misplaced or stolen.

Find a reputable seller. Ask your friends, family, and acquaintances where they believe you should attempt to find your jewelry. Finding a jeweler that is recommended by trusted individuals can give you an advantage to shopping around. You will know in advance what experiences others may have had, and be able to prepare better.

You should ensure the quality of the pieces of costume jewelry that you purchase for your collection. While normally is a beautiful investment, a piece of costume jewelry that is in poor condition is not worth buying. A good piece will give you many years of happiness and even gain value over time.

Take proactive steps to minimize the number of times that you have to clean your jewelry. When getting dressed, put your jewelry on after you apply perfume and makeup. This will prevent the residue of these products from leaving a film on your jewelry. Also, remember to remove your jewelry before cleaning and doing other housework.

TIP! Look for creative ways to add value to your handmade jewelry. Instead of using a cardboard earring holder, you can offer earrings that are mounted on a handmade birthday or Mother’s Day card, or a necklace that is packaged in a vintage seed packet.

To help you make chainmaille jewelry, it is important that you choose your tools wisely. The handle of your pliers should fit comfortably in your hands and the tip should be sturdy. This will help you to manipulate the wire with the most ease and comfort, preventing unnecessary strain and pain.

To avoid breaking the chain of your necklace, pair it with a pendant that matches it in weight. A thin necklace should only be worn with delicate charms, and heavy pendants should be saved for thick, durable chains that can handle the strain. This tip also applies to charm bracelets.

When selling a piece of jewelry online, you should aim to present the stone in the best way you can. You need to be very creative to sell the piece. If there’s any unique feature, be sure to include that feature. However, you must make sure that any metaphysical claims you make are not claimed to be scientific facts.

To get a stubborn knot out of a necklace chain, sprinkle the knot with cornstarch or baby powder. The powder slips into each nook and cranny, lubricating the metal and making it much easier to untie the knot with your fingers. If the knot is particularly difficult, you may need to use a sewing needle to help.

TIP! Make sure you store your pearl jewelry in breathable bags, away from other jewelry that may scratch your pearl jewelry. Pearls can easily become flawed so it is important that you keep it away from jewelry that may scratch their surface.

Now that you know more about jewelry, you should be able to select personal gifts, shop with more taste or find better deals. Why not go to a store and use what you have just learned? You can also help your friends and family choose the right kind of jewelry.

Beads And Baubles: Useful Guidelines For Jewelry Care

30 Jun

Beads And Baubles: Useful Guidelines For Jewelry Care

It can be difficult to find good information about jewelry. It may not always seem feasible to incorporate the plethora of information that’s out there. These tips here can help you immensely.

Try keeping up with jewelry trends. Like with fashion, jewelry also follows seasonal trends and you can find a style and color combination that is right for you. You can even find specialty items that go with clothing pieces in your own personal wardrobe. The possibilities and combinations are endless.

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.

SOLID TIP! Don’t go overboard with jewelry. Wear one or two statement pieces with each of your outfits.

You can easily create your own special charm bracelets. You can purchase blank charm bracelets at almost any jewelry store you can think of. The best part is putting on your own charms. Don’t be boring or bland by buying a pre-made charm bracelet. Display your private memories and personality with charms that mean something to you. Collect charms from different places you love to visit or take apart vintage pieces of mismatched jewelry that no longer serve a purpose. Making your own charm bracelet is not only a fun pastime, but also proves to be a fashion statement.

A great place to purchase almost any type of jewelry in the world is Ebay. Ebay is an amazingly large marketplace that serves as a gateway to the world. You can purchase affordable vintage, fashion and fine jewelry. Ebay can help you get the best deals and even purchase jewelry that has long since been considered rare or no longer manufactured.

Use a toothbrush and small bit of toothpaste to clean your precious gems. This works really well on diamonds. The toothpaste is a non-abrasive scrubber and the toothbrush is small enough to get into those little nooks and crannies. This method is safe to use as often as you like.

SOLID TIP! The best thing you can do to care for your jewelry is to make sure it is properly insured, especially if it is highly valuable. This will protect your jewelry from theft, damage, and being lost.

Stay away from cheap glass jewelry. Borosilicate and lampwork glass jewelry are a new rage. Many styles of this type of jewelry are popping up in malls all over the country. However the products labeled as high quality lampwork glass are nothing more than cheap imported glass goods. Such glass products are usually not kiln annealed which means that there is a high chance that the product can shatter, cutting your skin while you’re wearing it. Purchase glass jewelry from local artisans or reliable vendors that you know are selling quality products. If it’s too cheap, you know it is too good to be true. Good glass costs anywhere from the low forty dollar range up into the hundreds.

When jewelry shopping, you need to be prepared to carefully look, and inspect anything that you may want to buy. You need to get a loupe. This is a small pocket-sized magnifier that can show you what kind of quality you will be getting. It magnifies the jewelry so that you can inspect it to see if you are getting something of bad quality or good quality.

Question any piece of jewelry that is so cheap it’s too good to be true. Look at any gemstones to ensure they don’t have large inclusions in them. Look for stamps on the metal to prove that it is what it’s claiming to be. If someone takes offense to your double checking authenticity, they’re probably lying.

SOLID TIP! When buying jewelry, pick jewelry that will go good with the majority of your wardrobe. If you spend hundreds of dollars on an amazing piece of jewelry, you will want to be wearing it any chance you get.

Use a toothbrush and small bit of toothpaste to clean your precious gems. This works really well on diamonds. The toothpaste is a non-abrasive scrubber and the toothbrush is small enough to get into those little nooks and crannies. This method is safe to use as often as you like.

If you’re buying an item of jewelry for your wife, pick something that says love. There are so many pieces of jewelry that have a story behind them, like an infinity band or hugs and kisses pendant. Items that are called “forever”, typically with diamonds, will show her you want to spend the rest of your life with her. Beautiful!

Before purchasing a gemstone, find out if it has been treated, and if so, how. You will have to treat different gemstones with different kinds of care. For example, you should avoid cleaning a gem that has been treated with a certain solution that could peel off the treatment because this could harm the gem.

SOLID TIP! Once you have decided that you are going to purchase a piece of jewelry and are ready to start shopping, consider taking a friend or family member with you. This way, you have someone else to bounce ideas off of and another viewpoint for the items you are considering.

Combine your gold and silver jewelry. What used to be “so not in fashion” is now considered modern and sleek. Gold earrings can be worn with a silver necklace, or you can even pair gold and silver rings on one hand. The color combination goes great with any outfit as well.

If you don’t know the ring size of the person you’re buying jewelry for, just get the size they have in stock – DON’T resize it based on your guess! You don’t want to be messing with a ring over and over again or you could affect it’s hardiness. When you give the ring to the recipient, let them know you will pay to have it resized.

If you are going to use a jewelry cleaning liquid on your jewelry, it is important that you first read the cleaning instructions very carefully. If you do not read the instructions carefully, you can end up destroying your jewelry. Make sure you follow the directions if you are going to use a jewelry cleaning solution.

SOLID TIP! Make sure you store your pearl jewelry in breathable bags, away from other jewelry that may scratch your pearl jewelry. Pearls can easily become flawed so it is important that you keep it away from jewelry that may scratch their surface.

If you’re making wire jewelry and don’t have wire cutters, just use a pair of fingernail clippers. The fingernail clippers are small and great for fine cutting. They will be able to manipulate through most sterling silver wire with ease. The fingernail clippers will no longer be useful for your nails though, because wire will dull them fast.

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.

You should keep your pearl jewelry in room temperature environments. These sorts of environments can help keep your pearl jewelry from drying out and becoming brittle. At room temperature, your pearls will be able to hold on to moisture in the most efficient manner. Keep your pearls healthy when you follow this tip.

SOLID TIP! If you do not have enough money to buy jewelry, you can easily create your own. Earrings and necklaces are very easy to do: you can buy lovely beads for very cheap, or even make your own.

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.

When buying jewelry, it is important to find out what stone your partner likes best or what your partner’s favorite color is. Many people make the mistake of buying someone their birthstone because they think it is a safe bet. There are many people who simply do not like the color of their birthstone and would prefer not to wear it.

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.

SOLID TIP! When it comes to jewelry, be sure that you listen for compliments from people that you respect and let that guide you as to the frequency that you wear a particular piece. This is important because there is obviously something about it that compliments your style and who better to listen to than your own peers.

If you have pearl jewelry, you can add to their preservation by putting on perfumes and lotions first ,then after they’re absorbed into your skin, put your pearls on. Since pearls are porous, these products can be absorbed into the pearl, which can cause it to lose its natural luster.

If you want to wear and care for jewelry successfully, then it is important to keep your knowledge up to date. Because of this article, you will be able to allocate your time to shopping now that you have a wealth of knowledge. Remember the tips that you have read today, and you will only find success in your jewelry endeavors.

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Jewelry

30 Jun

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Jewelry

Many men struggle with the task of finding that perfect piece of jewelry for the girl in their life. The search can be confusing, and knowing what she really wants is sometimes one of the mysteries of the world. In this article, let’s discuss a few tips that can help. Guys, read on and get ready to shop!

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.

When trying to shop for diamonds, make sure to take your time. Diamonds, unlike things like computers and cars, will not go bad on you. They should last a lifetime. Also, for the price ranges that these stones run, you should not buy them on impulse. Take your time and create the special piece for you or someone you care about.

IMPORTANT! When buying vintage jewelry, become familiar with the different time periods associated with each piece. A Victorian era piece may interest you more than one of a different era, so knowing the differences will help you be able to quickly spot the pieces you are most interested in purchasing, rather than spending lots of time browsing.

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.

Combine your gold and silver jewelry. What used to be “so not in fashion” is now considered modern and sleek. Gold earrings can be worn with a silver necklace, or you can even pair gold and silver rings on one hand. The color combination goes great with any outfit as well.

To help maintain its appearance, take good care of it to keep it from getting tarnished. One of the best ways to keep your jewelry looking beautiful is to avoid wearing it in water. Many of the metals become tarnished, rusty or dull when they get exposed to the elements of water. Apply clear nail polish to your jewelery as an added protection.

To make sure your necklace matches your outfit, look for pieces that mimic your neckline. If you’re wearing a v-neck top, pair it with a dramatic necklace that has angular elements. To compliment a scoop necked shirt, look for a necklace that’s rounded. A boatneck top looks best with a long, dangling necklace.

IMPORTANT! If you purchase any diamond over one carat, you need to get proof. Any diamond included in jewelry that is over one carat should come with a diamond grading report.

Unless you’re giving your fiancee an heirloom ring, don’t shop for an engagement ring alone. Don’t feel pressured to buy something out of your price range, but make sure you can find a ring that fits your future bride and that she loves the ring. Why ruin the moment, by having to take the ring back for resizing or, even worse, just take it back?

When you are looking at buying any type of jewelry, be it costume or vintage, it is important to remember that just because a piece may be signed, it does not necessarily mean it is more valuable. Some jewelry creators sign every piece they make, which drops the value of a signed piece dramatically.

To make eye-catching jewelry, don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors. If you have difficulty thinking of a palette, look around you and take your inspiration from things found in nature. Contrasting, complimentary, traditional, or monochromatic color schemes can make quite the statement when integrated into a jewelry piece.

Cure the green skin of copper jewelry easily. When you wear jewelry that has a copper base you may soon find yourself turning into a martian. The green is caused by the metal oxidizing. Stop it in its tracks by applying clear nail polish to any jewelry surface that will be touching your bare skin.

IMPORTANT! Save your broken beaded necklaces to give them new life. Do not let them fill a sacred box in your bedroom.

For those creative, quirky people in your life, shop for handcrafted original pieces. 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.

To get use out of an earring after one half of a pair is lost, use it as a brooch. Many earrings can be worn just as a brooch can, and can make a great accent piece. Try pinning the earring to a scarf or attaching it to your top just below the collar bone. A more delicate earring is a great way to accent a purse or a belt.

Do not underestimate the power of pearl jewelry. Pearls are often considered a throwback to the days of old. How untrue this is. Modern pearls come in so many varieties, you can cheaply acquire them and spice up any fashion style you are trying to pull off. They come in many colors and shapes.

Beware of wearing hemp jewelry if you plan on swimming. Though hemp jewelry can be very beautiful and appealing when you are dry, you can quickly find yourself in dire straights. Hemp shrinks when wet and can quickly become too tight for you. Be especially wary of hemp choker style necklaces.

IMPORTANT! If you are selling jewelry on the Internet, you should present these pieces as attractively as possible. This is very important to remember because the person that may purchase it cannot hold it before purchasing it.

Looking at jewelry you would like to buy, decide how unique you want it to be. If you are having trouble finding a piece that speaks to you, try hand crafted. Hand crafted jewelry is available in any form of style and options. People who usually struggle to find something they like, will love the uniqueness of handmade jewels.

The jewelry looks great on you, but the allergic reaction it causes, does not. If this is a problem that you have faced, you may want to try using clear nail polish. This gives a protective barrier from the metals that could irritate your skin. You just put a coat of polish, on the area of the jewelry that is most likely to come in direct contact with your skin.

If you are buying a piece of jewelry for a woman, be sure to take the time to make note of the style of jewelry she wears on a daily basis. Once you have a better idea of what her jewelry style is, you will be able to narrow down the styles and types of jewelry items and find one that will be sure to wow her.

Amethyst, quartz, and other purple stones can make any ring, necklace, or brooch appear luxurious and regal by conveying a sense of royalty and privilege. These richly colored gems look most striking against settings made of yellow gold, although more and more jewelry designers are pairing deep purple stones with pink-tinged rose gold.

IMPORTANT! When buying jewelry it is important to remember that you can finance it. There are a lot of jewelry stores who offer in house financing for their customers.

If you hate finding your jewelry in tangles, you may want to consider using embellished robe hooks to hang your necklaces. The small hooks can be hung just about anywhere and will allow you to neatly organize and display your necklaces. This will avoid necklaces getting tangled and knotty, and it is the perfect alternative to a jewelry box.

Every girl wants jewelry, and every man struggles when buying it. Finding that perfect piece can be confusing, and understanding what your special lady really wants can sometimes feel like solving a mystery. In this article, we have discussed some of the top jewelry-buying tips. Use them wisely and you’ll see that look of love on your girl’s face when she opens that little box.

Helpful Hints For The Jewelry Fan

30 Jun

Helpful Hints For The Jewelry Fan

Buying or selling jewelry is an essential part of the jewelry market, but understanding it and how to avoid scams can be tricky. There are tricks to finding quality pieces, tricks to selling more pieces, etc. Here are some steps you can take to buy or sell jewelry more intelligently.

When going shopping for diamonds, make sure to set yourself a budget and stick to it. The world of diamonds can seem overwhelming and the prices vary a great deal. By keeping a budget in mind, you can cut down the vast variety, to a much more sensible variety to choose from.

A TIP! If you are looking to purchase fashion jewelry, make sure to invest a few dollars. While fashion jewelry is available in almost every design and price range under the sun, purchase something in the mid-price range.

Combine your gold and silver jewelry. What used to be “so not in fashion” is now considered modern and sleek. Gold earrings can be worn with a silver necklace, or you can even pair gold and silver rings on one hand. The color combination goes great with any outfit as well.

When buying jewelry as a gift, buy something that can be worn every day. Diamond stud earrings are an excellent choice as they go with anything. Watches are also a very utilitarian option, just make sure it’s classy but casual enough that she could wear it to work. Neutral colors are also an excellent choice.

When learning a new jewelry-making technique, use cheaper materials. For instance, if you are learning wire techniques, pick up some aluminum or copper wire from a local craft store, instead of using your sterling silver wire. This will help you get the valuable practice you need to master the technique, while sparing your pocketbook. If you mess up on your top-quality materials, they may become unusable.

A TIP! You can get jewelry that speaks of ancient and vintage times passed. They take their styling from the Victorian era and other famous time periods.

When buying jewelry as a gift, it is important to consider the body type of the person you are shopping for. Some body types look better with larger or smaller pieces of jewelry. Considering the body type of the recipient would make a big difference concerning whether they will actually wear the jewelry.

Always clean all of your jewelry, both after and before using it. This will help you to remember to keep it polished before storing it for a long period of time. Keeping jewelry clean and safe will extend the life of all types of pieces, including metals and all types of stones.

Purchasing a piece of jewelry is a rather hefty decision based upon the price tag of the item. When you are in the market for a piece of jewelry, take the time to figure out what you are looking for, the budget you are allowing yourself, and what overall quality you seek in the item.

A TIP! 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.

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. Some jewelers also like to add a fifth C which is Certificate and it is the grading report on the quality of the diamonds in your piece of jewelry. Knowing the C’s of diamonds will make you a more knowledgeable customer.

You should learn how to use the jeweler’s magnifier (loupe) so that you can see the inside of the stone and check to see if there are damages or chips on the inside of it. If there are any chips or damages that will greatly reduce the value of the stone.

When selling jewelry, learn everything about the materials you use. When buying jewelry, you should have a good idea of the different materials being used. This will help you evaluate the value of a jewel and know how long it will last you.

A TIP! Combine your gold and silver jewelry. What used to be “so not in fashion” is now considered modern and sleek.

When stitching peyote rings for your jewelry design, try stitching around a small dowel or pencil. This will help the peyote rings keep their shape while you are working on the jewelry pieces. They are also easily removable (just slide them out!). This works great for beginners who struggle with maintaining the shape of the rings and stitching at the same time.

Before deciding to start a home jewelry business you want to make sure that your skills are up to par. Typically, people who purchase from jewlwers do so because they expect unique, high-quality goods. You will not be able to make too many sales if your pieces look unfinished and fragile.

If you want gold jewelry, prepare to pay through the nose due to high gold prices. You can have gold pieces at a lower price by buying gold that contains fewer karats. Buying 18 karat jewelry means you will get a piece that is at least 75% gold. Experts agree that this is the sweet spot on the price-quality curve.

A TIP! To help you make chainmaille jewelry, it is important that you choose your tools wisely. The handle of your pliers should fit comfortably in your hands and the tip should be sturdy.

Avoid storing multiple bracelets and/or multiple necklaces together, especially if they’re thin. They can easily tangle and outright tear while you’re trying to get them untangled. If you’re storing them in the same box, pick up some small bags to keep them in separately. A little time to separate could save you some big money.

If your grandmother or someone else is passing down antique jewelry to you, refrain from having it cleaned. For antiques, it’s actually that old varnish, “the patina”, that makes the piece worth a lot of money. An old clean piece of jewelry is essentially worth whatever the market puts the jewels and metal at.

When buying jewelry for someone that you care about consider diamonds if you are unsure of what to get. This is because most anybody will wear them and they will always hold their value. Diamonds come in many different shapes sizes and price ranges to cover any occasion.

A TIP! Beware of wearing hemp jewelry if you plan on swimming. Though hemp jewelry can be very beautiful and appealing when you are dry, you can quickly find yourself in dire straights.

When it comes to men’s jewelry fashion tips, it is important to consider that choosing the outfit first is essential. This is important because the outfit should be what stands out the most, not the jewelry. Let the clothing dictate which jewelry is worn and you will end up looking much more like you know what you’re doing.

As you have read, buying or selling jewelry is incredibly important to the jewelry market, especially if they pertain to professional needs. Understanding standard practices in the world of jewelry can make it easier for you to understand how you should buy or sell jewelry. Following the above tips is a very good starting place.

Education Is Essential When It Comes To Buying Great Jewelry

29 Jun

Education Is Essential When It Comes To Buying Great Jewelry

When you are looking to purchase a piece of jewelry, there are a variety of things that are important to consider before making your final decision. Being an informed and knowledgeable customer will help you find the item(s) you are looking for which will make the process much less stressful. This article outlines a number of tips that can aid you in your quest for the perfect piece of jewelry.

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. This makes the jewelry look worn and old. Go ahead and refresh those pieces using some simple polish to make them look like brand new again.

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.

If you are stuck on what gift to buy for a female, jewelry always works. Make sure you know what size the intended person wears in rings and necklaces before making your purchase. There is nothing worse than purchasing a nice piece of jewelry that doesn’t fit the intended recipient. Do your research before making your purchase.

If you’re trying to buy a diamond on a budget, look for one that has slight inclusions and is a less than perfect color of white. Often times, you cannot even see the inclusions and “off” color with the naked eye, but it can save you hundreds or thousands on the price of the stone.

If you have a round face, stay away from long dangling earrings. Such earrings generally make your face look rounder and draws attention away from great features you may have. Instead, opt to purchase small dangling earrings or stud earrings for a look that enhances your round face and features.

When purchasing jewelry from a respected jeweler, inquire as to whether they offer an insurance policy. If something happens to your piece, you’ll know you can take it to the jeweler you bought it from, who will repair it or replace the piece. Sometimes you can even get replacement coverage for loss or theft.

A great source for unique and inexpensive jewelry pieces are local thrift shops. Local thrift stores can be a treasure trove for antique and truly unusual pieces. Often, these establishments do not have the staff, training or time, that is necessary to check for hallmarks or gold and silver content. A few dollar’s investment can often yield, not only some really unique pieces of jewelry, but also some pieces that may be, quite valuable.

If you’re planning a traditional wedding, then you can’t go wrong with pearls! You can have them on your tiara, wear them as stud or dangle earrings, have a gorgeous “Y” necklace adorned with them, or even a pearl and Swarovski crystal bracelet. Blue pearls are an excellent way to get really traditional, or borrow your Mother’s or Grandmother’s single strand necklace.

If you lose the butterfly backing for your post earrings, you can easily replace them. Any local craft stores carry replacement backings for post earrings in the jewelry making aisles. You can find them in different metals such as sterling silver, gold plating, silver plating or silver tone metal. You no longer have to throw your old earrings out, you can replace the backing quite affordably.

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.

Check out the latest trends in jewelry before you pick up a new piece. The one thing that makes a great purchase an outstanding one is getting a bargain on it.

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.

Feel comfortable in your jewelry venue of choice. If you feel that the seller may be trying to get you to buy a piece you are not interested in, walk away. Some jewelers are paid on commission, so the more they sell you, the better they are paid. Take this into consideration when choosing a jeweler.

When it comes to choosing the perfect wedding or engagement ring, it is important to be able to pay for it with cash. Sure, nothing says love like a great ring, but you do not want to put yourself in debt or end up paying overwhelming amounts of interest for it. It is the thought that counts for most.

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.

As was mentioned in this article, there are a variety of things that need to be considered and factored into the process of purchasing jewelry. Again, being an informed and knowledgeable customer will enable you to make sound decisions. Apply any combination of these tips to your purchase, and good luck in your quest!