Jewelry is one of the most ancient forms of personal decoration, yet it continues to change and evolve in the present day. Selecting and caring for good jewelry is more than just a matter of taste; it requires a little knowledge of the specialized concerns that apply to the field. Here are some tips for getting the most out of jewelry:
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.
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. Wear one on your wrist without a watch, or simply get rid of your watch altogether.
Always keep your receipt. Making sure that you have a means of returning the item in question is one of the most important things to do in jewelry shopping. You never know if the person you are purchasing for may not like the piece, or if you may find a better deal elsewhere.
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.
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.
Change your jewelry styles depending on the season of the year. Add spice to your wardrobe. In spring, for example, you will want to be wearing sterling silver and different designs with their origins in mother nature. Look for flower and insect designs that reflect the freshness of the season.
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.
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.
To remove tarnish from your silver jewelry without harsh chemicals, line the inside of a pot with aluminum foil, and add four cups of water and an eighth of a cup each of baking soda, salt and dish soap. Gently place all of your pieces into the liquid, counting them as you go. Bring the mixture up to a simmer for a couple of minutes, then turn off the burner and allow it to soak. Pour everything gently through a colander, then place the pieces on a towel to dry, counting them as you go.
One way to prevent damage to jewelry is to always be careful with clothing. The best way to ensure that clothes don’t hurt the jewelry is to always add accent pieces after being fully dressed. In a similar fashion, make sure that jewelry is always removed before any articles of clothes.
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.
When purchasing jewelry, have a friend or family member go with you. They can assist you as you are selecting a piece of jewelry, and they can also remind you of important details that you may have forgotten, like the ring size or favorite gemstone of the person you are buying for. A companion can also keep you from getting overwhelmed as you shop.
When it comes to taking care of your jewelry be sure that you are using only mild cleaning solutions when cleaning it. This will ensure that you are not compromising the structural integrity of your jewelry as well as not causing further surface damage such as discoloration. When in doubt, look for jewelry safe cleaning products when shopping.
When it comes to taking care of your jewelry make sure that it is completely dry before storing it. This is extremely important because not only can you cause damage to whatever you are storing it in, but you run the risk of tarnishing or staining your jewelry.
A piece of jewelry that is well-selected, well-maintained and well-purchased can last longer than a lifetime, and carry many pleasant memories along with it. Helpful advice on the subject, like that above, can help the prospective owner (or purchaser) get more out of the time and money they spend on jewelry.

