Shopping for jewelry can be a difficult task if you aren't sure what you are looking for. If you are buying for yourself, you may know what you like, but you can't choose. For someone else, you may need ideas on what to get. Read this article for tips on shopping for jewelry.
Platinum Jewelry.
Make sure you know what to look for when buying platinum jewelry. Platinum needs to be at least 95% pure in order for it to be considered real platinum. If it's lower it is platinum alloy. Also, be aware that platinum can develop a patina, which many people feel gives jewelry a nice antique look. This jewelry also does not wear away and is hypoallergenic.
White gold or platinum jewelry? If you are looking for the most economical choice, you should buy white gold. However, white gold will periodically need to be recoated, whereas the platinum is more expensive to purchase but will never need to be recoated. They look the same, so buy white gold if you are looking to save money on the purchase.
Glass Jewelry.
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.
Pearl Jewelry.
When shopping for pearls, know the difference in the types of pearl jewelry that is available. Natural pearls are ones that occur in nature, with no interference from human activity. These, however, are very rare and even more expensive, if they can be found. Cultured pearls are genuine, but have been carefully cultivated by pearl farmers. Fake pearls are really just plastic or some other composite that is basically worthless. Be sure that you buy from a reputable jeweler to avoid getting ripped off.
Crystal Jewelry.
If your crystal jewelry is losing it's luster, try simply wiping it with a soft cloth soaked in warm water. If the jewelry is very dirty or grimy, you may need to soak it in warm water, mixed with a small amount of dish soap. A soft toothbrush can the be used to brush away the dirt.
When cleaning crystal jewelry simply wipe the dirt away with a soft, damp cloth. Using any kind of chemicals on crystal can damage the shimmer and shine in a very short period of time. Your best bet is to stick to plain water and maybe a tiny touch of dish detergent if your jewelry gets really dirty.
If you are buying jewelry for someone else, it may be a good idea to shop for their birthstone. Knowing their favorite (like ruby, emerald or diamond) can also be helpful. For yourself, make sure you're picking something that expresses you. Remember these tips next time you go shopping for jewelry.
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Now you have a starting point on how to keep your Jewelry looking great for years to come. Hopefully you've learned something new along the way from this Completed Jewelry Blog . If you're still not sure how to maintain your jewelry properly, there are tons more pieces of advice out there for you to find.
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