Because jewelry is personal, it’s prized as a token of love, pride and accomplishment. Even small pieces of jewelry can have big significance. Follow this article to learn how to buy and give jewelry to others.

When you’re considering a diamond purchase, plan on shopping around and making comparisons. Find a few reference pieces that you like, and see if other diamonds can do better. Less-scrupulous jewelry sellers have many ways to enhance the appearance of a sub-par diamond, so you have to stay alert.

Take note of whether they wear hoop earrings or studs, yellow gold or white gold, an ankle bracelet, etc. Doing so can help to find the most special piece for the recipient.

When you buy a piece of jewelery, inquire about the jeweler’s insurance policy. That way, if something were to happen to your jewelry, you can easily bring it back to the jeweler who will fix or replace it. In some instances, you can even insure your jewelry against loss or theft.

To keep your jewelry looking great, take steps to prevent it from tarnish. Never wear your jewelry when you are going to be near water. Some metals will tarnish, dull or rust when exposed to water or perspiration. Apply clear nail polish to your jewelery as an added protection.

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 colors are very versatile, as they match well with any outfit. If it isn’t a functional piece, you will not use it and it is pointless to purchase it.

Keep all of your jewelry cleaner by putting it on only after you have applied all makeup and perfume. Dust and grime from makeup gravitates towards jewelry, and putting on your jewelry first can leave it looking dull or dingy. Doing this is particularly important when you are wearing a necklace or earrings, as they will brush against your makeup more than other jewelry.

If you want to purchase new jewelry, watch for discounts or sales. If the sale is a good one, you can save a lot of money. Keep your eyes peeled for sales on the Internet, in the paper, and on storefront displays. Sometimes, you can save about half the original price on trendy pieces that aren’t as trendy anymore.

Plastic Wrap

Untangling knotted chains can be easy if you know how to do it. Believe it or not, you can use plastic wrap to untangle jewelry. Lay the necklace out on plastic wrap, then apply baby or mineral oil. If the jewelry is tangled and knotted, try using needles to unknot the strands. Clean with warm, soapy water and gently pat dry.

A diamond’s cut and clarity are often times more important than how big it is. It’s also important to consider the personality of whomever is to receive the diamond.

This goes for any type of sauna, either steam or dry. Many pieces can be seriously damaged by extreme temperatures and moisture levels.

Don’t swim while wearing your jewelry. Chlorine from a pool is a chemical and can tarnish and damage precious jewelry. Salt water can also degrade jewelry. Removing pieces before heading into the water will extend their life and protect their beauty.

Use attractive robe hooks to hang your necklaces, keeping them tangle-free. Organize these hooks in a row and use them to keep your necklaces free-hanging and untangled. You can group them by style, length or other criteria. Not only does this keep necklaces from tangling up into knots in your jewelry box, but it makes an attractive accent to your decor.

Gold prices have skyrocketed, which is good if you’re selling gold, but not quite so helpful if your heart’s set on purchasing gold. However, you can still have a nice piece of gold jewelry at a lower price if you opt for lower karats. Many people believe that 75 percent pure gold is the most ideal ratio of price and quality. This grade is commonly referred to as 18 karats.

Onyx or crystal pieces can make their own statement. You don’t have to waste money to get great results.

Many have begun to start wearing yellow gold and silver jewelry together. If you wish to achieve this, you should get jewelery that has both metals combined into one. If you do not do this, the jewelry can look mismatched and not stylish.

Have a budget, and stick to it when purchasing jewelry. There is no reason to take on debt because of a shiny ring or fancy necklace. Engaged couples who are young and not yet financially sound are better off purchasing an inexpensive starter ring. Once they have established themselves financially, they may choose to update the piece to increase its value.

To continue using necklaces from your childhood without looking dated or immature, try layering them with bigger, more modern pieces. A small pendant, perhaps a cross or heart, can add a touch of greater meaning when layered with other more modern necklaces.

You should know what sort of prices you will be seeing prior to going out to look for a engagement ring. Diamond shopping may be an emotional endeavor. It is easy to lose yourself in the moment and forget about your budget.

Make sure there is a good drain strainer in the sink before you start cleaning jewelry there. It is all too easy for a piece of precious jewelry to fall from your hands and into the sink when covered with soap. Do not forget plug the drain so you can get your jewelery back if it falls in the water.

As you can see, jewelry makes a great gift for many different occasions. Because it is such a thoughtful gift, even a small piece will please the person you give it to. Maintenance of your jewelry is also a topic you should be educated on. No matter what your reasoning, apply what you have learned from this article to find more pleasure in your jewelry.