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:

Try not put any of your jewelry on before applying your makeup. By putting your pieces on before doing this, you risk getting them covered in things like powders and deposits from your makeup. This then collects around gem settings and on metal causing them to turn and look cheap and old.

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.

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. These make perfect pieces to any wardrobe where you want to show some old world class. Popular types include Bakelite jewelry, book chains, cameos, celluloid jewelry, doublets, filigree jewelry, and much more.

When buying jewelry for someone you love, find out what they’re favorite color is. Some people don’t like gold, or don’t like silver, or maybe they love the combination of red and gold. Look at the jewelry the person already wears, find out their favorite color, then combine the two!

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.

When selecting jewelry for a child, make sure it is an item that can grow with them. You may have to have it sized up in time, but an item they would be happy to wear as an adult will last them a lifetime. Choose classic styles with timeless elegance.

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.

If you choose to make and sell jewelry at craft bazaars or flea markets, take time to ensure that each piece has a clearly marked price tag that cannot be tampered with, yet can be removed without damaging the merchandise. Although nobody likes to think that theft can happen to them, it is best to protect your investment of time and money.

When buying jewelry for someone that you care about make sure that you buy something that suits them both in color and style. This is important because it would come across as you not paying attention to their likes and dislikes. You want to make your purchase a special one.

A great choice for jewelry is Marcasite. It has all the sparkle of cut stones, but is much cheaper than most other traditional options. It is much more durable than rhinestones and is widely found in costume jewelry and inexpensive pins. It offers a great backdrop that doesn’t outshine more expensive outfits or central stones.

With the increasing acceptance of wearing timepieces alongside formal wear has come the rise of decorative watches as jewelry. They now come in gold plate or studded with diamonds. Some are ringed with pearls or enameled in glorious colors to match any outfit you choose. They no longer must be kept in one’s purse, so show off your good taste with a jeweled watch.

If you are purchasing jewelry for another person, spend some time observing them before you make your purchase. Figure out what kind of jewelry they usually wear and pay particular attention to its quality. If you are having difficulty figuring it out, ask one of their friends or family members. This will help you choose the perfect gift for your loved one.

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. You want to see the diamond’s color properly. Also make sure that you view the diamond under magnification so that you can see everything about the diamond.

To get the most bang for your buck when buying silver jewelry, know what each designation means. For example, silver that bears a “925” stamp is 92.5% silver. Meanwhile, jewelry marked “fine silver” contains 99.9% silver. The higher the silver content, the more likely your jewelry is to retain its value.

When you are accessorizing your outfit with jewelry, think about what items you want to make the statement. If you are already wearing a printed top, consider plainer and more simple jewelry to compliment the top. If you are wearing a plain and solid style shirt, jazz it up with jewelry that makes a statement.

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.