As an Australian jeweller, I suspect you are making all kinds of errors along with your jewelry that I actually want you were not. It could possibly be right down to lack of time or dangerous habits, however most probably it is since you merely do not have sufficient info to grasp what the issues may be.
So I am right here that can assist you appropriate your errors by itemizing my high 12 jewelry errors and how you can keep away from them – on your personal sake. They are going to allow you to save time, and cash and preserve your jewelry (and your self!) wanting nice.
Let’s get began:
1. Not understanding the supplies used to make jewelry
When looking for the jewelry it is best to all the time be clear on what the items are created from. If the vendor does not specify the supplies then it is probably the designs should not created from silver, gold, rose gold or different valuable metals. In the event you’re unclear, then it is best to all the time ask before you purchase, particularly for higher-priced gadgets.
Simply because a piece of jewelry is gold or silver in color does not imply it is created from these particular metals. Specifically, if a bit of jewelry provides the looks of being gold but it surely’s cheap, then it is nearly actually not gold in any respect: at greatest it is going to be very thinly plated. Gold is a really costly metallic and there’s no such factor as low-cost gold jewelry. Discover out extra about gold and the completely different kinds of gold utilized in jewelry.
Base metallic jewelry, equivalent to brass or nickel, is unlikely to put on properly over time and should flip your pores and skin black or inexperienced. It could even trigger allergic reactions or worse – and that is particularly the case with nickel, which we strongly suggest you keep away from carrying. Thinly plated jewelry might pretty shortly put on by way of to the bottom metallic beneath.
Extra helpful jewelry articles:
You must also know what any gems are: whether or not they’re lab grown or pure, or whether or not they’re fully pretend. Any of those choices are effective in the precise circumstances, but it surely pays to concentrate on what you are spending your hard-earned cash on.
After all, low-cost costume jewelry has its place and should you’re glad for a design to be a comparatively short-lived trend piece and your pores and skin will tolerate the supplies, then that is completely okay.
Simply bear in mind: data is energy. Learn our helpful articles to get the lowdown on gold and sterling silver so that you higher perceive what the deal is with these valuable metals, together with why they’re so worthwhile and helpful in jewelry. Additionally have a look at our jewelry glossary, which has over 100 definitions for jewelry phrases: it is going to completely get you on top of things with jewelry jargon if you’re procuring.
2. Sporting the identical jewelry every single day
Even I understand how straightforward it’s to slide into the behavior of carrying the identical items day in, time out and nearly by no means taking them off. However it’s a very good behavior to interrupt for a few causes.
Firstly, your on a regular basis jewelry will get dirty in locations you’ll be able to’t see or in ways in which you do not essentially discover as a result of the modifications happen slowly. That is particularly the case for stud earrings the place a part of them is hidden behind your ear lobe, gathering chemical substances from washing your hair and doubtlessly resulting in infections.
It is best to take off your on a regular basis items commonly to offer them a clear with some heat soapy water and a smooth bristled brush. I like to recommend doing this each 1-2 weeks. See beneath for extra recommendations on cleansing your jewelry.
Secondly, you will be boring and no one desires that! So take into consideration the jewelry you have got in your assortment and the way you should use extra of it frequently.
If you do not have a lot jewelry or your assortment has some gaps in it, then give you a plan so as to add extra items over time (together with dropping huge hints to family members on the proper occasions of the 12 months, in fact).
3. Not being artistic with jewelry and equipment
Associated to tip 2: do not be boring!
When the season’s change is a superb time to do some experimenting in entrance of a mirror with completely different outfits and equipment, particularly together with jewelry. Be as artistic as you’ll be able to with combos and make notes of what works for you so you will bear in mind to combine it up as you are getting dressed for work or completely different events.
Additionally, make word of any kinds of items you want you needed to lengthen your wardrobe additional. Making the precise funding in jewelry and equipment can add an excessive amount of creativity and flexibility to your wardrobe for years to return.
It is best to try our 15 high jewelry model ideas for extra recommendation on taking advantage of your jewelry assortment whereas not shedding your self within the course of.
4. Not cleansing your jewelry
As alluded to above, it is a huge one. So many individuals fail to wash their jewelry commonly, if in any respect. It may be straightforward to overlook the build-up of basic grime and tarnish, however – consider me – it is going to be there and it is going to be noticeable to others.
You put on jewelry towards your pores and skin and clothes for prolonged intervals whereas endeavor all kinds of actions, so in fact it is going to want cleansing now and again, simply as your clothes does.
I like to recommend scheduling an intensive cleansing of your jewelry not less than twice a 12 months (or extra usually relying on the way you put on and retailer your items and should you dwell in a damp location). The transition into hotter and cooler months of the 12 months is a superb time to do it. This may contain something from a fast wash with a mild cleaning soap by way of to extra advanced tarnish and dirt elimination, relying on the items.
It pays to coach your self about how you can clear your jewelry safely and accurately. In the event you’re in a rush try our 10 tricks to shortly clear jewelry as a place to begin, however it is best to undoubtedly delve deeper into our complete jewelry cleansing & care information.
Do not forget so as to add cleansing your jewelry as a recurring activity in your diary.
5. Utilizing dangerous jewelry cleansing strategies
Whereas it is higher to make an effort to wash your jewelry than to not do it in any respect, not all cleansing strategies are created equal and a few might completely harm your valuable items. So beware!
Cleansing your valuable silver or gold jewelry with toothpaste is admittedly not a good suggestion. It is abrasive and it’ll deplete the metallic over time, making heirloom items much less and fewer worthwhile. It could additionally terminally harm finishes. The identical goes for utilizing baking or bicarb soda paste which is rubbed towards the metallic to wash it: simply do not do it.
That is particularly a really dangerous concept in the case of options to stable gold, equivalent to gold vermeil, gold crammed or gold plated. You might be prone to take away the dear gold from the floor of your jewelry and it could be troublesome or unattainable to restore. Study extra about various kinds of gold that can assist you perceive why.
Utilizing any type of alcohol with gems is prone to even be a nasty concept. In truth, my favorite tip is to make use of alcohol for consuming functions solely, ought to that be your kind of factor! That is particularly necessary for extra porous gems like pearls, opals, turquoise and lapis lazuli.
I like to recommend that you just keep away from harsh chemical substances coming into contact along with your jewelry all collectively until these chemical substances are particularly beneficial by professionals for cleansing the kind of jewelry you have got. Learn the care and cleansing articles linked to in tip 4 for recommendation.
6. Sporting your jewelry whereas swimming or showering
There a couple of causes to keep away from carrying your jewelry in water.
Firstly, it may be straightforward to lose your items – particularly when showering. If the concept of your valuable gold ring slipping off and happening the drain terrifies you, then it is actually not a good suggestion to take the chance. As an alternative, discover a secure place to place your jewelry when you’re showering and make it a routine.
Additionally you will discover that your earrings, necklaces and gemstone rings are prone to get gummed up by the residue from shampoos, conditioners and soaps over time. In the event you do preserve some items on if you bathe or bathe, then be sure to take them off each few weeks to offer them a very good clear: stud earrings particularly, as outlined above.
Specifically, it is best to keep away from getting pearls and opals moist repeatedly, as long-term publicity to water and different chemical substances might completely harm and discolour these stones.
Lastly, should you’re going for a swim, I like to recommend you allow your jewels safely at dwelling.
Swimming in swimming pools or the ocean whereas carrying valuable metallic jewelry is rarely beneficial. Chlorine utilized in swimming pools or jacuzzis can discolour the silver and plenty of gems – and it might probably even doubtlessly weaken gold. As for salt water, it might probably boring diamonds and erode soldered elements in metallic jewelry. And no one desires that.
7. Not storing your jewelry appropriately
Keep away from storing your jewelry in a spot the place humidity is a matter, particularly in bogs. Sterling silver jewelry particularly will tarnish quicker in humid locations, which means extra time you will must spend cleansing it.
You must also retailer your valuable jewelry away from free-flowing air. Partly, it is going to merely get dusty and dirty, however sterling silver and different metals will tarnish lots quicker when left unworn within the open air.
Additionally remember that metallic jewelry which will get jumbled up and may simply rub towards different metallic, gems or exhausting surfaces will get broken. You wish to keep away from scratching and scuffing silver and gold particularly, but additionally softer gems.
I like to recommend storing your jewelry in a devoted jewelry field, or jewelry roll and even maintaining each bit (or pair) in its personal small padded field. This may restrict the publicity to flowing air and humidity. Relying in your storage arrange it might probably additionally assist to forestall scratching and tangling. The present packing containers which include our on-line jewelry orders will probably be good.
In the event you choose to show your jewelry on a necklace tree or related, then be ready to wash it rather more commonly – and remember to mud it too!
8. Not clasping necklaces after taking them off
Associated to 7: it is best to all the time clasp your necklaces if you take them off. This may assist to keep away from tangled chains which may be very troublesome to tug aside. As a jeweller, I spend a number of time untangling lengths of chains and I can guarantee you that it isn’t a number of enjoyable.
In the event you’re nonetheless having bother with tangles, then have a look at utilizing straws or one other tubing that can assist you out. You’ll be able to put one finish of the necklace by way of the straw earlier than clasping it, which can make tangles just about unattainable for many necklaces.
9. Not contemplating the ethics behind the jewelry you purchase
This tip is one I am particularly captivated with as jewelry could be a little bit of an moral minefield (and we genuinely work exhausting to be as moral and eco-friendly as potential).
Listed here are some points I like to recommend you think about when procuring:
- Does the jewelry enterprise use recycle valuable metals the place potential? Does it recycle its personal metals?
- Are gems ethically sourced – particularly diamonds and different high-value stones, which have the potential to return from battle zones?
- Are lab-grown or simulated gems used when appropriate? These are usually extra moral and sustainable than mined stones whereas nonetheless being prime quality.
- Does the vendor design and make their very own jewelry items? If not, the place are the items made and are working situations moral?
- Is the vendor upfront about the kind of supplies used of their designs?
- Are the costs acceptable? Too low-cost means nearly actually signifies that somebody is being ripped off someplace alongside the road (and it may even be you!).
- Take a look at our article on how you can really help unbiased designers and why it is nice to store small, store native and handmade.
10. Shopping for jewelry from low-cost retail chain shops
I am not naming any names, however you realize the kinds of retailers I am speaking about: they’re the massive jewelry chain shops you see in lots of procuring malls and on-line. They promise a world of sentimental sparkles for not some huge cash.
Typically their items are sourced from folks working in very poor situations and infrequently the workmanship is shoddy – to the purpose of their jewelry not being repairable if and when one thing goes mistaken.
In the event you’re in search of high-end ‘conventional’ jewelry, particularly if it is supposed to be a valuable sentimental piece, then discover a smaller-scale manufacturing jeweller with a very good fame. It is properly definitely worth the funding for this kind of jewelry.
In the event you’re in search of extra modern, artisan-style jewelry then discover unbiased designers you want (hopefully together with Simone Walsh Jewelry) and patronise them as a lot as you’ll be able to to assist them keep afloat.
These approaches to buying jewelry will lead to a significantly better funding for you. You may additionally profit from the feel-good issue by procuring from companies you could really really feel snug supporting and serving to to flourish.
11. Not selecting a necklace to match your neckline
As an alternative of all the time throwing in your favorite necklace or pendant with nearly each outfit, have to consider the different sorts and lengths of necklaces that can go properly with various kinds of necklines. You may discover it is going to add much more curiosity and elegance to your wardrobe.
It is a good suggestion to have an array of necklace lengths obtainable in your jewelry assortment. You must also choose up necklace extenders so you’ll be able to simply range the lengths of the necklaces and pendants you like to put on.
Fortunately we’ve got a necklace size and elegance information with a helpful chart that can assist you work all of it out. You are welcome!
12. Failing to find out your ring measurement earlier than procuring
Not figuring out your ring measurement accurately will solely result in frustration, delays and probably further prices if you purchase rings: it is best averted. Take the time to get your ring measurement proper earlier than procuring and perceive what the problems are.
Take a look at our ring measurement measuring information article, together with our ring measurement conversion chart for plenty of ideas. Crucial tip is to put money into a hoop sizer earlier than you buy – and even go to a jeweller in particular person to get an correct measurement.