All the dos and don'ts of wearing and caring for jewellery are summarized into ten succinct pointers
- Make sure you put your jewellery aside when engaging in activities that might expose it to chemicals (for example, swimming). If you aren’t in the habit of removing your jewellery, especially that on your hand then opt for rubber gloves.
- It is advisable to have your bead or pearl necklaces restrung every couple of years, depending on how often you wear them. Ideally, all kinds of studded jewellery should be cleaned at least once a month.
- The most recommended way of cleaning jewellery is to use warm mild soap water solution and a brush with soft bristles. You can then pat it dry with a soft cloth.
- Always check your jewellery for loose gems and stones, but don’t tug at them or try to put them back by yourself. Visit a jeweler instead.
- To protect your silver, always wrap it in jeweler's tissue and save it in a plastic zip lock bag and seal.
- Remember that real silver is a very soft metal and can be damaged by a fingernail or even a wadded piece of fabric. Hence, avoid being too rough with it.
- It is necessary to remove gold jewellery before you take a shower. Soap can aid the formation of a film on the jewellery that’ll make it appear dull.
- Platinum jewellery should always be treated with more care. It should be stored separately and pieces must not touch each other, else they tend to leave scratches.
- Jewelry should always be worn after the application of cosmetics as these can affect its shine.
- The surface of pearl jewellery is extremely soft and can be scratched by hard metal edges hence must be stored in cotton or something soft.
What Women Want: Tips for Men buying Jewellery for Women
Buying jewellery as a gift for your wife, girlfriend or significant other is one of the most thoughtful, meaningful and romantic gestures you can ever make. Few items can express your lasting love and devotion like a special ring, necklace, bracelet or pair of earrings. Jewellery's magic, mystique and enduring appeal make it a natural gift for special occasions and milestone events in her life. At the same time, it’s perfectly understandable that you might not know the intricacies and finer details that go along with jewellery shopping. Just to make things easier, here are some basic tips to help you make the right buying decision:
Look into her jewellery box
You can learn a lot about the kind of jewellery she likes by seeing what she already wears. This can give you an insight into her individual style, her favourite gems and, more importantly, what may be missing from her jewellery wardrobe. For instance, if she already owns a diamond pendant, she is bound to love a matching pair of diamond earrings. You can also gauge subtle details like her ring size and the necklace length she prefers.
Consider her lifestyle and personality
If your wife or girlfriend is romantic at heart, there’s a good chance that she will like a heart-shaped pendant. If she is generally conservative by nature, it will be safer to stick to classic, everyday gold or diamond pieces. In general, remember that it's safer to stay away from cutting-edge that would only be appropriate for a night on the town, unless you're absolutely sure she will like them.
Ask around
Her mother, sister or best friend could definitely point you in the right direction about her jewellery needs and desires. If you prefer an expert opinion, find out where she shops, and talk to her jeweller about what she bought recently and what she might have been looking at. And of course, you can go directly at the source. Next time you are out shopping together, walk by some jewellery counters and take note of what catches her eye.
Do your homework
Before you get to actually buying the jewellery piece, make sure you know all the important dates in her life! It would also help a great deal and save you from some potential embarrassment if you can educate yourself about jewellery quality.
Last but certainly not least, always remember that jewellery is an emotional purchase. Maximize the impact of your gift by giving it to her in a romantic setting or in an unexpected way. The key is to be original, and you will create a memory that she will cherish forever.