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Whether it was passed down to you or purchased as a gift, jewelry is something that many of us hold near and dear to our hearts. Protecting this jewelry and making sure you receive top dollar if you sell it are important things to us all. Make sure you use these jewelry tips to approach the topic with the wisdom needed.

Sites like Etsy have a wide selection of handmade jewelry. You can find many unique, one of a kind pieces, but be careful. Some sellers may use pendants or other findings that can be widely purchased in bulk or from craft stores. Read reviews or search for similar items to make sure you're getting the best value.

If you purchase any diamond over one carat, you need to get proof. Any diamond included in jewelry that is over one carat should come with a diamond grading report. This should be done by an independent gem grader and the report should include any information that could potentially affect its value.

To keep simple costume jewelry pieces from tarnishing, chipping or discoloring, simply coat them with a layer of clear acrylic nail polish. While you would not want to do this with real gold or silver, this simple and cost effective solution works great to protect the glossy finish of plated pieces.

To make a patterned outfit really stand out, pair it with a neutral necklace. A neutral piece in a complimentary tone will anchor your ensemble and make you look more coordinated. Try choosing a piece that offsets your outfit in some way. For example, if you're wearing a vintage floral top, a modern neutral necklace can give your look some balance.

Store your earrings on a long piece of ribbon. Tie the ends of the ribbon to each end of your mirror and then tack the earrings to the ribbon, using the backs to keep them in place. This gives you easy access to your favorite pairs, and is also a decorative feature in your bedroom or bathroom.

Clean your jewelry with warm water and mild soap, rinse it out, and then dry thoroughly. It also helps to polish the piece of jewelry with a soft cloth. Excess water remaining on jewelry in storage can tarnish precious metals, sometimes beyond repair. A soft cloth can also help to restore luster and shine to your jewelry while removing excess water from the piece.

To best protect the investment you made in your jewelry purchase, take care of it. Do not wear it when you do something like cleaning your house. If you do this, the chemicals you expose your jewelry to could harm the precious metals and stones. It's likely worth the minute that it takes to remove it.

Make sure to regularly polish your metal jewelry. Over time it begins to collect dirt, oil and dust and that affects its sheen and overall appearance. This makes the jewelry look worn and old. Go ahead and refresh those pieces using some simple polish to make them look like brand new again.

Native American jewelry has a rich history in American culture. The colorful beads and designs tell stories of generations past. Jewelry was an important part of most Native Americans heritage, with beautiful pieces dating back thousands of years. These same styles and designs are still popular and in high-demand today.

The tips you have just read in the above article cover a fairly wide range of jewelry-related issues. Make sure you're absorbing and subsequently applying these tips as needed. Jewelry is something we all want to protect, so pay attention to what you've learned about jewelry through this article.