The beginning of the new year is a time for personal and professional resolutions. Some we keep, many we don’t.

Here are some fun and interesting resolutions to make—and keep—for your jewelry style.

Make a vow to expand your style

Many people find their overall style, including hair, clothes and jewelry, and stick to it. This year, venture to branch out from your signature look.

Be open-minded and catch yourself when you say, “That’s not me” just because they’re colors or shapes you don’t typically wear.

Over the past decade, jewelry has become increasingly individualized and it’s hard to leave home without the pieces that speak to your personal style and make a statement about you.

Remember that wearing fashionable jewelry is also about having fun and expressing different facets of your personality. Ask an honest friend if you’re not sure whether something works with your existing wardrobe. Also, don’t feel obliged to buy into every trend that comes along, but if you see a jewelry style you really like, allow yourself to experiment and have some fun.

Put on jewelry last

When getting dressed for work, a night out, or another occasion, make a point to put your jewelry on last, as the finishing touch—after you’ve applied perfume, makeup or hand creams. All of those chemicals can build up on the surface of your accessories over time, dulling their brilliance and potentially harming them. When you wash your hands, also take the time to remove rings or bracelets that will get splashed.

Properly clean your jewelry

To keep your fine jewelry in good condition, you should probably clean it—including engagement rings and wedding bands—around once a month. Using a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush, gently scrub the jewelry around the gemstones to remove dirt. Simple dish soap can be used to clear away any tougher grime. Rinse with water, then dry with a clean cloth.

Here are some things to do before you start cleaning:

• Make sure the setting of your piece is secure and well-fastened, so you don’t damage or lose a valuable gemstone during cleaning.
• Use a soft, lint-free jewelry cloth or light cotton cloth to remove dust or other contaminants from the piece, as a harsher cloth may cause light scratching during the cleaning process.
• Don’t use harsh, abrasive cleaners such as chlorine and ammonia, especially on opaque gemstones (opal, coral and turquoise). Porous stones will absorb the chemicals and become damaged. Use a mild detergent instead.
• Avoid using tweezers, pins or other sharp objects to remove dirt and grime, as this may damage the stone or setting.
• Don’t clean your jewelry over a sink, as stones could come loose and fall into the drain pipe.
• If you have an expensive and valuable piece, consider having a professional clean it to avoid damage.

Watch Your Wallet

Expanding your jewelry collection — and your fashion style — can be fun, but be careful not to let collecting break the bank. For great prices from jewelers you can trust, shop Empire’s eBay Store. You’ll find fine estate, vintage and antique jewelry at great prices.

Source: Ritani.com