The meaning behind individual pieces of jewelry can be as beautiful as the actual appearance of the jewelry. Milestones and major life events are often celebrated with jewelry, creating an unforgettable memory for both the giver and the recipient. Learning more about all kinds of jewelry can help you preserve your memories and having more rewarding buying and selling experiences.
Identify the kind of stone in every piece you consider. A stone may be natural, synthetic or imitation. Imitation gems are basically plastic that is colored, while synthetic and natural are real. Natural stones are dug up out of the ground and synthetic ones are grown in a lab.
When storing your jewelry, be sure that you store it in a place with low humidity and free of open air. Ideally, you should keep them in drawstring bags or in a jewelry box. Humid air affects the metals in jewelry and causes tarnishing. Precious metal jewelry can be polished to fix tarnish, but non-precious metals coated with a finish will never get back to their previous state.
Jewelry should be a purchase that truly lasts a lifetime. When selecting jewelry, a reputable jeweler is indispensable to ensuring you get quality items. The best jewelry is well-designed and well-made with close attention to detail. The person selling the piece should know its history, including who made it and the source of the stones. Investing in a high-quality jewelry piece ensures that you will have a timeless item that will be just as wearable in 20 years as it is today.
Have shopping companions when you shop for diamonds. Find a few reference pieces that you like, and see if other diamonds can do better. There are many ways to make a diamond look better than it really is.
Comparison shopping is a must when shopping for diamonds. Look at the pieces up close before purchasing them, and be sure to compare them to others. You must be a sharp consumer to avoid tricks that might make a diamond look better than it really is.
Take the steps to inhibit its tarnishing. One of the best ways to keep your jewelry looking beautiful is to avoid wearing it in water. Some metals will tarnish, dull or rust when exposed to water or perspiration. A very light coating of clear nail varnish can be applied to some jewelry, and this will add an additional line of protection against the elements.
Watch to see whether they usually wear necklaces or bracelets, or if they prefer dangly earrings to studs. Doing this will provide a good basis for where you should begin so that you can purchase a special piece for that special someone.
Costume Jewelry
Before committing yourself to a piece, do research to determine which styles are hot and which are not. Purchasing a new trinket to add to your collection is always delightful, especially if you find it on sale.
Collecting costume jewelry is a popular pastime, but if you wish to participate, be careful of the condition of the jewelry. Costume jewelry make good investments and they can be costly, but an item that shows major signs of usage will be a poor investment of your time and money. Costume pieces kept in great condition will enhance your collection much more over time.
Collecting costume jewelry is a popular pastime, but if you wish to participate, be careful of the condition of the jewelry. Costume jewelry can prove to be a good investment, but worn, broken, or otherwise damaged pieces are not worth the expense. Compare pieces for quality, because good ones stay high or even grow in value over time.
Wear the jewelry piece for a day so that you can get an idea of how comfortable it is and if it hangs right. This will also let you know how the piece holds up in every day environments.
You should wear the jewelry for a few days to see how it feels and if it is comfortable. This also helps you to see its durability.
To preserve the pristine look of your jewelry, apply your make-up first, wait for it to set, then put on your jewelry. The sparkle of a piece of jewelry is a magnet for loose or wet makeup, which will leave it tarnished and dingy. This is particularly important in the case of necklaces and earrings.
It is important to think about the most effective methods of jewelry care. Each kind of setting, metal, and stone has its own particular maintenance need. The best way to care for a particular piece of jewelry could be harmful to a different piece. Ask a jeweler when you do not know how to take care of your jewelry.
Watch for jewelry sales if you’re in the mood to shop. If you find the right sale, you might see a lot of savings. Check for great sales online, in the newspaper, and even storefront windows. Sometimes, buying fashion styles that are on their way out can save you almost half of the original price.
Gems are given chemical treatments in the process of cutting, polishing and setting. When you are thinking of buying, ask what treatment a stone was given. The way to care for a stone differs greatly depending on how it was treated. Cleaning a treated gem using the wrong chemical might damage it.
When photographing a jewelry piece to sell online, aim to present it attractively, in a well-lit, close-up and clear photograph. This is very important because people need to evaluate the jewelry from the picture since they cannot handle it in person. Make sure the background behind the jewelry in the photograph is bland and boring, so as not to distract the viewer’s attention away from the piece itself.
Learn how to unravel a knotted necklace, even one with delicate loops. Don’t give up on getting the knots out, instead get a sheet of plastic wrap. Place your necklace on the wrap and put baby oil or mineral oil on it. After the necklace has loosened, try to untangle it by hand. If this does not work, consider using a sturdy pin or needle. Be sure to use extra caution due to the slippery oil. Wash with dish soap and pat dry.
A good clasp is important for any form of bracelet or necklace. If your jewelry items have unreliable clasps, your gemstones are in constant jeopardy. You can have a safety clasp added to any existing piece that may require additional protection. For added protection, you may choose to use an additional clasp beyond the one you already have.
When making a jewelry purchase, be aware of what you plan to do with it. You want to ensure that you purchase a piece of jewelry that you will actually wear. When choosing a piece of jewelry, take into account what you will be wearing it with.
If you are ready to spend a lot of money on a piece of jewelry, make sure it is something that will be with you for years to come. Quality is normally a given with higher expense, however, style should be considered as well. A precious stone tiara may be a great addition to your New Year’s Eve outfit this year, but maybe an elegant diamond tennis bracelet will make you feel like a queen for years to come. Therefore, you should search for an item that is classic and timeless.
Jewelry sets can make a great present if you are looking for a creative gift for someone. You can easily get a set of jewelery at a good price. If you purchase a necklace and earring set, you can gift the necklace on one occasion and the earrings on another. You will always have presents ready for your loved ones, even if you did not plan in advance.
These days of sky-high gold prices makes buying gold jewelry an expensive proposition. Though genuine gold is pricey, remember that it can be more affordable if you consider pieces with lower karats. For example, a piece that is classed as 18 karat is a minimum of 75% pure gold. This is felt, by many, to be the best value for money when comparing quality to price.
Do not swim while wearing jewelry. Chlorine can damage the life and luster of your jewelry. Saltwater is equally damaging to your precious jewels. Take off your jewelry before diving in the water to keep them looking their best.
Long chains can be shortened and the excess metal can be sold for a profit. Just cut off any excess. If you have enough of these pieces, you can clip off so little that people won’t even notice the difference. When gold prices are high, a little bit of scrap metal can earn you a nice amount of money.
Keep your necklaces free of tangles by getting robe hooks to hang them. They can be hung anywhere, like a closet door, and give you the ability to organize your necklaces by size or color if you want. This will keep the necklaces from turning into a balled mess in a jewelry box. The hooks are attractive as well.
Owning, purchasing and selling jewelry encompasses investing in an item that is almost priceless because of the memories it provides. When an item of jewelry becomes an heirloom, it carries the emotions of it’s wearers from generation to generation – both sad and joyous.
Gold jewelry can cost a lot of money; this is one of the negatives of falling in love with an item made of this metal. Karat selection is a way to reduce the price of your gold jewelry. An 18 karat piece is comprised of no less than 75 percent of pure gold, which is generally considered by many to be the most optimal combination of quality and price.