Many people are fervent when it comes to the subject of jewelry, whether it concerns them or someone they love. With such a big variety of jewelry and specific ways to care for them and wear them appropriately, it is good to know some things. The following article is designed to provide you with answers to some of the questions you may have about jewelry.
Take a magnet and a keen eye with you when you head out to purchase any jewelry made from sterling silver. You can detect fake sterling silver with the magnet, since non-precious metals are drawn to magnets. True sterling sliver always has some sort of hallmark stamp on it, such as .925, sterling or ster. If the piece that you are looking at is not hallmarked, this is usually the sign that it is a fake.
Steer clear of ammonia, bleach or other strong chemical solvents when you need to clean these items. Harsh chemicals can destroy the enamel, and ruin the stones in your jewelry.
Jewelry should last for years to come. Always purchase pieces from reputable jewelers in order to make sure you are getting quality pieces. Any high-quality jewelry will show superior craftsmanship, and will be well-made. The jeweler should tell you about who made the piece and the origin of the stones. When you chose a high-quality piece, you know your jewelry will last forever.
Arm yourself with a magnet and a magnifying glass when shopping for sterling silver jewelry. Imitations will be attracted to your magnet. This is an easy way to recognize quality. Also, look to make sure that silver is hallmarked and stamped with .925, sterling or ster. If there is no hallmark, the piece is probably not authentic and may, indeed, be counterfeit.
Before you make a final jewelry-buying decision, take a look at what’s new and trendy. The only thing that can make picking out a fantastic piece of jewelry better is if you get it at a discount.
Before purchasing a piece of jewelry, be sure to ask the jeweler about insurance policies. This is so that if something happens to your piece, you can return it to have it replaced or repaired. Some stores even insure jewelry against loss or theft.
Ask about any insurance a jeweler may offer when you are buying jewelry. You want to know if they will be able to repair or replace the piece if it was to break. In certain instances, there may even be jewelry insurance available to cover loss or theft.
Give the jewelry a test-run by wearing it for a day. Does it feel comfortable and hang properly? Doing this also helps you see if the jewelery is long lasting or likely to break easily.
It’s great that you love costume jewelry, but make sure you evaluate the condition of any piece you plan to buy. Costume jewelry can prove to be a good investment, but worn, broken, or otherwise damaged pieces are not worth the expense. Jewelry that’s in good repair can be a much better investment.
Caring for your jewelry properly is important; you should definitely give it some consideration. You should know that different materials require different maintenance. A technique that is effective for one type of stone or metal may actually cause damage to another. If you are uncertain what the best practice is for caring for a particular piece of jewelry, ask your jeweler.
Have a unique piece of jewelry made for the special person on your gift list. Show your affection for the person by recognizing their unique qualities; put some thought into the purchase and be creative.
Costume Jewelry
When selling a piece of jewelry online, you should aim to present the piece in an attractive manner. A nice photo and description is essential since your online customer will not be able to see the piece in person. Take photos of your jewelry in a place where the focus is on the piece instead of the background.
You need to pay special attention when caring for costume jewelry. Costume settings are often glued-in as compared to set-in. Keep your costume jewelery away from water or chemicals. Use a damp cloth, then dry it with another clean, dry cloth. This will make your costume jewelry sparkle for weeks, months, or even years.
This rule applies to dry saunas as well as steam ones. Many pieces can be seriously damaged by extreme temperatures and moisture levels.
Apply your makeup and let it set before putting on jewelry. Dust from your makeup can end up on your jewelry, and this can make it look dull. It is especially important to keep this in mind when putting on earrings and necklaces.
If you’re going swimming, make sure you take off your jewelery first. The chlorine in swimming pools can ruin a piece of jewelry. Even ocean swimming is not good for jewelry. The salt is damaging. By removing all of your jewelry before entering the pool or swimming in the ocean, you can prolong its life and keep it looking brilliant.
Be careful when untangling your delicate necklaces. It’s easy to give up on some knotted metal mass; however, you should instead use plastic wrap. Put your knotted chains on the plastic wrap and cover with a little baby oil. Use some needles to untangle. Next, use dish soap to clean the piece. Finish by using a soft cloth to pat it dry.
Necklaces often get tangled, so consider buying stylish robe hooks with embellishments to hang them and keep them untangled. 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 avoid ever having to untangle balls of necklaces in your jewelry box again. Also, the necklaces will look nice hanging up.
Before you buy any item of jewelry, have a think about what your long term plans are for it. There is nothing worse than a box full of unloved jewelry. Take a look in your closet and consider what outfits your jewelry will accessorize.
Do not buy jewelry based solely on the manufacturer or brand name. The brand may be a significant factor in the price. Usually, brand names like Cartier and Tiffany are much more expensive than jewelry without the brand name for the same piece. There are thousands of quality brands of jewelry available for purchase.
A jewelry set makes an excellent present for that special someone. Most jewelers offer special deals on jewelry when it is bought in sets, rather than each piece individually. You can separate pieces of the set and gift a piece to your loved one every holiday season. This is a fabulous way to always have a gift that someone will love.
Unfortunately, if you are dead set on real gold jewelry, you will run into the problem of high prices. You can save a bit of money on a gold piece by getting lower karats. Many people think of 18 karats as the best compromise between quality and affordability, as a piece with this content is at least 75% pure gold.
Expensive Items
It’s a real challenge to pick out a natural ruby or sapphire from an artificial one. These beautiful stones are chemically and physically identical, but the artificial ones can be supplied for a fraction of the cost of natural flawless ones. Always make sure to have a reputable gemologist examine any piece of jewelry that claims it is natural sapphire to check for natural inclusions.
A good quality clap is very important to any necklace or bracelet. You may end up losing a treasured or costly piece through no fault of your own. You can avoid this by looking at the clasps prior to purchasing new pieces. For very expensive items, like diamond necklaces or gold bracelets, a strong clasp is essential. With the most expensive items of jewelry, some people will use two or three clasps for extra security.
Alexandrite is a beautiful stone that is often overlooked for jewelry. This stone changes color depending on the lighting, and it ranges from a lovely purple to a rich green. Alexandrite is most often used in earrings, pendants and rings.
The birthstone for the month of July, popular rubies were once believed to possess magical powers. While true rubies are always red, there are a myriad shades of red from vivid deep rose pinks to nearly maroon. Rubies are also known for their durability, as they can withstand impact and chemical exposure surprisingly well. They make a great choice for jewelry due to its strength and beauty.
Always remain in the strict range of your budget when purchasing jewelry. Taking on a large amount of debt so that you or your significant other can wear a gorgeous ring is an unwise financial move. Especially if you are a couple just starting out, a less costly option may be better for you. They can always upgrade the stone or the band in the future when they are in a better financial place to do so.
A beautiful and oftentimes overlooked gemstone is Alexandrite. This stone will change colors from green to purple, depending on the sun and temperature. It can be made into rings, earrings, and pendants with any precious metal.
Clean your jewelry with a soft, moist cloth to prevent damage to the setting. Then pat the piece with a soft clothe to dry the piece adequately. Avoid exposing your costume jewelry to steam cleaners or chemicals.
Always remain in the strict range of your budget when purchasing jewelry. Getting yourself in a lot of debt just so you can own an incredible ring is a terrible financial decision. If you’re young and buying a wedding ring, consider buying a less expensive one at first. Later, when they can better afford it, they can update it to something more substantial.
Consider your price range before you go engagement ring shopping. Shopping for that special diamond can become quite emotional. If you let your emotions get the better of you, you might find yourself spending a lot more than you can afford.
Show your sweetheart how much you love her by surprising her with a beautiful piece of jewelry. All women are delighted when they receive a piece of jewelry, especially when it is unanticipated. Surprising her with a gift is the perfect way to transform your usual date into something she will remember for years.
While toothpaste is not the perfect product for polishing silver jewelry, you can make it work when it’s your only option. Put a small amount of toothpaste onto a soft cloth that is lint free, or a paper towel. First, rub your jewelry with the toothpaste, and then use water to wipe or rinse the paste off. It won’t be 100%, but it will have less tarnish.
Before you go shopping for the engagement ring, it is a good idea to have some basic knowledge on the price of diamonds and how much you plan to spend. Purchasing a diamond can be an emotional experience. It can be easy to get caught up in the moment, and lose track of your planned budget.
Pre-owned jewelry can be a wise way to save money on a quality piece. Their reasonable pricing may give a buyer a better item for the money, and the quality will be as nice as new items.
Jewelry can be overwhelming to anyone; there is a wide range of prices, styles and care that needs to be considered. Even expensive designer pieces are reproduced and sold at a reasonable price.
Is jewelry from a famous designer’s brand superior? Actually, we advise avoiding these brands. Most of us know the names of the famous jewelers, but rarely is their product actually better than other lesser known brands. Look at designer name jewelry to find out what is going to be popular. Look for a cheaper thing of the same style from a less famous brand.