Helpful Guide On What To Look For When It Comes To Jewelry

A new piece of jewelry is a special way to commemorate an important time in your life. Even small pieces of jewelry can have big significance. This article can teach you more about jewelry, no matter if it’s a gift for someone else or yourself.

If you are shopping for sterling silver jewelry, you’ll need a magnet and an eye for the real thing. To spot scams, see if the magnet attracts the piece. If it does, then shout “FAKE!” at the top of your lungs and move to the next store. You can generally tell genuine sterling silver by its stamp, which will look something like “.925 ster.” If the piece that you are looking at is not hallmarked, this is usually the sign that it is a fake.

TIP! When shopping for genuine sterling silver jewelry, you need both a discerning eye and a small magnet. You can tell if a piece of silver is sterling or not by using a magnet.

Use a polishing cloth to keep your jewelry clean and free from damage. It will allow you to make your jewelry look as good as new without the use of chemicals. You use the special cloth to polish your jewelry just like you would polish your silverware. First, use the polishing side to polish it up, then use the other side to shine it.

When you are purchasing a new piece of jewelry, be aware of the gemstone that it contains and what it is made of. There are three unique types of stones: imitation, synthetic and natural. Imitation has little value, as it is generally plastic, while synthetic and natural are considered to be real gems. Natural stones are found underground and synthetic gems are created in a lab.

TIP! When you purchase jewelery ensure you know what you are buying. You have three options as far as the type of gem: natural, imitation and synthetic.

Keep jewelry stored safely and away from both air and humidity. To keep your jewelry properly protected, store it in a drawstring bag or jewelry box. Tarnish is a chemical reaction that happens when silver and other metals are exposed to moisture and air. Precious metals, through some work and polish, can be restored to their original condition. Non-precious metals are coated, which means that polishing will allow copper metal to come through.

When you are shopping for diamonds, there are ways to compare the stones. Look at what you like close up, and compare them to other pieces you have seen. Be alert, since there are various ways to deceive consumers into thinking a diamond is better then it really is.

TIP! Always compare prices before purchasing any diamonds. Take a very close look at the piece you like, and then make the comparison to any others on your favorites list.

Discover whether they wear studs, hoop earrings, or some other type of jewelry. Doing so can help to find the most special piece for the recipient.

Inquire about insurance for your jewelry when you purchase it from a jeweler. These policies dictate whether or not the jeweler will replace or fix your item of jewelry if it is damaged. In some instances, you can even insure your jewelry against loss or theft.

TIP! Make sure you check into insurance policies when you make a jewelry purchase from a jeweler. Then, if something actually happens to the jewelry, you can return it or have it repaired.

Wear the jewelry piece for a day so that you can get an idea of how comfortable it is and if it hangs right. You will also find out if your creation is durable enough.

If you want to maintain the look of your jewelry, you should prevent it from becoming tarnished. When you are close to water, do not wear your jewelry. Many metals can become tarnished, rusty or dull when exposed to water too often. Clear nail polish can be used to protect your jewelry if you apply a very thin coat of it on your pieces.

TIP! Keep your jewelry from getting tarnished to preserve its best appearance. For example, avoid taking your jewelry somewhere it can get wet.

Esoteric people like to have handcrafted specialty pieces for presents. A unique ring, necklace or bracelet conveys respect for and appreciation of the recipient’s creativity and personality.

When shopping for jewelry, think about the stones in the pieces. You should chose stones that reflect your personality, as well as complement your skin tone. Choose neutral colors that will easily match any outfit you decide to wear. It’s a waste of time buying something that you won’t wear regularly.

TIP! Think about what stones you would want before you purchase a new piece of jewelry. Try to select stones that are an extension of your individuality and that enhance the tone of your skin.

To maintain the shine and finish on your jewelry, do not put it on until you’ve done your hair and makeup. Makeup can gravitate dust and grime towards your jewelry leaving it to look dull. Doing this is particularly important when you are wearing a necklace or earrings, as they will brush against your makeup more than other jewelry.

In order to make sure your jewelry is always looking clean, you should only put a piece on once you’ve applied your make-up. Dust and grime from makeup gravitates towards jewelry, and putting on your jewelry first can leave it looking dull or dingy. This tip is especially important when it comes to earrings and necklaces.

TIP! Your jewelry will stay cleaner if you wait until after you apply make-up to put it on. Makeup will settle into your jewelry making it look dull and dingy.

See if your gem has had any treatments prior to buying, and if so, which treatments. Depending on the type of treatment used, the piece will require varying types of care. If you use the wrong cleanser because you are uneducated about the gem, you could strip off the treatment and even damage the stone.

Before purchasing a gemstone, find out if it has been treated, and if so, how. Depending on the type of treatment used, the piece will require varying types of care. Treatments can interaction with certain types of cleansing solutions, so doing your research can spare you from a chemistry mishap.

TIP! 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.

When selling a piece of jewelry online, you should aim to present the piece in an attractive manner. Visuals are particularly important because customers cannot physically see or touch jewelery when they buy online. Ensure the focus of your pictures is the piece itself.

Even knotted necklaces with delicate loops can be untangled. You can easily give up on a knotted mass of metal, but instead grab some plastic wrap. Put the necklace on the plastic wrap and cover it with a little baby oil. Untangle it with some needles. Clean with warm, soapy water and gently pat dry.

TIP! If you have tangled necklaces, you can untangle them with ease. If you are about to give up, get some baby oil and plastic wrap.

The cut of the diamond and its clarity can be more appealing than its size. You must also consider the personality and preferences of the gift recipient.

Take your jewelry off before you go swimming. The chlorine in pool water will corrode your jewelry and remove its shine. Even ocean swimming is not good for jewelry. The salt is damaging. Your jewelry will last longer and stay more lustrous if you remember to take it off before getting into the water.

TIP! You should never wear your jewelry while swimming. The chlorine in pool water is very harsh and may cause your fine jewelry to appear dull.

Keep your jewelry in place with a strong clasp or closure. Clasps keep your pendants safe. For particularly expensive or sentimental pieces of jewelry, it is recommended you have a safety clasp installed. Adding more than one clasp to a jewelry piece may even be appropriate to provide greater security against loss.

To keep your necklaces tangle-free, look for pretty, embellished robe hooks. Install a series of these hooks on a closet door or wall to hang necklaces. You can organize the pieces by style, length or color. This can make your bedroom look more stylish and help you select the best necklace for your outfit.

TIP! Find some robe hooks and use those to keep all of your necklaces from getting tangled. Install the hooks in a row on a wall or closet door, and use them to organize your necklaces by style, color, length or any other system that works for you.

If you plan on buying a piece of jewelry which is very expensive, choose one which you will enjoy for many years. You should be getting a quality item because of the price, but make sure you select something that will not go out of style. Something that is trendy right now might look ridiculous in a few years. Be on the lookout for something timeless and classic.

When you are purchasing jewelry, you should avoid making a purchase simply because it carries a particular brand name. Very few people will recognize where you got this piece, and if a seller can have you buy something because of the brand, you are probably paying too much for it. Remember that there is top-quality jewelry available under any number of different brands.

TIP! When looking for the right jewelry, ignore fancy brand names and labels. Many designer pieces are of the same quality than other, more affordable baubles.

Onyx and crystal, for example, can be especially striking and make a strong impression. You don’t have to waste money to get great results.

Of course, higher gold prices also increases the cost for new gold jewelry. You can save a bit of money on a gold piece by getting lower karats. 18 karat pieces are made up of at least 75% pure gold. This is considered to be the best combination of price and quality.

TIP! If you really want real gold pieces, high gold prices might be one of the only things to worry about. However, you can still have a nice piece of gold jewelry at a lower price if you opt for lower karats.

Wear original jewelery that attracts attention when you have a simple outfit on. Try wearing something simple or solid color to bring attention to jewelery.

For example, choose a beautiful piece of onyx jewelry to attract attention at your next important event. Be kinder to your wallet and you’ll probably like the results.

TIP! Onyx jewelry or crystal really stands out. Not only will you feel fabulous about your beautiful jewelry, but you’ll also feel fabulous about how much you saved.

If you are a jewelery artist that is looking for a way to display your art at the craft fair, this is where you need to look! A lot of this starts with the jewelry itself. When you are crafting it, think about how it will look when you try to sell it. Baskets, boxes, wig stands and various racks can be used to display your wares if you apply some creative thought.

Alexandrite has a lot of encouraging qualities, but does not get as much press as other stones. The color of the stone changes from purple to green depending if your indoors or outdoors. It is common in many types of jewelry, like rings or earrings.

TIP! Alexandrite is a beautiful stone that is often overlooked for jewelry. The color of the stone changes from purple to green depending if your indoors or outdoors.

It can be hard to tell the difference between natural and lab grown sapphires and rubies. Natural and artificial rubies and sapphires are chemically identical to their natural counterparts, but artificial stones are worth far less. Don’t spring for a supposedly natural sapphire until you have it check for “natural inclusions” by a gemologist with a good reputation.

Always remain in the strict range of your budget when purchasing jewelry. You will soon come to realize that debt incurred for a rash decision on a momentary urge will devastate you financially. Young couples should aim to purchase a less expensive ring when starting out. After they are more financially sound, the ring can always be upgraded.

TIP! Have a budget, and stick to it when purchasing jewelry. To go into debt because you want a fabulous ring would be considered a bad financial decision.

It’s now common to see silver and yellow gold being worn together. To achieve this look, you must own a piece that has each of these metals. This way, you are creating a stylish, pulled-together look, rather then a mismatched appearance.

Apply a damp cloth in order to clean jewelry without damaging it. Follow this with another soft cloth for drying off the piece. Do not ever clean your jewelery with any chemicals that may damage the stones or harm the settings.

TIP! Clean the piece carefully with a damp cloth to preserve its setting. Then use a cloth to dry off the piece totally.

Surprise the love of your life with beautiful jewelry to express your love for them. All women love jewelry, especially when it is an unexpected gift. You can also enjoy seeing her eyes widen, and her surprised and excited face when you give her that adorable little box.

Before you decide on a selling price, have a piece of fine jewelry appraised by a certified gemologist. This helps you get a truthful and accurate quote on the worth of your pieces so that you can be better informed on the offers you should see when it’s on the market.

TIP! You should get in touch with an appraiser or a gemologist if you are planning on selling fine jewelry. This is the best way to get an honest and accurate portrayal of what the jewelry piece really is worth.

Take any fine jewelry you are considering selling to a gemologist or a certified appraiser. Not only does this give you a clear idea of your jewelry’s value, but it also assures potential buyers of the legitimacy of your asking price.

If you cannot afford the wedding band of your dreams, consider buying something similar and saving for the ideal ring later. You could also make a plan to receive an upgraded diamond ring on your wedding anniversary, or another momentous occasion. There is even the opportunity to trade the ring back to some jewelers if you need a bigger size.

TIP! If you are unable to afford the wedding ring of your dreams, consider buying something smaller and then upgrading later on when you have more money to spend. You can always add that special ring to your finger on an anniversary, or other momentous occasion.

As stated earlier in this article, you can give jewelry for gifts throughout the year. Even a little piece can mean the world to the “giftee.” There are also a lot of important methods for keeping your jewelry sparkling. No matter what, follow these suggestions to get more joy from jewelry.

Don’t overlook used jewelry when jewelry shopping. Most of the time, these pieces of jewelry can be as good as the brand new pieces, and they’re usually much cheaper. Therefore, you’ll get much more out of the money you spend.

TIP! Buying jewelry that is used can be extremely cost effective. These items are just as nice as the items that are brand new.