The concept jewelry has is almost as stunning as physical jewelry is alone. Jewelry captures happy occasions and special events, giving tribute to relationships between those that buy the jewelry and those that receive it. When you know more about jewelry and its ability to preserve memories, you will find that even the act of buying and selling can be more enjoyable.
Arm yourself with a magnet and a magnifying glass when shopping for sterling silver jewelry. If the piece you are examining is not silver and is made from non-precious metal, it will be attracted to the magnet. You will always find a hallmark stamp such as “.925” or “STER.” on genuine sterling, or alternately, it might simply say, “STERLING”. If there is no marking on the piece, it may not be sterling silver.
Do not use harsh chemicals such as ammonia, bleach, turpentine or acetone to clean them. Chemicals can eat away the stones or enamel on your stones.
Know which kind of stone you are buying with your jewelry. Gems are divided into three main categories: imitation, synthetic and natural. “Real” can mean natural or synthetic, and an imitation stone could be glass or plastic. Natural gems are dug up from the ground, and synthetic gems are man-made in a lab.
Be careful when storing all your jewelry together. Use a box that has several different compartments and hooks to keep your pieces apart. Resist the urge to jumble all your pieces together in one box or basket. This can hurt very fragile jewelry, and tangle necklaces or bracelets.
When shopping for diamonds, it’s best to comparison shop. Look at what you want very closely, and keep that in mind so you can compare it with other diamonds you look at. With diamonds, you need to have a keen eye because of the many tricks people will use to enhance it.
Jewelry is an investment that should last forever. To ensure you are buying a quality piece, refuse to deal with anybody but the most reputable of jewelers. The best jewelry is well-designed and well-made with close attention to detail. A credible jeweler should offer a complete history of the piece, including information about the creator and the source of the gemstones. When you are looking for jewelry of the highest quality, it is important to be careful in your choice, as you want something that will last a lifetime.
Test it out by wearing it yourself; you don’t want to give a piece that will be uncomfortable or awkward for the recipient. You will also have the knowledge that the piece is not going to fall apart the first time the receiver wears it.
Look at what they are wearing now. Do they like hoops or studs? Does the person prefer chokers or loose fitting necklaces? Noticing these things lets you choose jewelry more suited to their tastes.
Take good care of your costume jewelry. Many of the components of costume jewelry are glued into their settings rather than held in with prongs or other more permanent methods. Don’t submerge costume jewelry in water or clean it with harsh chemicals. To properly care for it you need to use a cloth dampened with warm water. After wiping make sure to use another cloth to thoroughly dry it. This method will keep your costume jewelry stunning and beautiful.
Before purchasing a new pieces, look at the latest jewelry trends. Getting a beautiful piece is fantastic; but it’s even better when it’s on sale!
If the person you are shopping for is a unique individual, consider choosing a one-of-a-kind piece crafted specifically for them. A one-of-a-kind jewelry piece is a great way to show someone how much they mean to you.
You should try and wear the jewelery once to see if it will hang on you right. In this way, you will be able to tell if the item will withstand normal wear.
A brooch will add a little character to your belt. Think about placing it near your hip or at waist level.
Costume Jewelry
Keep all of your jewelry cleaner by putting it on only after you have applied all makeup and perfume. The sparkle of a piece of jewelry is a magnet for loose or wet makeup, which will leave it tarnished and dingy. This tip especially applies to necklaces and earrings.
Costume jewelry does require some special care. Costume jewelry is generally bound by glue rather than settings and is therefore, a lot more fragile. Never immerse your costume jewelry or use harsh chemicals on it. It is best to have two cloths ready, one warm with water and one dry, to use to wipe your jewelry. This helps keep costume jewelry looking sparkling clean and new.
Determine whether or not your stone received a treatment, and what kind, prior to purchasing it. Care for your gemstone is different, depending on how it was previously treated. Treatments can interaction with certain types of cleansing solutions, so doing your research can spare you from a chemistry mishap.
Resist the common notion that size matters; concentrate instead on quality and clarity. In addition, consider the characteristics and traits of the recipient of this diamond.
This goes for any type of sauna, either steam or dry. The reason for this is that the heat and the moisture can taint the jewelry and cause problems.
It is important to visit different jewelers and examine multiple pieces when shopping for diamond jewelry. Each diamond is different and has its different flaws. If you can personally view a flaw, it may become less significant in your eyes. A jeweler will individually price the diamond based on a multitude of factors, any flaws being one of them. You can make the most of your investment if you take the time to comparison shop and hunt down the best diamond that falls within your price range.
If you are looking for jewelry as a gift, consider a set rather than an individual piece. Many jewelers offer deals on jewelry sets. You can then give a piece of the set to a loved one on several different occasions. It will not only ensure you will always have a gift ready, it will also show the person that you care a lot about them.
A strong clasp is essential to any necklace or bracelet. Clasps keep your pendants safe. With a more expensive piece of jewelry, it is a good idea to insist on a safety clasp. For added protection, you may choose to use an additional clasp beyond the one you already have.
Don’t wear jewelry when swimming. Chlorine can damage your valuable pieces because it’s such a strong chemical. Ocean salt water can similarly cause damage to any jewelry exposed to it. Take off your jewelry before diving in the water to keep them looking their best.
Use attractive robe hooks to hang your necklaces, keeping them tangle-free. 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. Not only does this keep necklaces from tangling up into knots in your jewelry box, but it makes an attractive accent to your decor.
Never rely on brand names to determine the true value of a piece of jewelry. Not may people notice trendy names or brands in jewelry. If the salesperson tries to push a certain brand in you, they probably paid too much for the item as well. Many brands offer excellent quality.
Artificial rubies and sapphires have gotten so good, they’re almost indistinguishable from the real thing. While the stones appear to be identical, both physically and chemically, the man-made stones are a lot cheaper than the natural ones. Find a reputable, knowledgeable person to take a look at a stone prior to purchasing it.
If you are going to buy a very expensive piece of jewelry, buy something that will last you for years. Quality pieces are often accompanied by a hefty price tag, but you should also carefully consider style and trends. A piece that is made in a popular style may not look quite so fashionable later. Check out some of the options that stand the test of time and maintain a unique edge.
To most people, jewelry symbolizes more than just a monetary investment, it symbolizes a memory which is truly priceless. Every piece of jewelry has its own story, whether it reminds you of a special time in your life, or represents an important part of your personality.
If you are considering a fine piece of real gold jewelry, you should be prepared to pay a high price. If you’re not willing to settle for anything less than gold, by being willing to compromise on karats, you can save some money. For the best compromise between price and quality, consider 18kt gold jewelry which is comprised of 75-percent pure gold.