How to approach purchasing and caring for jewelry can be confusing for anyone that is not a professional. Owning jewelry dates back centuries, so where do you look for answers when you have questions? This article includes tips written to make you a more informed customer.
Jewelry should be a purchase that truly lasts a lifetime. Always purchase pieces from reputable jewelers in order to make sure you are getting quality pieces. A valuable piece of jewelry will be well-made and feature superior craftsmanship. A good jeweler can provide you with some background on the piece, such as who crafted it, where it was manufactured, and where any stones in it came from. Put effort into your choice, so you can be sure that the piece will last generations.
Avoid using things like bleach, acetone, ammonia, turpentine, and other related chemicals to clean them with. These chemicals can turn stones dull and even erode the enamel.
Do some shopping around when you are looking to buy some diamonds. Take a close look at a truly top notch diamond, and then hold everything else you consider to that standard. There are many ways to make a diamond look better than it really is.
Recious Metal
Discover whether they wear studs, hoop earrings, or some other type of jewelry. Just paying attention to what they wear now will make buying for them much easier than asking a salesperson.
When storing your jewelry, be sure that you store it in a place with low humidity and free of open air. A jewelry box or drawstring bag out of a humid area is ideal. Humidity quickly tarnishes both precious and non-precious metal. Precious metals can easily be polished, but non-precious metal needs a special polish.
Keep your jewelry from tarnishing as best as you can. Never wear your jewelry when you are going to be near water. Many of the metals become tarnished, rusty or dull when they get exposed to the elements of water. If you are looking to protect your jewelry from the ill effects of water, try applying clear nail polish, just a thin layer, on the piece itself.
Jewelry is an investment that should last forever. Always purchase pieces from reputable jewelers in order to make sure you are getting quality pieces. A valuable piece of jewelry will be well-made and feature superior craftsmanship. Ask the jeweler what the origin of the piece is, like the maker and the origin of the stones. If you select high-quality jewelry, it will last you forever.
When collecting costume jewelry, pay close attention to the condition of any piece you are considering. Costume jewelry can prove to be a good investment, but also a costly one; keep in mind the pieces you wish to add to your collection don’t show too much wear. Pieces that are in great shape will fetch you better prices down the road, should you choose to sell them.
What color gold do they seem to favor – white or yellow? Do they normally wear a bracelet? What type of earrings do they prefer – drop and dangle or studs? Take a mental note of this important information. Paying attention to these aspects of their current wardrobe will help you make a purchase they are more likely to enjoy.
If you put on your jewelry only after you have put on your makeup, you will have to clean it less. All the grime and dust from your makeup attracts jewelry. Therefore, putting on jewelry beforehand can make the piece look dingy. Earrings and necklaces are the prominent pieces affected by this.
Costume Jewelry
Find out if your gemstone was treated before you buy it and if it was, how it was treated. Different care is required for different treatments. Knowing the proper care techniques for your gemstone will prevent you from accidentally damaging it by stripping it of its protective treatment.
If you like to collect costume jewelry pieces, become very choosy about each piece’s condition. Well-done costume jewelry is often worth the price, but if it’s worn out or visibly damaged, it won’t be worth the effort it takes to restore it. You’ll get more return on your investment later if you buy costume jewelry in good condition.
If there are knots in your necklaces, you can easily untangle them. Believe it or not, you can use plastic wrap to untangle jewelry. Apply baby oil or mineral oil to your necklace after placing it on the plastic wrap. It is possible to untangle very snarled necklaces with a needle. Wash with dishwashing liquid then pat dry.
Costume jewelry has different, specific care requirements. Costume settings are often glued-in as compared to set-in. Therefore, you shouldn’t get costume jewelry wet or expose it to harsh chemicals. The best way to care for your jewelry is to use one damp cloth to wipe it followed by a dry one to dry it. This keeps costume jewelry looking its best.
When you are buying jewelery, make sure you know what you are going to use it for. A large jewelry box full of items you never use isn’t a wise investment. Think of the outfits that you own, and use those to help you choose your jewelry.
There are so many things to know and appreciate about the world of jewelry. However, with careful and guided research, you can make sure that you are purchasing quality pieces and caring for them accordingly. When you first start out with jewelry, it is like a whole other world, and it is one flush with excitement and beauty. These tips should prove useful for your journey.
If you are selling your jewelry online, make sure it is presented attractively. Since your potential customer will not be able to examine the piece in person, your presentation is very important. Avoid taking photographs of jewelery with backgrounds that distract from the piece.