Stress can take a lot of the fun out of shopping if you are seeking to purchase a costly jewelry piece. Different jewelry materials can make a very big difference in the overall value of a piece. An uneducated customer might pay too much. By taking advantage of this advice, you will be that much more wiser next time you go out shopping for jewelry.
Clean all of your jewelry with a polishing cloth. This is an easy way to get shine without chemicals and solvents. Buff your jewelry with the two-sided cloth, just as if you were cleaning a glass. Use the one side designated for polish, and the other for making it shine.
Avoid using things like bleach, acetone, ammonia, turpentine, and other related chemicals to clean them with. Natural acids won’t erode the enamel on your copper jewelry the way harsh chemicals can.
Be cautious about your jewelry storage. You can protect your jeweled investments with hooks, boxes and holders that keep each piece intact and prevent tangles. Resist the urge to jumble all your pieces together in one box or basket. This can harm delicate parts, and tangle some pieces with others, like necklaces.
You need to know the type of gem that you are purchasing. There are three different types: natural, synthetic and imitation. Natural and synthetic gemstones are both actual gemstones, while an imitation gemstone is just a plastic mold made to look like a gemstone. The only difference between natural and imitation gemstones is where they are made. Natural occur naturally, while synthetic stones are grown in labs.
When purchasing sterling silver, take along a good magnifying glass, along with a small magnet. As a precious metal, silver should never be attracted to a magnet. Your sterling silver jewelery should always be imprinted if it is real. The stamp may read “.925” or “ster”. If the piece that you are looking at is not hallmarked, this is usually the sign that it is a fake.
Your diamond shopping experience is missing something important if you are not comparison shopping. Take a good look at all the pieces that you like, examining them and comparing them to each other. There are many ways to make a diamond look better than it really is.
Keep your jewelry from getting tarnished to preserve its best appearance. Remove your jewelry if you plan on spending time in or near water. This could cause your jewelery to rust or become more dull. Apply clear nail polish to your jewelery as an added protection.
When purchasing jewelry from a respected jeweler, inquire as to whether they offer an insurance policy. Then, you will have peace of mind knowing it can be fixed or replaced if anything happens. Some jewelers even offer insurance for jewelry pieces that have been misplaced or stolen.
It’s great that you love costume jewelry, but make sure you evaluate the condition of any piece you plan to buy. A piece that isn’t in very good condition won’t be worth it, and since you may be thinking of an expensive item as an investment, it’s important to watch for wear and tear. You’ll get more return on your investment later if you buy costume jewelry in good condition.
Wear the jewelry piece for a day so that you can get an idea of how comfortable it is and if it hangs right. It will also allow you to test the piece’s durability.
When buying new jewelry, carefully consider the stones. Certain stones will do a better job of complementing your skin tone and your personality than others. If you choose a neutral color it will match anything you wear. Do not buy something that looks nice on the shelf but that you will never use.
Costume Jewelry
Costume jewelry needs to be handled and stored delicately. Costume jewelry is generally bound by glue rather than settings and is therefore, a lot more fragile. Don’t submerge costume jewelry in water or clean it with abrasives. The best way to maintain your costume jewelry is to use a moist, warm cloth first, then dry it off with another cloth. This will assure that you costume jewelry will continue looking great.
Special care is required for costume jewelry. Often, stones will be glued into their settings, which makes them more prone to falling out than regular jewelry. Avoid using harsh chemicals on these pieces, and do not immerse them. The best care is to wipe with a warm damp cloth and then dry with another cloth. This method will keep your costume jewelry stunning and beautiful.
Learn how to unravel a knotted necklace, even one with delicate loops. Before giving up on a tangled knotted mass of precious metal, source some plastic wrap. Put the chain on the wrap, then pour on a bit of mineral oil or baby oil. Gently untangle the knots with needles. Wash them using dish soap, and then pat dry them.
To maintain the shine and finish on your jewelry, do not put it on until you’ve done your hair and makeup. If you put on makeup after you put on your jewelry, dust and particles from the makeup will migrate to the jewelry, which makes it dirty quite quickly. This is extra important when you are cleaning necklaces or earrings.
You should always know what you plan on doing with jewelry when purchasing it. You don’t need a box full of unused jewelry. Think about your most-worn wardrobe pieces when choosing jewelry.
Before you buy, ask the jeweler if and how the gemstone was treated. It is important to understand the varying treatment processes because each one requires a specific care regimen. You don’t want to clean them with a type of solution that could strip the treatment or damage the gem.
The cut of the diamond and its clarity can be more appealing than its size. Also, bear in mind the style of the intended recipient.
Utilize the advice in this article so you can make the right choice next time you buy jewelry. This advice can save you a ton of money when you go to the jewelers.
A strong clasp is essential to any necklace or bracelet. Without a solid clasp, your pendant, chain or expensive stone is at risk for loss. For very expensive items, like diamond necklaces or gold bracelets, a strong clasp is essential. Some opt for two or three clasps on their extremely valuable pieces of jewelry so that they stay safe during wear.