Many people feel intimidated when first investing in jewelry. There are dozens of types of materials that are used to make different pieces of jewelry, and they each come with a different price tag. Shop around and research the value of jewelry before making any major purchases. It is easy to overpay when you do not have the proper knowledge. Use this advice to make the most of your next jewelry purchase.
Try using a simple polishing cloth on your jewelery collection. This helps keep your jewelry shiny without the need for chemical cleansers, which can damage the pieces. Use this two-sided cloth on your jewelry as though you were cleaning glass. One side is designed to polish, and the other is used to make the piece shine.
To keep your jewelry looking attractive, polish it regularly using a cloth made especially for this purpose. A polishing cloth is a very gentle way to get a good shine on all your pieces. Use the dual-sided cloth to gently buff your jewelry as you would a delicate glass. Use the one side designated for polish, and the other for making it shine.
Take a magnet and a keen eye with you when you head out to purchase any jewelry made from sterling silver. Use the magnet to detect fake jewelry; real silver will not be attracted to the magnet, but the cheaper metals will. True sterling sliver always has some sort of hallmark stamp on it, such as .925, sterling or ster. Silver jewelry that lacks a hallmark may be a fake or composed of other metals.
Take a magnet and a keen eye with you when you head out to purchase any jewelry made from sterling silver. Imitations will be attracted to your magnet. This is an easy way to recognize quality. You can identify sterling silver by its markings, for example “sterling,” “ster,” or “.925.” If the item has no markings indicating its authenticity, then be wary.
Make sure you check into insurance policies when you make a jewelry purchase from a jeweler. If you can get insurance, you know that you will be covered if something happens to your jewelry. Some jewelers even offer insurance for jewelry pieces that have been misplaced or stolen.
Synthetic Stones
Give the jewelry a test-run by wearing it for a day. Does it feel comfortable and hang properly? You can also make a better estimate of the jewelry’s durability after trying it out.
Always be aware of the type of stone you’re buying when dealing with gems. A stone may be natural, synthetic or imitation. While natural and synthetic stones are the real deal, imitation stones are made to look like a real gemstone, but could be anything from colored glass to plastic. Natural stones are mined, and synthetic stones are created in a laboratory.
Costume jewelry has different, specific care requirements. Many of the costume type settings are glued-in, rather than set-in. Don’t submerge costume jewelry in water or clean it with harsh chemicals. Use a gentle cloth, like microfiber, to clean it. One wet, then another, dry. This method will keep your costume jewelry stunning and beautiful.
Do some shopping around when you are looking to buy some diamonds. Start by finding what you like, and then begin comparing it with other pieces. Don’t fall for any of the tricks used by shady dealers. They employ these tactics to make a diamond look better than it really is.
You can use a brooch to make your belt stand out, since it is sure to be eye-catching. Pin it to the middle of the waist or close to your hip.
If you wish to keep a piece of jewelry looking fantastic, preventing it from tarnishing is important. If possible, remove your jewelry if you are around water. Many metals can become tarnished, rusty or dull when exposed to water too often. 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.
Makeup isn’t for jewelry. Let your makeup dry before you put on a piece of jewelry. Jewelry can become dirty and dull if you put it on too early, this is because incomplete makeup routines will transfer grime to it. Earrings and necklaces are especially prone to this kind of contamination.
Costume Jewelry
Make sure that you regularly untangle delicate, knotted necklaces. Don’t be tempted to give up on the tangled metal. It’s plastic wrap to the rescue. Place your necklace on the wrap and put baby oil or mineral oil on it. Using sewing needles, you should be able to separate the knot. Once it’s untangled, use dish soap to wash the necklace and pat it dry.
It’s great that you love costume jewelry, but make sure you evaluate the condition of any piece you plan to buy. Quality costume jewelry may cost more, but a cheaply made piece will fall apart and will quickly become unusable. Investing in quality means that you can enjoy the jewelry for many years to come.
When selling jewelry on the Internet, make the extra effort to present it in the best light possible. Handling jewelry often helps the customer make up his mind but this is not possible with online transactions. Make sure the background behind the jewelry in the photograph is bland and boring, so as not to distract the viewer’s attention away from the piece itself.
For those creative, quirky people in your life, shop for handcrafted original pieces. Show your affection for the person by recognizing their unique qualities; put some thought into the purchase and be creative.
This pertains to saunas that are steam or dry. The moisture and high temperatures in saunas can do real damage to your jewelry.
You should always know what you plan on doing with jewelry when purchasing it. Having a lot of never worn jewelry is not necessary. When you are picking the jewelry out, think about the clothes you will be wearing.
Get some robe hooks to display your necklaces and keep them from getting tangled up. Create an instant necklace storage area by mounting a row of these hooks on a closet wall. This organizational tip can help you from getting a tangled mess of necklaces in your jewelry box.
It is critical that the photos and descriptions you use to sell jewelry online are attractive and high-quality. An online buyer doesn’t get the opportunity to handle the jewelry, so photos of the piece have to speak for themselves. Ensure the focus of your pictures is the piece itself.
Brand should not be the only consideration when purchasing jewelry. Most people will not really know where you discovered the piece. Sellers try to get you to buy brand name jewelry just because it is more expensive. It is not difficult to find quality jewelry that is made by different brands.
The shape and shine of a diamond means more than the size. The personal preferences of the individual who will be wearing the diamond are of paramount consideration.
Have gold bracelets and necklaces? Make some money with your jewelry without giving it away. If there is excess gold on the piece, remove that extra, then sell that while retaining the piece itself. With real gold and several chains, you could shorten the pieces to get hundreds of dollars.
A good quality clap is very important to any necklace or bracelet. Without a solid clasp, your pendant, chain or expensive stone is at risk for loss. A safety clasp is available and is recommended for valuable bracelets and necklaces. With the most expensive items of jewelry, some people will use two or three clasps for extra security.
Onyx and crystal can be wonderful jewelry options. Be kinder to your wallet and you’ll probably like the results.
When buying jewelry, you should not buy something only because of the brand. Nobody will realize where this piece came from, and the seller may sell the piece at a higher price because of this brand. You can find good, quality jewelry from a number of different brands.
A most commonly chosen stone used in jewelry is the ruby. True rubies are red, but rubies have a myriad of red shades that range from deep pinks to near maroon. Rubies are also known for their durability, as they can withstand impact and chemical exposure surprisingly well. Because of this combination of looks and strength, rubies are one of the most practical choices in fine stones.
Onyx jewelry or crystal really stands out. Be kinder to your wallet and you’ll probably like the results.
Alexandrite is a pretty gemstone that is used in jewelry, but is rarely spoken of or advertised. This stone changes color from green to purple, depending on the lighting. It can be made into rings, earrings, and pendants with any precious metal.
Wear original jewelery that attracts attention when you have a simple outfit on. Try wearing a simple black dress for a gorgeous and classy outfit.
It is important to stick to your designated budget when you are out jewelry shopping. A beautiful ring will soon lose its allure if you have placed yourself in a significant amount of debt just to acquire it. Young couples should aim to purchase a less expensive ring when starting out. Once they have established themselves financially, they may choose to update the piece to increase its value.
Alexandrite has a lot of encouraging qualities, but does not get as much press as other stones. One of the great aspects of this stone is its color-changing ability, depending on whether you are indoors or outdoors. It is common in many types of jewelry, like rings or earrings.
Apply a damp cloth in order to clean jewelry without damaging it. After a gentle cleaning, take out a soft cloth and dry the piece completely. Don’t use any type of chemical or steam on your costume jewelry.
Surprise the ones you love with buying them a thoughtful piece of jewelery. An unexpected present is a great way to renew your romance. You will enjoy looking at her eyes sparkle with joy when she opens her box.
If you have small pieces of jewelry from your childhood that you’d like to keep wearing, layer them with more mature pieces. A simple pendant will add some flare to a grouping of several necklaces when they are all in the same style.
Now that you know these things, you’ll have a much easier time buying rings, earrings, bracelets, watches, and other jewelry items. If you remember this advice, you can save time and money when purchasing jewelry.
Keep your hands looking lovely if you enjoy sporting a ring on every finger. Be sure to have your nails manicured, or at least trim them and buff them yourself, to set an attractive stage to showcase your jewelry.