
It does not matter whether you buy it or receive it, it is important to understand the best way to sell, care for and buy jewelry. This article offers advice on all aspects of jewelry ownership.
Your jewlery needs to be kept in a place where it is protected from air and humidity. A drawstring bag or closed box offers the best protection from moisture in the air. Tarnish is a chemical reaction that happens when silver and other metals are exposed to moisture and air. You can restore the precious metals back to their former glory, but plated jewelry is different. Trying to polish those pieces can reveal the non-precious metals underneath, such as copper.
You never want to use bleach, ammonia, or any other cleaning solvents that are not designed specifically for cleaning jewelry. This can cause the stones to lose their luster in addition to eating away the enamel on any of the pieces.
Before you buy a gemstone, ask what type of gemstone it is. Gems are divided into three main categories: imitation, synthetic and natural. You have to know that imitation refers to colored plastic. They make synthetic stones in a lab, whereas natural stones come from the ground.
If you are in the market to buy some silver jewelry, don’t forget to take a magnet along with you. Magnets attract non-precious metals, and you can use this fact to detect fakes. Sterling silver will always be hallmarked with a stamp such as .925, ster. or sterling. If the piece of presumed silver is not marked, be skeptical that is real silver. It could very well be a fake.
Your jewelry should endure an entire lifetime. Whenever you buy jewelry, make sure you go to a reliable, experienced dealer, so you know you’re getting an outstanding piece of jewelry. If a piece of jewelry is of high quality, it should be made well and exhibit top-flight craftsmanship. Ask the jeweler what the origin of the piece is, like the maker and the origin of the stones. When you choose a piece of jewelry that is high in quality, it can become a heirloom that will last forever.
When you are shopping for diamonds, there are ways to compare the stones. Take a look at the diamonds up close, then put it next to other pieces you are interested in. However, be mindful that there are fraudulent ways to make the diamond look better than it is.
Wear jewelry for at least a day to see if it hangs correctly and is comfortable. This can also help you see whether the piece is durable enough to last.
Look at what they are wearing now. Do they like hoops or studs? Does the person prefer chokers or loose fitting necklaces? Just paying attention to what they wear now will make buying for them much easier than asking a salesperson.
Keep all of your jewelry cleaner by putting it on only after you have applied all makeup and perfume. Your jewelry attracts dust and particles from cosmetics; if you apply makeup after you put on your jewelry, the particles will make it look dull. Earrings and necklaces are the prominent pieces affected by this.
Consider stones when you are buying jewelry. Purchase stones that are a reflection of you who are, and match your skin tone as well. Your best bet is to choose a natural color to match any outfit. There is no point in buying something that is not functional.
Ask your jeweler before you make a purchse about what kinds of treatments were used on the gemstones in the piece. You will need to know what type of care it might require as a result of the treatment. For example, you should avoid cleaning a gem that has been treated with a certain solution that could peel off the treatment because this could harm the gem.
Costume Jewelry
If you have tangled necklaces, you can untangle them with ease. It’s easy to get frustrated when trying to get the knots out of a badly tangled necklace, but try using some plastic wrap before you call it quits. Put the necklace on the plastic wrap and add a little mineral oil or baby oil. Gently untangle the knots with needles. Wash with dishwashing liquid then pat dry.
You need to pay special attention when caring for 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. Costume jewelry should never be immersed or make contact 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 will make your current costume jewelry look great.
If you are looking to sell jewelry online, ensure that the photos you use make the piece look attractive. This is very important since customers cannot handle the jewelry in an online transaction. Photograph jewelry in a setting that concentrates the viewer’s attention solely on the jewelry; avoid distracting backgrounds.
If you are buying jewelry for someone who values her individuality, find a one-of-a-kind piece or commission a piece designed specifically for her. This shows that you are both thoughtful and creative, traits that someone who would want a unique piece of jewelry is likely to value.
Hit up several different stores when looking for diamond jewelry. All diamonds are unique and will have different types of imperfections. Some flaws may not seem that critical to you when you see the diamond in person. Jewelers can price their diamonds differently according to the flaws in the diamonds. Shop around and find the best diamond you can for the price you can afford.
If you are trying to sell jewelry on the Internet, make sure that you present it in an attractive way. Handling jewelry often helps the customer make up his mind but this is not possible with online transactions. Make sure any photos of the jewelry focus on the item itself and don’t have distracting backgrounds or additional items.
If you plan to invest a great deal of money in a piece of jewelry, opt for a piece that will last many years. Quality and durability are usually givens when you spend big, but style and fashion also come into play. While the piece might appear stylish and modern right now, in five years time it could end up languishing at the bottom of your jewelry case. Try and find classic items that never go out of fashion.
Wearing jewelry during spa and recreational activities is not recommended. Significant damage can occur to the piece because of the high moisture and high temperatures.
If your gold bracelets and necklaces are too long for you, it’s possible for you to make some money off the gold without losing the jewelry. Cut off a bit of excess chain to sell, while keeping enough to wear. You can actually make a tidy sum by selling off odds and ends of jewelry in this manner.
The prices for diamonds vary greatly so shop around before making a purchase. All diamonds are unique and will have different types of imperfections. Once you see a diamond yourself, certain flaws will be less of a concern to you. A jeweler will individually price the diamond based on a multitude of factors, any flaws being one of them. Don’t just look at one jewelry shop. Take the time to really look around until you find the best deal possible.
You can make a real statement with a stand-out piece of onyx or crystal jewelry. It’s possible to save money, and be happy with your results.
Make sure jewelry you purchase can last for a long time. Although more expensive jewelry is normally high quality, there are other factors to consider. A piece that is made in a popular style may not look quite so fashionable later. Choose a piece that has classic lines and timeless style.
It may be tough to figure out how to best present jewelry that you are selling at informal events like craft fairs and flea markets. When you are shopping for materials to make your jewelry, also look for items that you could display it on. You can use items like cigar boxes, baskets and other unusual items to display your jewelry in an interesting way.
Properly-maintained jewelry is very valuable, not just financially but also sentimentally. When you give your valuable jewelry the proper care, you are protecting your investment and cherishing your memories. There is a lot more information out there, so keep educating yourself so that you will know how to get the most out of your jewelry.
A beautiful and oftentimes overlooked gemstone is Alexandrite. Moving from florescent light indoors, to natural light outdoors changes the stone from a purple hue to a green hue. It is frequently found in pendants, rings, or earrings.