There is no shortage of wonderful information about jewelry. Even the tiniest misstep could be the end of your jewelry – and your money. Here are some safe and reliable tips for jewelry selection and care. Follow these tips to learn how to buy and maintain your jewelry items. You can avoid some of the more common mistakes people make.
When you go shopping for sterling silver jewelry pieces, take with you a magnet and a monocle. If the piece you are examining is not silver and is made from non-precious metal, it will be attracted to the magnet. Sterling silver always has some sort of stamp to indicate it is sterling. If the item has no markings indicating its authenticity, then be wary.
Polishing Cloth
Do some research on the gem in your new piece of jewelry before you buy. There are three different types: natural, synthetic and imitation. Natural gems and synthetic gems are real gemstones, whereas imitation is just an item of plastic with gemstone colors. The difference here, however, is that synthetic is man-made in a laboratory while natural is found buried in the earth.
You can keep the jewelry in your collection sparkling by using a special polishing cloth. This is an easy way to get shine without chemicals and solvents. Simply use the two-sided polishing cloth to polish your jewelry the same way you would polish a glass. Use a two-sided cleaning cloth, one for polishing and one for shining.
Jewelry should be a purchase that truly lasts a lifetime. When buying jewelry, only buy from dealers with good reputations, so that you don’t buy a piece that seems durable, but really isn’t. High-quality jewelry items will have superior craftsmanship and pleasing, aesthetic designs. The jeweler will be able to provide a complete history of the piece of jewelry, including who made it, and exactly where the stones originated. It is essential to purchase high-quality jewelry if you want it to become a treasured heirloom passed down for generations.
When you are putting your jewelry away, take care on how it is stored. It is better to use boxes, compartments, holders, and hooks for keeping pieces separate. Don’t throw piles into a box. Not only can this harm the fine and fragile pieces, but things like necklaces can get severely tangled up with other necklaces or other jewelry.
Pay attention to the type of metal they wear, such as white gold or yellow gold. Also notice if your loved one usually wears hoops or studs. By doing this you should have a good idea what to buy them.
Bring a magnet when shopping for sterling silver jewelery. To spot scams, see if the magnet attracts the piece. If it does, then shout “FAKE!” at the top of your lungs and move to the next store. You can identify sterling silver by its markings, for example “sterling,” “ster,” or “.925.” If the piece you’re inspecting doesn’t carry such a mark, be careful, as it is likely a fake.
Try wearing the item for a little while to see if it is comfortable and hangs correctly. This will also let you know how the piece holds up in every day environments.
Ask the jeweler what type of insurance is available for your purchase. If you can get insurance, you know that you will be covered if something happens to your jewelry. You can even find insurance on jewelry pieces that were stolen or misplaced.
When you are looking for new jewelry, the first thing to do is to check what is on sale. Buying at the right moment can mean big savings. Check for great sales online, in the newspaper, and even storefront windows. Consider buying something that is out of style to get a better deal.
You want to ensure that your jewelry always looks its best so do everything you can to stop it from tarnishing. Jewelry should not be worn near the water. Lots of jewelry materials are dulled or tarnished by water exposure. Use a thinner coat of your clear nail polish on your jewelry for extra protection.
Get the tangles out of a delicate necklace that’s in a knot. Do not give up, but instead get a piece of plastic wrap. After placing the necklace on the wrap, coat it with mineral or baby oil. Try using needles to start untangling it. Clean with warm, soapy water and gently pat dry.
Well, it’s easy when you know how. This article has just touched on a few of things that you should know about this very rewarding hobby. There is much to learn, but at least you’ve now got a few good ideas to put to work.
Have definite plans for the jewelry you purchase. There is no need to spend your money on a bauble that you cannot see yourself wearing. As you shop for jewelry, try to envision whether you can see yourself wearing a piece with your current wardrobe.