If you are searching for a valuable piece of jewelry, it adds an element of stress to the fun. From silver to platinum, there are many types of material that go into a piece of jewelry, and the cost of each piece varies. An uneducated customer might pay too much. Learn to make smart jewelry purchases with these pointers.
Don’t use harsh chemicals like turpentine or bleach to clean jewelry. You can turn your stones this way and it will eat away the enamel on the pieces.
Store your jewelry collection carefully. Keep pieces separately by using compartments, boxes, hooks and holders. Do not just throw them into piles in a box. This can damage fragile jewelry, and make it difficult to find the necklace you want because it’s tangled with other pieces.
Always keep your jewelry in a place that doesn’t experience extreme temperatures or humidities. To ensure it is protected, keep your jewelry in a drawstring bag or a jewelry box that is closed. Both air and humidity can lead to tarnished metal. Silver polishes work well to remove tarnish, but certain metals, such as bronze, may not polish well. The polish may remove the surface coating and then the metal underneath, such as copper, becomes visible.
Sterling Silver
Every piece of jewelry should last you a life-time. When choosing your next piece of jewelry, be sure to deal with a reputable dealer to ensure you attain a high-quality piece. Any piece that is high quality will have its craftsmanship and quality shining through. 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 important to choose a high-quality piece to ensure that your jewelry will last a lifetime.
When you are shopping for jewelry in sterling silver, be sure to examine the piece closely, and take along a magnet for metal testing. You can tell if a piece of silver is sterling or not by using a magnet. Sterling will not react to the magnet, but non-precious metals will be attracted. Sterling silver always has some sort of stamp to indicate it is sterling. If the piece is not hallmarked in any way, be leery of its authenticity because oftentimes it is a sign of a fake.
Be sure to pay attention to details like type of metal and shape. This information will allow you to purchase that special piece that they will treasure for life.
Do your research before settling on one diamond. Take a look at the diamonds up close, then put it next to other pieces you are interested in. 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.
Before you make a final jewelry-buying decision, take a look at what’s new and trendy. Price a variety of similar items before buying an expensive piece.
Pay attention to the types, sizes, and colors of jewelry that the person wears. Paying attention to these aspects of their current wardrobe will help you make a purchase they are more likely to enjoy.
For jewelry to stay shiny and new-looking, it is important to keep it from tarnishing. If possible, remove your jewelry if you are around water. If you let some metals get wet too often, they can tarnish, rust or become dull. Applying a very thin covering of clear nail varnish to your jewelry offers an added degree of protection.
When you purchase jewelry from a jeweler, ask about their insurance policy. Many stores offer a policy where you can bring broken or damaged jewelry back to the original jeweler for repair at little to no cost. In some instances, you can even insure your jewelry against loss or theft.
You should wear the jewelry for a few days to see how it feels and if it is comfortable. This will also help you to determine if the piece is sufficiently durable.
If you can prevent your jewelry from tarnishing, it will surely look much more attractive. When you are close to water, do not wear your jewelry. Many types of jewelry become dulled or tarnished when they are exposed to water. To give jewelry an added layer of protection apply a thin layer of clear nail lacquer.
Costume jewelry has different, specific care requirements. Many pieces of costume jewelry have the stones glued on, for example. You want to avoid using strong chemicals or immersion baths on your costume jewelry. Simply wipe it with a damp warm cloth, followed by a soft, dry cloth. This will make your current costume jewelry look great.
Costume Jewelry
Before you buy a gemstone, it is important that you learn about the treatment process it underwent. The type of care required will differ depending on the kind of treatment. You want to avoid putting a solution on jewelry that has been treated, particularly if you do not know whether or not it will hurt the piece.
It’s great that you love costume jewelry, but make sure you evaluate the condition of any piece you plan to buy. Costume jewelry make good investments and they can be costly, but an item that shows major signs of usage will be a poor investment of your time and money. A good piece will give you many years of happiness and even gain value over time.
When selling jewelry via the Internet, be sure to develop attractive and persuasive imagery of the pieces. This is important to do because when someone purchases something online, they don’t have it in front of them to feel and touch. It is essential that the jewelry be placed on a background that does not draw the attention away from the piece.
You need to take special care of costume jewelry. A lot of the stones in costume jewelery are glued in and not set in. Costume jewelry should never be immersed or make contact with harsh chemicals. Use a damp cloth, then dry it with another clean, dry cloth. This will make your current costume jewelry look great.
The cut, color and clarity of a diamond can make a bigger impression than size alone. Also, keep in mind the personality of the person you are giving the diamond to.
Before purchasing a gemstone, find out if it has been treated, and if so, how. Different treatments come with different requirements for cleaning and storage. You do not want to try to clean a treated gem with a solution that may strip the treatment and damage the gem in the process.
When you are shopping for gifts, why not consider a jewelry set? You will find that a great deal of stores offer discounts when you buy sets of jewelry. Give away one piece at a time to different people throughout the years. This is an excellent way to give something every holiday season without having to worry that you will forget.
If you are in the market for jewelry, always seek out sales. If the deal is good, you may be able to save some serious money! Look for great deals in old-fashioned newspapers, on the Internet, and even at retail stores. Keep an eye out for deep discounts on jewelry styles that are nearing the end of their popularity. The price is right for what is still a lovely piece of jewelry.
Try using robe hooks for storing your necklaces in a tangle-free way. Try hanging the hooks on the wall in your bedroom or on the back of the door, then put all your necklaces on them in the fashion that works for you. Doing this will keep your jewelry from getting all balled up in the bottom of your jewelry box.
This jewelry common sense applies to everything from rings to watches to cufflinks, use it wisely. If you remember this advice, you can save time and money when purchasing jewelry.
When you set out to buy jewelry, buy a piece because you love it, not because of who makes it. Almost no one will be able to identify the maker of your jewelry. Don’t be persuaded to pay more for a piece of jewelry simply because of its brand name. You can find excellent quality from many different brands.