One of the most important things to consider, once you have decided to purchase a specific piece of jewelry, is where to go to physically purchase the item. This article describes things to look for in a piece of jewelry and some great tips for caring for your precious pieces.
Save some of your most fragile jewelry for special occasions only. Some fragile stones like opal and peridot should only be worn for special events and then carefully stored until the next occasion. This may seem irritating since you want to be able to wear your best pieces, but it can prolong their life if you avoid exposing them to harm too often.
Before you buy a gemstone, ask what type of gemstone it is. Gemstones come in three different varieties: natural, imitation and synthetic. Imitation has little value, as it is generally plastic, while synthetic and natural are considered to be real gems. Natural stones are mined, and synthetic stones are created in a laboratory.
Sites like Etsy have a wide selection of handmade jewelry. You can find many unique, one of a kind pieces, but be careful. Some sellers may use pendants or other findings that can be widely purchased in bulk or from craft stores. Read reviews or search for similar items to make sure you’re getting the best value.
Before purchasing earrings that have diamonds or other stones in them, make sure that the stones can be replaced. You do not want to be put in a situation where the stones have fallen out of your earrings and they cannot be replaced. If you are unsure, you can always ask a jeweler before you buy them.
Always check with your jeweler about insurance policy options before buying anything. Insurance policies allow you to bring a defective or broken piece into the jewelry store for repair. Some jewelers have insurance policies that cover lost of stolen jewelry, also.
Save your broken beaded necklaces to give them new life. Do not let them fill a sacred box in your bedroom. Go in your bathroom and grab the dental floss. Use it to restring your necklace and it will likely last longer than the original string lasted on the piece.
While it’s easy to point the finger at the metals in your jewelry causing your skin irritation, it could be as simple as the jewelry needing a good cleaning. Since bacteria and dirt can build up on your jewelry causing irritation, a warm water and gentle soap cleaning is recommended to rid the irritants and hopefully the bad reaction as well.
Take your jewelry off before you go swimming. Chlorine from a pool is a chemical and can tarnish and damage precious jewelry. Salt water can damage them over time too. Taking these off before swimming will protect their beauty and extend their life.
While gold is often mixed with other metals in large amounts, platinum tends to be more pure. The most popular type is 900 Platinum, which is 90 percent platinum. Since there is so little of other metals used in the pieces platinum is considered hypoallergenic and is the preferred metal of people with allergies.
Picking a good quality diamond is important when purchasing diamond jewelry. Ask to see the diamond under a jeweler’s loop or a diamond microscope. You should notice no visible flaws, fractures, cloudiness or black spots. Watch out for chips that are hidden under prongs as well.
Again, it is important to consider the retail venue where you will be purchasing your new piece of jewelry, before you actually buy the item. By applying the advice and tips provided in this article, you will be one step closer to the store and your new piece of jewelry.