Few things are more exciting and exhilarating than shopping for a new ring, bracelet, or necklace. With so many choices, it can be very difficult to identify the best deal, the brightest stone, or the most genuine materials available. Fortunately, this article is filled with useful tips on shopping for new jewels.
When choosing jewelry for an outfit, think about not only what color or colors your clothes are, but also what color your jewelry is. If you’re wearing a necklace on a silver chain, try to pair it with a silver ring or earrings with silver findings. Try to avoid mixing different colored metals unless you have a single piece, such as a watch, that combines both.
The best tool for any jewelry hunter, whether searching for personal treasure or for the profit in reclaiming gold or silver, is a jeweler’s loupe. Jeweler’s loupes are small, but powerful magnifying instruments designed specially for use in examining jewelry at very close range. Some jeweler’s loupes also have a built-in, battery-powered light which can be very handy if examining pieces in a dimly lit area. Most jeweler’s loupes are extremely economical in cost and can help you make the most of your jewelry-buying dollar, especially when buying from second-hand sources.
When looking to invest in fine jewelry, understand the different price ranges different metals and gemstones fall into. For example, understanding that opal is very expensive, you can already figure out if you see someone selling it for under twenty dollars, it is a fake. Knowing that sterling silver is a lot cheaper than white gold, but quite similar in appearance, can help narrow down your price when looking to invest in a nice pair of earrings.
When getting body jewelry, find a licensed piercer who uses a needle. Even when piercing ears, it’s best to avoid piercing guns. Piercing guns are not as sterile, can lead to infection, and may damage skin and tissue. Avoid these risks, and look for a licensed piercing shop no matter what you’re getting pierced.
If you’re having a traditional wedding and your family wants you to wear heirloom jewelry, find out what you will be wearing as early as possible! You’ll need to match your other items to what your family will be giving you. So ensure you have enough time to snag a pair of earrings or a bracelet to match.
Before purchasing a gemstone, find out if it has been treated, and if so, how. A treatment will make a difference on how to care for your gemstone. For example, improper cleaning with the wrong method may damage the stone by stripping the treatment.
Be careful when untangling your delicate necklaces. It’s easy to give up on some knotted metal mass; however, you should instead use plastic wrap. Put the necklace on the plastic wrap and cover it with a little baby oil. You can use needles to unravel them. Use ordinary dish soap to remove the mineral oil and let dry.
If you have the cash resources, consider buying findings, fasteners, chains, and beads in larger quantities; most jewelry and craft suppliers offer significant discounts on large orders to encourage quick inventory turnover. Your jewelry-making business will consume less cash, but only if you purchase large quantities of items that can be used in a variety of pieces and styles.
Whether you prefer to shop in stores or strictly online, you have a world of attractive pieces available to you. Wedding rings, pendant necklaces, and tennis bracelets, are only a few of the wonderful types of jewelry that you can choose from. This information will make shopping for jewelry a snap.