When you are looking for stones you should remember a few simple tips. Going into a jewelry store without knowing what to look out for can result in you getting a piece that is not worth nearly as much as what you paid for it. Follow these tips, so that you can make the right selection.
Pewter jewelry has been widely popular for decades. If you’re looking to invest in jewelry pieces made from pewter, make sure that they are lead free. For a long time, pewter jewelry has contained lead causing many unhealthy side effects to the wearer. Usually modern jewelry made from this metal is advertised as lead-free if it doesn’t contain any.
Make sure you know what to look for when buying platinum jewelry. Platinum needs to be at least 95% pure in order for it to be considered real platinum. If it’s lower it is platinum alloy. Also, be aware that platinum can develop a patina, which many people feel gives jewelry a nice antique look. This jewelry also does not wear away and is hypoallergenic.
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.
Find a reputable seller. Ask your friends, family, and acquaintances where they believe you should attempt to find your jewelry. Finding a jeweler that is recommended by trusted individuals can give you an advantage to shopping around. You will know in advance what experiences others may have had, and be able to prepare better.
Look for jewelry stores that are accredited members of the Gemological Institute of America, or GIA, as well as the Jewelers of America. You are assured the best quality at the lowest price by stores with these certifications. You will find these certifications held by most big chain type outfits.
Try to fix scratches in watch glass before you waste money at a jeweler. Watch faces can easily get scratched by their constant exposure to the elements. To fix this, try rubbing a small amount of your toothpaste into the face of the watch. Use circular motion and see the scratches disappear like magic.
Jewelry makes a great gift – and an even better surprise gift! A little foresight will ensure that appealing jewelry can be presented without consulting with the recipient beforehand. Pieces selected with the receiver’s taste and sizing taken into account are best. Just in case, the jewelry giver should know exactly how a surprise gift can be resized or exchanged.
Before deciding to start a home jewelry business you want to make sure that your skills are up to par. Typically, people who purchase from jewlwers do so because they expect unique, high-quality goods. You will not be able to make too many sales if your pieces look unfinished and fragile.
Clean silver jewelry with products from your kitchen. Silver jewelry tarnishes with time but it is easily cleaned with vinegar. Combine half a cup of white vinegar with two tablespoons of baking soda in a small bowl. Stir the mixture until it forms bubbles. Put your silver jewelry into the solution leaving it for two to three hours depending on how tarnished it is. Remove the jewelry and wash it under cool running water. It will look as good as new!
While it may seem like buying jewelry can be a long and tedious process, it is actually not as taxing as it sounds. You should have fun and enjoy browsing, but just be sure to keep an eye out for things that do not seem like they are what they should be.