The beauty that some jewelry pieces possess is matched by the simple, elegant brilliance of the entire concept of jewelry itself. Jewelry memorializes important and joyous occasions and pays tribute to relationships that matter to its owners and givers. When you learn about jewelry, you will be able to make wise choices in purchasing it and in selling or trading it. You will be able to choose jewelry of heirloom quality.
Jewelry should be stored in an air-tight and humid free area. A jewelry box or drawstring bag out of a humid area is ideal. Tarnish is a chemical reaction that happens when silver and other metals are exposed to moisture and air. Precious metals, through some work and polish, can be restored to their original condition. Non-precious metals are coated, which means that polishing will allow copper metal to come through.
If you want to buy sterling silver pieces, use a magnet and examine the jewelry very carefully. By using the magnet you can quickly determine if the jewelry item is made of a cheaper metal and not sterling silver. You can generally tell genuine sterling silver by its stamp, which will look something like “.925 ster.” If the piece that you are looking at is not hallmarked, this is usually the sign that it is a fake.
Your jewelry should endure an entire 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 can be told by its superior craftsmanship and good manufacture. Your jeweler should have all the information on the piece, including where it came from and who created it. A quality item of jewelry will last a lifetime or more, so take the time to do your research.
Before you think about picking up new jewelry, check into what the latest trends are to get a sense of what’s of value. Getting a great deal on beautiful bauble makes getting it even more enjoyable.
Costume Jewelry
Remember that even costume jewelry needs careful attention. Many of the components of costume jewelry are glued into their settings rather than held in with prongs or other more permanent methods. Take care not to use chemicals or lots of water in an attempt to clean your costume jewelry. The best way to clean these pieces are to wipe them clean with a damp cloth and dry immediately with another cloth. Doing so will keep your jewelry looking its best for life.
If the person you are shopping for is a unique individual, consider choosing a one-of-a-kind piece crafted specifically for them. Show your affection for the person by recognizing their unique qualities; put some thought into the purchase and be creative.
Gems are given chemical treatments in the process of cutting, polishing and setting. When you are thinking of buying, ask what treatment a stone was given. A treatment will make a difference on how to care for your gemstone. Some cleaning solutions that work perfectly well on untreated gems can strip off treatments, and even damage stones, if you use them on treated gems.
You should always know what you plan on doing with jewelry when purchasing it. There is no point in filling your jewelery box with things you cannot wear. Consider specific outfits and styles when making your selections.
If you are selling jewelry on the Internet, you should present these pieces as attractively as possible. As the potential buyer cannot physically touch the piece, this is important so that the jewelry is presented in its best light. Don’t let the background overwhelm the picture.
This goes for any type of sauna, either steam or dry. Excessive moisture and heat can be damaging to jewelry.
Before you purchase a diamond ring, necklace or bracelet, shop around and compare your options. Every diamond is unique and has its own set of flaws. Some flaws are not as obtrusive as others, but you need to see a diamond in person to discern if a flaw is important or not to you. And each jeweler will set price differently according to flaws. It is important to look at various options to ensure you get the best quality diamond for the amount of money you can comfortably afford.
When it comes to jewelry, whether you are buying, selling or simply wearing and enjoying it, you need good information to protect your investment. It can symbolize good times or future happiness; it is heightened via human emotions.