Buying or selling jewelry can help you get that perfect piece to add to your collection or to sell more pieces to customers. This kind of buying and selling does require research so that you don’t end up losing money. These tips should help you become a smarter buyer or seller of jewelry.
When you go shopping for sterling silver jewelry pieces, take with you a magnet and a monocle. Magnets attract non-precious metals, and you can use this fact to detect fakes. Also, look to make sure that silver is hallmarked and stamped with .925, sterling or ster. Silver jewelry that lacks a hallmark may be a fake or composed of other metals.
Many people see jewelry labeled as sterling silver plated and oftentimes think they’ve hit the jackpot when they purchase it at a very low price. In this case unfortunately, you do get what you pay for. This type of jewelry only contains a very thin coating of sterling silver on top of a cheap metal which can usually be identified as copper. The jewelry will eventually tarnish and cause the copper to show through underneath with enough wear.
Make sure to get rings sized properly so that they will fit you or someone who you are giving the ring to. Either go to a professional or use the string trick. You don’t want to play guessing games and end up having to return it several times to get it right. The ring should feel snug, but not too tight or two loose. Also, take into account, daily water weight fluctuation if you are measuring a finger yourself.
When you’re choosing a piece of jewelry to wear, think about what you like on other people, and what they like on you. Think about particular pieces that you’ve received compliments on, especially from strangers. It also helps to think about what you’ve complimented on others. If you find yourself telling others how much you like certain pieces, remember what those are when you’re out shopping for jewelry for yourself.
Costume jewelry should be treated differently than your other jewelry. Many of the components of costume jewelry are glued into their settings rather than held in with prongs or other more permanent methods. Don’t submerge costume jewelry in water or clean it with harsh chemicals. The best way to care for your jewelry is to use one damp cloth to wipe it followed by a dry one to dry it. This will assure that you costume jewelry will continue looking great.
To convey a sense of physical prowess, energy, passion, and love, look for pieces that incorporate deep red stones like rubies and red garnets. Red is an especially powerful color that is best suited to bold rings and necklaces that allow the stone to take center stage. Rubies are also popularly known as the birthstone for the month of July.
Unfortunately, if you are dead set on real gold jewelry, you will run into the problem of high prices. If you insist upon a gold ring or necklace, you can still save some money by compromising on karats. A piece of jewelry that is 75% gold is said to have 18 karats, which is high quality but still affordable; a good combination.
As you can see, there is a more to buying or selling jewelry than people think. It requires legwork and patience, but it will be worth it in the end to help you get what you want or to sell more for better profits. By following the above tips, you are on your way to achieving your jewelry goals.