While shopping for jewelry can be really fun, it can be difficult if you are not sure how to choose expensive pieces. Various kinds of materials are used for making jewelry. All of them vary in the amount of money they’re worth. The uneducated shopper can easily end up paying over the odds. This article contains some great tips to help you make a wise jewelry purchase.
Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia and acetone that may permanently damage your jewelry. These chemicals can turn stones dull and even erode the enamel.
Jewelry should be stored in an air-tight and humid free area. To ensure it is protected, keep your jewelry in a drawstring bag or a jewelry box that is closed. Metals will become tarnished when exposed to air and humidity. Polishing will work to restore the color and shine for precious metals, but with non-precious metals, polishing will not help the change in color.
Take a magnet and a keen eye with you when you head out to purchase any jewelry made from sterling silver. You can tell if a piece of silver is sterling or not by using a magnet. Sterling will not react to the magnet, but non-precious metals will be attracted. True sterling sliver always has some sort of hallmark stamp on it, such as .925, sterling or ster. If the piece that you are looking at is not hallmarked, this is usually the sign that it is a fake.
Always compare prices before purchasing any diamonds. Find a few reference pieces that you like, and see if other diamonds can do better. Look out for tricks that make the diamond look better than it is.
Ask about a jeweler’s insurance policy before buying anything. If your jewelry becomes damaged, you can return it to the source and have it repaired. Some jewelers will offer insurance on jewelry that might have been stolen or lost.
Looking Beautiful
Keep your jewelry pieces looking beautiful by protecting them from tarnish. One of the best ways to keep your jewelry looking beautiful is to avoid wearing it in water. Many of the metals become tarnished, rusty or dull when they get exposed to the elements of water. To protect your jewelry from exposure, apply a single coat of clear nail lacquer to its surface.
If you like to collect costume jewelry pieces, become very choosy about each piece’s condition. Collecting costume jewelry can get expensive, but it is also an investment worth your time, so avoid any pieces that have too many flaws. Compare pieces for quality, because good ones stay high or even grow in value over time.
You could wear it for a day to make sure it is not uncomfortable. You’ll also be able to get a better idea of the piece’s durability.
Before you buy, ask the jeweler if and how the gemstone was treated. Depending on the type of treatment used, the piece will require varying types of care. For example, you should avoid cleaning a gem that has been treated with a certain solution that could peel off the treatment because this could harm the gem.
Look for sales when you want to buy some new jewelry. If the deal is good, you may be able to save some serious money! Look for great deals in old-fashioned newspapers, on the Internet, and even at retail stores. Consider buying something that is out of style to get a better deal.
Have definite plans for the jewelry you purchase. What’s the fun in buying jewelry you never actually wear? Take time to consider the type of clothing styles and outfits you plan on wearing with your jewelry purchase.
When you are shopping for gifts, why not consider a jewelry set? Most jewelers offer special deals on jewelry when it is bought in sets, rather than each piece individually. If you purchase a necklace and earring set, you can gift the necklace on one occasion and the earrings on another. It will not only ensure you will always have a gift ready, it will also show the person that you care a lot about them.
A good clasp is important for any form of bracelet or necklace. If your jewelry items have unreliable clasps, your gemstones are in constant jeopardy. Valuable bracelets and necklaces should be secured with a safety clasp. For added protection, you may choose to use an additional clasp beyond the one you already have.
Try using robe hooks for storing your necklaces in a tangle-free way. Try hanging the hooks on the wall in your bedroom or on the back of the door, then put all your necklaces on them in the fashion that works for you. Not only will this prevent your necklaces from getting entwined in your jewelry box, it will also look really attractive.
Whether it is a ring, watch or a beautiful new bracelet, you can use the advice in the article above to buy your next piece of jewelry with confidence. If you remember this advice, you can save time and money when purchasing jewelry.