Jewelry shopping is usually a lot of fun, but it can also be stressful, if you are looking to buy a very expensive piece of jewelry. There are lots of different things used when making jewelry, which are all worth different amounts of money. Buyers who have not educated themselves about jewelry may end up paying too much money for what they get. Use this advice to make the most of your next jewelry purchase.
Don’t use harsh chemicals like turpentine or bleach to clean jewelry. These chemicals can wreak havoc on your jewelry, from discoloring bands, to dulling stones, to eroding enamel or glue.
Your jewlery needs to be kept in a place where it is protected from air and humidity. Trying putting them in a box with a tight-fitting lid or a bag that has a drawstring closure. Both air and humidity can lead to tarnished metal. Tarnish can be removed from precious metals like gold and silver, but they cannot be removed from other metals.
Sterling Silver
When shopping for genuine sterling silver jewelry, you need both a discerning eye and a small magnet. You can detect fake sterling silver with the magnet, since non-precious metals are drawn to magnets. Sterling silver should always bear a stamp that says Sterling, Ster. or .925. If the piece is not hallmarked in any way, be leery of its authenticity because oftentimes it is a sign of a fake.
Find out more about the gems you look at. Ask about where they came from and to which category they belong. The three different types of stones are natural, imitation and synthetic. Imitation gems are basically plastic that is colored, while synthetic and natural are real. They make synthetic stones in a lab, whereas natural stones come from the ground.
Do some shopping around when you are looking to buy some diamonds. Make a close-range examination of stones you find appealing, and contrast them with other likely purchases. There are ways to hide some of a diamond’s imperfections, so be very particular about each one you view.
Before purchasing a piece of jewelry, be sure to ask the jeweler about insurance policies. This is to avoid any future complications. If anything were to happen you have yourself covered and to avoid complications with that jeweler in the future, they can replace or fix it for you if you run into problems. There are jewelers who offer insurance for misplaced or lost jewelry, too.
You need to pay attention to care and maintenance if you intend to build up a costume jewelry collection. If you do not maintain the piece, it will depreciate in value. Stick to pieces that are in good to excellent condition, as they are the best investments.
If you wear the piece for 24 hours, then you can be sure that it has been put together correctly and hangs nicely. This will also let you know how the piece holds up in every day environments.
Find out what the ideal methods are for maintaining each piece of jewelry you own. Each type of stone, metal, and setting requires different type of care. What works for one piece of jewelry could dull or damage another. Speak with a knowlegeable jeweler if you do not know the best way to take care of your jewels.
Costume Jewelry
Costume jewelry should be treated differently than your other jewelry. Many pieces of costume jewelry have the stones glued on, for example. Costume jewelry should never be submerged in liquid, nor cleaned with chemicals. To properly care for it you need to use a cloth dampened with warm water. After wiping make sure to use another cloth to thoroughly dry it. You will be able to maintain its nice appearance with this method.
If the person you are shopping for is a unique individual, consider choosing a one-of-a-kind piece crafted specifically for them. Purchasing a unique piece that matches his or her personality demonstrates how thoughtful and creative you are. This is what you should be expressing to someone you love enough to purchase jewelry for.
Whether you’re shopping for a ring, watch, necklace or other piece, you should now be better equipped to make wise purchasing decisions. These tips could save you a lot of money.