Jewelry can be an expensive investment in an artistic arrangement of precious metal and gemstone or it can be a handcrafted bit of whimsy, created with almost any kind of material. Even small children love to create jewelry masterpieces, such as macaroni necklaces and daisy chains. This article can tell you more about jewelry and why it is so prized.
Only purchase jewelry from well known retailers. If you are looking to purchase gold, silver or platinum make sure that the retailer has a professional set up and that their products come with a guarantee. Do not purchase from unknown vendors who claim that the jewelry they are selling at a discount price is made from real precious metals or gemstones, they are often imported fakes.
A great source for unique and inexpensive jewelry pieces are local thrift shops. Local thrift stores can be a treasure trove for antique and truly unusual pieces. Often, these establishments do not have the staff, training or time, that is necessary to check for hallmarks or gold and silver content. A few dollar’s investment can often yield, not only some really unique pieces of jewelry, but also some pieces that may be, quite valuable.
Clean your jewelry with warm water and mild soap, rinse it out, and then dry thoroughly. It also helps to polish the piece of jewelry with a soft cloth. Excess water remaining on jewelry in storage can tarnish precious metals, sometimes beyond repair. A soft cloth can also help to restore luster and shine to your jewelry while removing excess water from the piece.
To best protect the investment you made in your jewelry purchase, take care of it. Do not wear it when you do something like cleaning your house. If you do this, the chemicals you expose your jewelry to could harm the precious metals and stones. It’s likely worth the minute that it takes to remove it.
In order to save money on the purchase of jewelry you should consider looking at local antique shops. Many people sell their antique jewelry to the shops when they are in need of money or if they have inherited it and just don’t want it. There is no reason to pay the high markups that come with jewelry.
Take proactive steps to minimize the number of times that you have to clean your jewelry. When getting dressed, put your jewelry on after you apply perfume and makeup. This will prevent the residue of these products from leaving a film on your jewelry. Also, remember to remove your jewelry before cleaning and doing other housework.
When it comes to choosing the perfect wedding or engagement ring, it is important to be able to pay for it with cash. Sure, nothing says love like a great ring, but you do not want to put yourself in debt or end up paying overwhelming amounts of interest for it. It is the thought that counts for most.
Be sure to ask the person you are dealing with at the jewelry store if the gem you are trying to purchase has been treated in any way. A lot of times they are treated to make them look better and last longer, but that decreases the value of the gem.
As discussed earlier, jewelry can be made from the simplest of items, by young children or it can be crafted by the finest of metals and gemstones by expert craftsmen. Few gifts impart sentiment, as does the gift of jewelry. This article can tell you more about jewelry and why it is often a prized possession.