What To Look For When Buying Jewelry

TIP! Keep jewelry stored safely and away from both air and humidity. Keep them stored safely in a closed, dark area, like a jewelry box or drawstring bag.

The beauty that some jewelry pieces possess is matched by the simple, elegant brilliance of the entire concept of jewelry itself. Jewelery can be an important family heirloom or perhaps be a cherished memory of someone you love. Whether you are buying, selling or just want to enjoy your jewelry more, you need the right tips to help you get the most out of your experience.

TIP! Knowing what type of jewel you are buying when you purchase jewelry is very important. Gems can be natural, imitation or synthetic.

Use a polishing cloth to keep your jewelry clean and free from damage. You can keep your items shiny without using chemicals. Use the two-sided cloth to polish your jewelry as if you were cleaning glass. Use one side for polishing and the other for improving its shine.

Sterling Silver

TIP! Inquire about insurance for your jewelry when you purchase it from a jeweler. If your jewelry becomes damaged, you can return it to the source and have it repaired.

A magnet is a useful tool when shopping for jewelry in 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. Sterling silver always has some sort of stamp to indicate it is sterling. If a particular piece is not stamped, you should be cautious of its authenticity.

TIP! It’s great that you love costume jewelry, but make sure you evaluate the condition of any piece you plan to buy. Costume jewelry can prove to be a good investment, but also a costly one; keep in mind the pieces you wish to add to your collection don’t show too much wear.

Know the distinctions between kinds of gems before you make a jewelry purchase. Gemstones come in three different varieties: natural, imitation and synthetic. While natural and synthetic stones are the real deal, imitation stones are made to look like a real gemstone, but could be anything from colored glass to plastic. Synthetic gems are grown in a lab, natural gems are dug out of the Earth.

TIP! Wear the jewelry piece for a day so that you can get an idea of how comfortable it is and if it hangs right. In this way, you will be able to tell if the item will withstand normal wear.

Jewelry is something that can last generations. When choosing jewelry, you should always buy from a reputable store or dealer, in order to ensure you only get high-quality pieces. A high-quality piece of jewelry should be well-made and show superior craftsmanship. The jeweler that you purchase the item from should give you the history of the piece, as far as who made it, and, if there are stones on the item, where they came from. You need to buy quality jewelry so that you can pass it down as an heirloom.

TIP! The color gemstones are an important consideration when shopping for new jewelry. Try to choose a stone that meshes well with your taste or personality.

When you are shopping for a diamond, make sure to shop around and compare. Make a close-range examination of stones you find appealing, and contrast them with other likely purchases. Be alert, since there are various ways to deceive consumers into thinking a diamond is better then it really is.

TIP! It is important to think about the most effective methods of jewelry care. Depending on the metals and stones used in your jewelry, along with how they are set, you will need different maintenance methods.

Be sure to at least inquire about the insurance that is available when you buy jewelry from a reputable jeweler. You want to know if they will be able to repair or replace the piece if it was to break. You might find some jewelers who are willing to insure it against loss and theft.

Costume Jewelry

TIP! If you put on your jewelry only after you have put on your makeup, you will have to clean it less. The dust, oils and particles from makeup rub off on jewelry; putting on jewels first means they will get dingy and dull with a film of makeup over them.

Make careful note of the condition of costume jewelry you wish to collect. Costume jewelry is pricey and can retain its value in many cases, but pieces that are damaged aren’t worth much and aren’t worth the time to restore. Compare pieces for quality, because good ones stay high or even grow in value over time.

TIP! Untangling knotted chains can be easy if you know how to do it. Believe it or not, you can use plastic wrap to untangle jewelry.

Put the jewelry on and wear it for a bit so you can describe the comfort and fit. By wearing it yourself, you can also gauge the ruggedness of the piece.

TIP! When you are buying jewelry for someone, it may be a good idea to buy a set instead of just one piece. You may be able to find some really great deals when you purchase sets of jewelry.

Pay attention to the quality and type of gemstones in a piece when you’re looking at buying new jewelry. The stone will look best on you if it is complementary to your skin tone, eye, and hair color. Look for colors in neutral shades that you can wear with any of your favorite clothes. It’s a waste of time buying something that you won’t wear regularly.

TIP! A good quality clap is very important to any necklace or bracelet. A flimsy clasp could result in lost jewelry.

If your “giftee” is a unique person, try finding a special piece that is crafted specifically for them. An item that highlights their personality indicates that you put time and effort into the purchase, which is what you should convey when giving jewelry to someone.

TIP! These days of sky-high gold prices makes buying gold jewelry an expensive proposition. If nothing else but gold will do, then you can save a little by buying fewer karats.

If you are interested in acquiring new jewelry pieces, try to find great sales. The right sale will save you a lot of cash. Sales can be found online, in store windows, or in your local newspaper. You could get great jewelry at discounts close to 50%, especially when it comes to styles that are being phased out.

TIP! It is important to stick to your designated budget when you are out jewelry shopping. Getting yourself in a lot of debt just so you can own an incredible ring is a terrible financial decision.

Jewelry is more than just precious metals and gemstones. It is something priceless; something that symbolizes precious memories. Every piece of jewelry has its own story, whether it reminds you of a special time in your life, or represents an important part of your personality.