What You Need To Know About Shopping For Jewelry

TIP! Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia and acetone that may permanently damage your jewelry. Natural acids won’t erode the enamel on your copper jewelry the way harsh chemicals can.

It’s impossible to know too much about beautiful jewelry! Making one small mistake could cost you with a small fortune. Here are some things you can use when dealing with jewelry. Here’s where you can learn about how to choose and take care of jewelry, and avoid making costly mistakes.

TIP! Do some research on the gem in your new piece of jewelry before you buy. There are basically three distinct types: natural gems, synthetic gems and imitation stones.

Don’t keep your jewelry in open air or someplace with a lot of humidity. To keep your jewelry properly protected, store it in a drawstring bag or jewelry box. All metals will tarnish if they are subjected to too much air and humidity. You can restore the precious metals back to their former glory, but plated jewelry is different. Trying to polish those pieces can reveal the non-precious metals underneath, such as copper.

Sterling Silver

TIP! You should ensure the quality of the pieces of costume jewelry that you purchase for your collection. A piece that isn’t in very good condition won’t be worth it, and since you may be thinking of an expensive item as an investment, it’s important to watch for wear and tear.

If you are shopping unmarked sterling silver jewelry, then by all means bring a magnet. If the piece you are examining is not silver and is made from non-precious metal, it will be attracted to the magnet. Your sterling silver jewelery should always be imprinted if it is real. The stamp may read “.925” or “ster”. If the piece you’re inspecting doesn’t carry such a mark, be careful, as it is likely a fake.

Wear jewelry for at least a day to see if it hangs correctly and is comfortable. You will also find out if your creation is durable enough.

TIP! When you are looking for jewelry to purchase, give careful thought to the stones you prefer. Choose stones that complement your complexion and that best reflect your personality.

Think about how best ways to look after your jewelry. There’s an ideal way to clean every different type of setting and stone. What works for one material could damage another. When in doubt about the right way to maintain your jewelry, just ask a professional jeweler.

TIP! Remember that even costume jewelry needs careful attention. Many of the stones and embellishments are just glued in instead of set in a professional setting.

Costume jewelry needs special care. Many costume jewelry pieces are glued rather than set. Costume jewelry should never be immersed or make contact with harsh chemicals. Wiping your jewelry off with with a slightly dampened cloth and then wiping it dry is usually sufficient to keep it clean. This will make your current costume jewelry look great.

TIP! One key thing to remember is to only put your jewelry on after you’ve applied your makeup. Your jewelry attracts dust and particles from cosmetics; if you apply makeup after you put on your jewelry, the particles will make it look dull.

Many people find it hard to shop for unique individuals. The trick is picking something unique for them, maybe something made just for them. Pieces that match their personality will highlight your thoughtfulness and creativity, especially since you care for them enough to purchase jewelry for them.

TIP! If your gemstone was treated, you should know about it before you purchase it. Gemstone treatment can affect the type of care the piece needs.

Doing this will not only accentuate your waist, it will also act as the accent piece for your outfit. The best places to pin the brooch for maximum visual impact are the middle of your waist and at hip line.

TIP! Many times, the cut and clarity of a diamond outshines its actual carat weight. You must also consider the personality and preferences of the gift recipient.

When you are looking for new jewelry, the first thing to do is to check what is on sale. You can save big money with the right sale. Use the resources at your disposal like the Internet, newspapers, and even window shopping to find the best sales. You could get great jewelry at discounts close to 50%, especially when it comes to styles that are being phased out.

TIP! Necklaces often get tangled, so consider buying stylish robe hooks with embellishments to hang them and keep them untangled. You can keep your necklaces organized by length, color or material when you install a row of robe hooks on a wall or right on the inside of your closet door.

Have a use in mind for every piece of jewelry you buy. There is nothing worse than a box full of unloved jewelry. Think about your most-worn wardrobe pieces when choosing jewelry.

TIP! If you want gold jewelry, prepare to pay through the nose due to high gold prices. If you decide you must have real gold jewelry, you may want to save money on the karats instead.

More desirable than a big piece is the cut and clarity of the diamond. Most important of all, make sure that the piece you choose complements the nature of the intended receiver.

That includes dry or steam saunas. Both heat and moisture will damage your jewelery.

TIP! Gorgeous red rubies have been a favorite precious stone in jewelry throughout time for a few different reasons. A true ruby will always be red.

Take the time to compare your options when shopping for diamonds. No two diamonds are exactly the same, each will have different flaws. If you can personally view a flaw, it may become less significant in your eyes. In addition, different stores will price slightly different. The price is often dependent on the imperfections. Shop around and find the best diamond you can for the price you can afford.

Gold Jewelry

TIP! When buying jewelry, be sure and stay within your budget. No piece of jewelry is worth going into debt over.

If you are considering a fine piece of real gold jewelry, you should be prepared to pay a high price. However, you can still have a nice piece of gold jewelry at a lower price if you opt for lower karats. Many people think of 18 karats as the best compromise between quality and affordability, as a piece with this content is at least 75% pure gold.

TIP! Proper care of your setting requires you to gently wipe the piece with a damp cloth. Follow this by gently drying the item with a soft, dry cloth.

It may be tough to figure out how to best present jewelry that you are selling at informal events like craft fairs and flea markets. When you are shopping for materials to make your jewelry, also look for items that you could display it on. All types of things, such as baskets, cigar boxes and racks can turn into incredible jewelry display cases by adding some creativity.

TIP! Before you sell an expensive piece of jewelry, take it to a qualified appraiser or gemologist in your area. This helps you get a truthful and accurate quote on the worth of your pieces so that you can be better informed on the offers you should see when it’s on the market.

Well, it’s easy when you know how. This article has just touched on a few of things that you should know about this very rewarding hobby. There is much to learn, but at least you’ve now got a few good ideas to put to work.