The world of jewelry is full of opportunity. From silver to platinum, there are many types of material that go into a piece of jewelry, and the cost of each piece varies. Without the proper knowledge, a shopper risks paying too much for a piece. These tips can help you be more knowledgeable about all aspects of purchasing jewelry.
Watch how you store your jewelry when it isn’t being worn. It’s better to keep pieces separate by using boxes, holders, hooks and other containers. Avoid just throwing them into a box in an unorganized manner. This not only harms the fragile pieces, but it can also cause items, such as necklaces, to get badly tangled up with the other pieces of jewelry.
Sterling Silver
Take a magnet and a keen eye with you when you head out to purchase any jewelry made from sterling silver. Use the magnet to detect fake jewelry; real silver will not be attracted to the magnet, but the cheaper metals will. Your sterling silver jewelery should always be imprinted if it is real. The stamp may read “.925” or “ster”. If the piece that you are looking at is not hallmarked, this is usually the sign that it is a fake.
When you buy jewelry, it should last the rest of your life. When choosing jewelry, you should always buy from a reputable store or dealer, in order to ensure you only get high-quality pieces. High-quality jewelry items will have superior craftsmanship and pleasing, aesthetic designs. The jeweler you buy it from should be providing you with a provenance on the piece. Details of where it came from, what it is made from and who made it. Unless you purchase jewelry that is of high-quality, the piece is not likely to last a lifetime.
To preserve the pristine look of your jewelry, apply your make-up first, wait for it to set, then put on your jewelry. Makeup will settle into your jewelry making it look dull and dingy. Doing this is particularly important when you are wearing a necklace or earrings, as they will brush against your makeup more than other jewelry.
Before you buy, ask if the gemstone has been treated, and the method for doing so. Gemstone treatment can affect the type of care the piece needs. You can easily damage your gem, stripping the former treatment off, by cleaning it with the wrong solution.
Always keep an eye on sales when you’re looking to acquire some new jewelry pieces. If the sale is a good one, you can save a lot of money. Sales can be found online, in store windows, or in your local newspaper. If you buy fashion items at the end of their season, you can save up to 50%.
Plastic Wrap
Even knotted necklaces with delicate loops can be untangled. While it can be frustrating untangling metal necklaces, consider using plastic wrap. Place the chain in on the plastic wrap and add a few drops of baby oil onto the knots. Use a straight pin to untangle the knot. Finally, use dish soap and dry gently with a towel.
Have a purpose in mind for a piece of jewelry before you buy it. Having a lot of never worn jewelry is not necessary. Try to match the jewelry that you purchase with your style of clothing.
Both types of saunas, dry and steam, should be avoided when wearing jewelry. The moisture and heat can cause your jewelry to become damaged.
If you’re going to spend a good deal of money on a jewelry item, purchase something to last a lifetime. Although you’ll almost always get high quality when the item is expensive, don’t forget to consider the style as well. Although something may be in style now, it may seem tacky after a few years. Try and find classic items that never go out of fashion.
Gold prices have skyrocketed, which is good if you’re selling gold, but not quite so helpful if your heart’s set on purchasing gold. You can save a bit of money on a gold piece by getting lower karats. 18 karat pieces are made up of at least 75% pure gold. This is considered to be the best combination of price and quality.
Whether you’re shopping for a ring, watch, necklace or other piece, you should now be better equipped to make wise purchasing decisions. Having accurate, up-to-date information could end up saving you a lot of money.
