Stress can take a lot of the fun out of shopping if you are seeking to purchase a costly jewelry piece. Jewelry is an investment, and you need the right information to help you make the most of your jewelry buying, selling or wearing endeavors. Without some basic knowledge, it is very easy to end up paying too much. Use this advice to make the most of your next jewelry purchase.
Jewelry should be stored in an air-tight and humid free area. A drawstring bag or closed box offers the best protection from moisture in the air. Humidity quickly tarnishes both precious and non-precious metal. Polishing will work to restore the color and shine for precious metals, but with non-precious metals, polishing will not help the change in color.
When you are shopping for jewelry in sterling silver, be sure to examine the piece closely, and take along a magnet for metal testing. Imitations will be attracted to your magnet. This is an easy way to recognize quality. Sterling silver should always bear a stamp that says Sterling, Ster. or .925. If there is no hallmark, watch its authenticity since it may be fake.
Know which kind of stone you are buying with your jewelry. Gemstones come in three different varieties: natural, imitation and synthetic. Imitation has little value, as it is generally plastic, while synthetic and natural are considered to be real gems. Natural gems are those that are actually from the earth, whereas synthetic ones are made in labs.
Jewelry should last for years to come. Choose reputable jewelry dealers when considering your next jewelry purchase. Any piece that is high quality will have its craftsmanship and quality shining through. A credible jeweler should offer a complete history of the piece, including information about the creator and the source of the gemstones. Unless you purchase jewelry that is of high-quality, the piece is not likely to last a lifetime.
Know what is trendy before you buy a piece of jewelry. It is better to get a gorgeous bauble on sale!
Always check with your jeweler about insurance policy options before buying anything. In the unfortunate, but possible event that your jewelry gets damaged, the jeweler will be able to replace or fix it for you. You might find some jewelers who are willing to insure it against loss and theft.
If you want costume jewelery, you will have to take care of it. 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. Make sure you have a piece that is in excellent condition, because this will be a lot more fruitful for you down the road.
You should carefully consider how to best care for your jewelry. There’s an ideal way to clean every different type of setting and stone. Processes that may work for one type of jewelry may be harmful to others. Consult with a jeweler if you are unsure exactly how to care for your own jewels.
Before you buy, ask if the gemstone has been treated, and the method for doing so. Different treatments come with different requirements for cleaning and storage. For example, you would not want to use a jewelry cleaner that is incompatible with a certain type of treatment. Doing so could result in irreversible damages to the color and surface of the stone.
It is crucial that all bracelets and necklaces have good clasps. If your chains and pendants with costly gems do not have secure clasps, you may lose them. A safety clasp should always be used on expensive jewelry. For very expensive items, some consumers choose to increase security with an additional clasp or two.
Don’t swim while wearing your jewelry. Chlorine can damage your valuable pieces because it’s such a strong chemical. Salt water is similarly abrasive to some jewelry. Taking it off before you swim will protect your jewelry and keep it looking beautiful for years to come.
Using robe hooks will help to stop necklaces from becoming tangled. You can hang your necklaces in a row and separate them by color and length. No longer will you have to contend with knotted, tangled balls of chains in your jewelry box. Plus, the artfully arranged necklaces make an aesthetically pleasing addition to your room.
Brand name should not be the primary concern when buying jewelry. Not may people notice trendy names or brands in jewelry. If the salesperson tries to push a certain brand in you, they probably paid too much for the item as well. Excellent quality can be found from a lot of different jewelry brands.
Utilize the advice in this article so you can make the right choice next time you buy jewelry. These helpful tips will save you both time and money.
