Purchasing an expensive, and special piece of jewelry, can be a thrilling experience, but may cause you some stress. Jewelry is created from a variety of different materials and there is a vast cost difference between each type. Without some basic knowledge, it is very easy to end up paying too much. By taking advantage of this advice, you will be that much more wiser next time you go out shopping for jewelry.
Polishing Cloth
Get a polishing cloth for your jewelery. A polishing cloth is a very gentle way to get a good shine on all your pieces. Just polish each piece with the special cloth in the same way you would polish a piece of glass. Use the polishing side first and, then the other side to make your jewelry shine.
You never want to use bleach, ammonia, or any other cleaning solvents that are not designed specifically for cleaning jewelry. Using them may result in damage to your jewelry, may cause dulling of gemstones, and may erode enamel work.
Separate your jewelry for storage to avoid getting pieces tangled. Keep pieces separately by using compartments, boxes, hooks and holders. Avoid just throwing them into a box in an unorganized manner. Not only will your necklaces get all tangled up, you risk damaging all your fragile and fine jewelry pieces.
Every piece of jewelry should last you a life-time. When you are shopping for your next piece, choose a reliable dealer. This can make all the difference in ensuring you get jewelry of the highest quality. If a piece of jewelry is of high quality, it should be made well and exhibit top-flight craftsmanship. A credible jeweler should offer a complete history of the piece, including information about the creator and the source of the gemstones. You’ll create an heirloom tomorrow if you choose high-quality jewelry today.
Ask about insurance from your jeweler before purchasing a new piece. If something happens to your piece, you’ll know you can take it to the jeweler you bought it from, who will repair it or replace the piece. There are even some jewelers that will cover the replacement if the piece has been lost or stolen.
Keep your jewelry from tarnishing as best as you can. If possible, remove your jewelry if you are around water. Many types of jewelry become dulled or tarnished when they are exposed to water. Apply clear nail polish to your jewelery as an added protection.
You need to know how to care for each piece in your jewelry collection. Metals, gemstones and settings all have different storage and cleaning requirements. What works for one piece of jewelry could dull or damage another. Whenever you buy a new piece of jewelry, ask the jeweler the best way to clean and maintain it.
Costume Jewelry
Costume jewelry needs to be handled carefully. That’s because a lot of the costume settings are not set-in; they have usually been glued. Don’t submerge costume jewelry in water or clean it with abrasives. The most effective way to safely clean them is wiping with a damp cloth, then drying with a different, soft cloth. This will ensure that your costume jewelry looks perfect.
Have a unique piece of jewelry made for the special person on your gift list. A unique piece to match their personality shows thoughtfulness and creativity, which is exactly what you want to express to a person you care enough about to buy jewelry for.
If you are in the market for new jewelry, look for sales! With the right kind of sale, you can save a lot of money. Go through magazines and websites to find the best deals. Sometimes, you can save about half the original price on trendy pieces that aren’t as trendy anymore.
Untangle your knotted messes of delicate chains and necklaces. It is tempting to throw in the towel against knotted metal, but plastic wrap should be reached for instead. Place your jewelry on the plastic wrap and add a little baby oil. Use some needles to untangle. Use a mild liquid soap to remove the oil and then pat dry with a towel.
Have a purpose in mind for a piece of jewelry before you buy it. You do not need a huge box of jewelry you will never wear. Think about which outfits you will wear the jewelry with while you are shopping.
Make sure you look around for awhile when you decide you want to shop for jewelry. Every diamond varies and has individual flaws. Some flaws may be less important to you once you actually see it in person. You can also use the flaws as a point for discussing a discount. It is important to look at various options to ensure you get the best quality diamond for the amount of money you can comfortably afford.
Single Piece
Think about getting a set of jewelry rather than a single piece. Jewelry stores often offer remarkable deals on jewelry sets. Consider splitting apart the set and giving your loved one a single piece at a time. This is a fabulous way to always have a gift that someone will love.
Any type of necklace or bracelet should have a strong clasp. Unless your necklace or bracelet has a durable closure, you risk losing expensive or sentimental pendants, stones and charms. For particularly expensive or sentimental pieces of jewelry, it is recommended you have a safety clasp installed. Adding more than one clasp to a jewelry piece may even be appropriate to provide greater security against loss.
After perusing this article, use the invaluable suggestions provided the next time you consider acquiring cuff links, watches, rings, bracelets and necklaces. Follow the advice in this article, and you will be saving money in the jewelry store before you know it!
