How to approach purchasing and caring for jewelry can be confusing for anyone that is not a professional. There may be a question in your mind as to where to find information about this interesting tradition. You can start learning right here with these useful tips that will help turn you into an educated jewelry consumer.
Don’t use harsh chemicals like turpentine or bleach to clean jewelry. This can dull your stones and eat away their enamel.
Store your jewelry carefully. You should keep the pieces separate in compartments, boxes, holders, and on hooks for better storage. Avoid just throwing them into a box in an unorganized manner. This can harm fragile and fine pieces, along with severely tangling necklaces with other pieces.
Precious Metals
Some precious metals and gems need to be kept away from moisture and humidity. A jewelry box or drawstring bag out of a humid area is ideal. Precious, as well as non-precious metals, will tarnish if they are exposed to humidity and air over time. Precious metals, through some work and polish, can be restored to their original condition. Non-precious metals are coated, which means that polishing will allow copper metal to come through.
If you are looking to purchase sterling silver jewelry make sure that you have a magnet with you and a good eye. You are able to detect fake pieces of sterling jewelry with a magnet, as non-precious metals are attracted by the magnet. Sterling silver should always bear a stamp that says Sterling, Ster. or .925. If you don’t see such a mark, you might want to reconsider the purchase. This is usually an indication that the piece is fake.
Jewelry is an investment that should last forever. Always purchase pieces from reputable jewelers in order to make sure you are getting quality pieces. If a piece of jewelry is of high quality, it should be made well and exhibit top-flight craftsmanship. A reputable jeweler will be able to provide you with a full background of the piece, including where the stones are from and who made it. Put effort into your choice, so you can be sure that the piece will last generations.
Ask about insurance from your jeweler before purchasing a new piece. Many stores offer a policy where you can bring broken or damaged jewelry back to the original jeweler for repair at little to no cost. There are even some jewelers that will cover the replacement if the piece has been lost or stolen.
Consider the stones whenever you buy jewelry. Try to choose a stone that meshes well with your taste or personality. Also, consider what looks good on you. Pieces in neutral tones work well with any item in your wardrobe. As long as you’re spending money, it makes more sense to purchase something that is functional as well as beautiful.
Buying jewelry is better if you keep watch for sales. Finding a store offering extreme markdowns is a way to realize tremendous savings. Watch for sales in the newspaper, on the Internet, and even in the stores themselves. Sometimes, you can save about half the original price on trendy pieces that aren’t as trendy anymore.
Resist the common notion that size matters; concentrate instead on quality and clarity. In addition, consider the characteristics and traits of the recipient of this diamond.
Never swim with your jewelry on. The chlorine in pool water is very harsh and may cause your fine jewelry to appear dull. Over time, saltwater can be as bad. Taking these off before swimming will protect their beauty and extend their life.
Look for fancy robe hooks to hang your necklaces from so they do not become tangled. Attach this hardware to the inside of your closet door or on your bedroom wall, and hang groups of necklaces according to length or color. This will avoid necklaces getting tangled and knotty, and it is the perfect alternative to a jewelry box.
When you set out to buy jewelry, buy a piece because you love it, not because of who makes it. You will often pay more for name brand jewelry, and it is unlikely that others will recognize the name associated with your new piece of jewelry unless you tell them. Quality jewelry can be found across a variety of brands.
When shopping for expensive jewelry, choose one that is sure to last for years. The more expensive a piece of jewelry is usually means it is higher quality. When selecting a piece, also consider the various styles available. Stick with classic styles. The trendy items of today may be grossly out of fashion tomorrow. Check out some of the options that stand the test of time and maintain a unique edge.
You can earn a little cash from your solid gold necklaces and bracelet without selling them. Cut off some of the excess, making certain that it still fits, and you will have something to sell and still be able to use the jewelry as well. If the chain is real gold, and there’s a lot of excess, you can make a couple hundred dollars without losing anything you need.
For the longest time, rubies have held a special place in the world of jewelry. Even though genuine rubies are consistently red, there are many different shades, ranging from a light pink to a deep, dark red. They are also extremely durable and can withstand many chemicals and being hit. Their ability to last many years make them a wonderful choice for jewelry.
As you now know, jewelry has a variety of components to it. If you are diligent about doing your research, you’ll be able to make educated purchasing decisions and learn how to care for those purchases. The more you learn about jewelry, the more you’ll see what an awe-inspiring and dazzling world it can be. These tips can help you start your journey armed with knowledge.
