When shopping for or selling jewelry, it is important that you are knowledgeable about the product. It can be overwhelming to know exactly where to start.
Use a polishing cloth to keep your jewelry clean and free from damage. This is an easy way to get shine without chemicals and solvents. It’s easy, just use the dual-sided cloth to wipe down your jewelry, just as you would polish a beautiful glass. Use the side that is designated for polish, and the other to make it shine.
Be cautious of storing all of your pieces of jewelry together. The right jewelry box that has separate compartments, hooks and holders to keep the pieces apart is the best choice. Avoid simply piling them on top of each other in a box. This can harm delicate parts, and tangle some pieces with others, like necklaces.
If you are shopping for sterling silver jewelry, you’ll need a magnet and an eye for the real thing. To spot scams, see if the magnet attracts the piece. If it does, then shout “FAKE!” at the top of your lungs and move to the next store. Sterling silver will always be hallmarked with a stamp such as .925, ster. or sterling. If the piece that you are looking at is not hallmarked, this is usually the sign that it is a fake.
Your jewelry should be durable and long-lasting. When purchasing your next jewelry item, focus on buying a quality, well-made piece. If a piece of jewelry is of high quality, it should be made well and exhibit top-flight craftsmanship. Your jeweler should have all the information on the piece, including where it came from and who created it. If you select high-quality jewelry, it will last you forever.
When shopping for a diamond, it’s crucial that you do comparisons. See what you like up close, and then compare it to other pieces that you look at. With diamonds, you need to have a keen eye because of the many tricks people will use to enhance it.
Take note of whether they wear hoop earrings or studs, yellow gold or white gold, an ankle bracelet, etc. These types of observations will provide a starting point to purchase an item they’ll cherish.
If you want to start a costume jewelry collection, it is important to be aware of the pieces’ condition. Costume jewelry can be very expensive and a great investment, but a piece that shows too much wear and tear will not be worth the money or time. Investing in quality means that you can enjoy the jewelry for many years to come.
Accent a belt with a brooch to add more visual interest instantly. Think about placing it near your hip or at waist level.
Before you buy a gemstone, it is important that you learn about the treatment process it underwent. The way to care for a stone differs greatly depending on how it was treated. Knowing the proper care techniques for your gemstone will prevent you from accidentally damaging it by stripping it of its protective treatment.
Comparison shopping is vital to the diamond-buying process. Every diamond is unique and possesses particular flaws. Some flaws may not seem that critical to you when you see the diamond in person. Furthermore, jewelers may be willing to extend a discount to compensate for certain types of flaws. 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.
A clasp that will hold up is a very important part of any necklace or bracelet. A flimsy clasp could result in lost jewelry. If you have expensive or heirloom items, invest in a safety clasp. For very expensive items, some consumers choose to increase security with an additional clasp or two.
If you hate finding your jewelry in tangles, you may want to consider using embellished robe hooks to hang your necklaces. Install the hooks in a row on a wall or closet door, and use them to organize your necklaces by style, color, length or any other system that works for you. Not only does this keep necklaces from tangling up into knots in your jewelry box, but it makes an attractive accent to your decor.
If you are going to buy a very expensive piece of jewelry, buy something that will last you for years. You should be getting a quality item because of the price, but make sure you select something that will not go out of style. While the piece might appear stylish and modern right now, in five years time it could end up languishing at the bottom of your jewelry case. Stick to pieces that have stood the test of time.
Of course, higher gold prices also increases the cost for new gold jewelry. If you simply must have that gold ring, necklace or bracelet, be flexible in terms of karats. If gold is described as 18 karat it is not less than seventy five percent pure, this is considered to be the best quality.
Onyx and crystal jewelry looks beautiful and can make a statement. You don’t need to completely empty your wallet on a new jewelry piece to be pleased with the results.
It is hard to determine whether a sapphire or a ruby is natural or synthetic. The artificial rubies and sapphires are chemically the same as the real thing. They cost only a fraction of what the real things cost for suppliers, though. Make sure that you have a professional and reputable gemologist examine any natural sapphire you are thinking of purchasing.
You need true expertise to make smart jewelry buying and selling decisions. Use the information you’ve learned in this article to make successful jewelry acquisitions.