
The concept of jewelry is nearly as beautiful as physical pieces of jewelry are themselves. A well-chosen piece of jewelry preserves a memory of an important occasion or serves as a perpetual symbol of a special relationship. By knowing more about jewelry, and the buying and selling process in particular, you will find the purchase of each piece a rewarding and memorable experience.
The use of polishing cloths are helpful in cleaning your jewelry. This is a very easy way to make them shine and not have to use any type of chemicals or solvents. Gently polish your jewelry with the two-sided cloth as if it were a mirror. Use a two-sided cleaning cloth, one for polishing and one for shining.
Don’t use acetone, ammonia, turpentine, bleach, or other harsh chemicals for cleaning them. Chemicals can eat away the stones or enamel on your stones.
Be careful when storing all your jewelry together. Using boxes, hooks, holders, and compartments is very effective for ensuring the pieces stay separated. Do not ever just throw them in a pile. This can harm delicate parts, and tangle some pieces with others, like necklaces.
Be sure that you store all of your jewelry safely away from air and humidity. A box designed especially for jewelry gives the best protection, but a cloth bag can also work. Certain metals begin to tarnish when exposed to humidity. It’s possible to restore precious metals through polishing, but lesser-quality metals may suffer permanent damage.
Sterling Silver
If you are looking to purchase sterling silver jewelry make sure that you have a magnet with you and a good eye. Use the magnet to detect fake jewelry; real silver will not be attracted to the magnet, but the cheaper metals will. Sterling silver should always bear a stamp that says Sterling, Ster. or .925. If the piece you’re inspecting doesn’t carry such a mark, be careful, as it is likely a fake.
When you are shopping, think about the color or type of gem you want to buy. There are basically three distinct types: natural gems, synthetic gems and imitation stones. Synthetic stones are lab created jewels, while imitation stones are normally colored glass. Synthetic gems are grown in a lab, natural gems are dug out of the Earth.
Be sure to pay attention to details like type of metal and shape. This will help you get started in your search for the perfect item of jewelry for your loved one.
Before adding a piece of jewelry to your collection, research current trends. If you look around you may be able to find a great deal!
Costume Jewelry
It’s great that you love costume jewelry, but make sure you evaluate the condition of any piece you plan to buy. Many costume pieces are a great investment and can be quite costly, but costume jewelry that has too many signs of wear will not keep their value over time. Jewelry that’s in good repair can be a much better investment.
Consider the stones whenever you buy jewelry. Choose stones that complement your complexion and that best reflect your personality. Neutral colored stones will work well with any outfit in your closet. Buying something that does not work with multiple outfits is pointless.
Costume jewelry needs special care. Many of their settings are glued instead of set. Therefore, you shouldn’t get costume jewelry wet or expose it to harsh chemicals. The best care is to wipe with a warm damp cloth and then dry with another cloth. Doing so will keep your jewelry looking its best for life.
Buying and selling jewelry can be an investment that is priceless and filled with positive memories. All jewelery comes with some sort of human emotion attached.