While it can be fun to shop for jewelry, things can get stressful when you are in the market for an expensive item of jewelry. Each piece’s price depends on the materials it is made out of. For example, a perfect diamond set into a pure gold ring will be far more expensive than a fake diamond setting in a gold-tinted ring, made out of cheap metal. The uneducated shopper can easily end up paying over the odds. Learn to make smart jewelry purchases with these pointers.
Avoid using things like bleach, acetone, ammonia, turpentine, and other related chemicals to clean them with. This can dull your stones and eat away their enamel.
Ensure you are certain how to keep your jewelery in one place so it is not damaged. Precious metals and certain gemstones will tarnish if they are exposed to humidity, so keep the away from this. Don’t just put them in one huge, unorganized pile. This can harm fragile and fine pieces, along with severely tangling necklaces with other pieces.
You should always store your jewelry very carefully. Keep pieces separately by using compartments, boxes, hooks and holders. Jewelry should not be lumped together in a pile. This can harm fragile and fine pieces, along with severely tangling necklaces with other pieces.
Keep your jewelry from getting tarnished in order to keep it looking it’s best. Don’t take your jewelry into the water, regardless of whether you are showering or hitting the beach. Many of the metals become tarnished, rusty or dull when they get exposed to the elements of water. To protect your jewelry from exposure, apply a single coat of clear nail lacquer to its surface.
Store your jewelry in a place that is not subjected to humidity extremes or open air. A jewelry box or drawstring bag out of a humid area is ideal. Both air and humidity can lead to tarnished metal. While precious metals can be polished back to their original luster, non-precious metals are only coated in which case polishing causes the copper metal underneath to show through.
Costume Jewelry
Always compare prices before purchasing any diamonds. Find a few reference pieces that you like, and see if other diamonds can do better. However, be mindful that there are fraudulent ways to make the diamond look better than it is.
When collecting costume jewelry, pay close attention to the condition of any piece you are considering. Costume jewelry can prove to be a good investment, but worn, broken, or otherwise damaged pieces are not worth the expense. A piece that is free of any defects or wear not only looks better, but is also a better investment.
Be sure to pay attention to details like type of metal and shape. By doing this you should have a good idea what to buy them.
Wear the jewelry around for a day or so to be sure that it fits right and is comfortable. You will also find out if your creation is durable enough.
Ask the jeweler what type of insurance is available for your purchase. Then, you will have peace of mind knowing it can be fixed or replaced if anything happens. Some jewelers will offer insurance on jewelry that might have been stolen or lost.
Think about how best ways to look after your jewelry. Metals, gemstones and settings all have different storage and cleaning requirements. What works for a certain kind of stone may not work for another. When in doubt about the right way to maintain your jewelry, just ask a professional jeweler.
Keep your jewelry from getting tarnished to preserve its best appearance. For example, avoid taking your jewelry somewhere it can get wet. Water can dull and rust some types of metal if it is exposed to it too often. Applying a very thin covering of clear nail varnish to your jewelry offers an added degree of protection.
Costume jewelry should be taken care of. A fair amount of costume pieces are set with glue. Avoid using harsh chemicals on these pieces, and do not immerse them. The best way to maintain your costume jewelry is to use a moist, warm cloth first, then dry it off with another cloth. Doing so will keep your jewelry looking its best for life.
If you want costume jewelery, you will have to take care of it. Costume jewelry make good investments and they can be costly, but an item that shows major signs of usage will be a poor investment of your time and money. Pieces that are in great shape will fetch you better prices down the road, should you choose to sell them.
Whether you’re shopping for a ring, watch, necklace or other piece, you should now be better equipped to make wise purchasing decisions. By implementing these suggestions, your next trip to the jewelers should save time and money.
Think about how best ways to look after your jewelry. Different metals, stones, and settings have different needs to ensure proper maintenance. Not all jewelry should be cared for in the same way. Talk with a professional if you aren’t sure what sort of care each jewel requires.