Jewelry is beloved not only for its connotations, but also for its beauty. Jewelry can bring back memories of an important event or occasion and provides a way for people to show how much they care about each other. Learning more about all kinds of jewelry can help you preserve your memories and having more rewarding buying and selling experiences.
Try using a simple polishing cloth on your jewelery collection. A polishing cloth is a very gentle way to get a good shine on all your pieces. You use the special cloth to polish your jewelry just like you would polish your silverware. First, use the polishing side to polish it up, then use the other side to shine it.
Don’t use acetone, bleach, ammonia or turpentine to clean copper. Harsh chemicals will dull your stones and dissolve the enamel on your jewelry.
Know which kind of stone you are buying with your jewelry. Three different kinds of gems are available for purchase: imitation, synthetic and natural. You have to know that imitation refers to colored plastic. The only difference between natural and imitation gemstones is where they are made. Natural occur naturally, while synthetic stones are grown in labs.
Sterling Silver
Be sure to at least inquire about the insurance that is available when you buy jewelry from a reputable jeweler. That way, if something were to happen to your jewelry, you can easily bring it back to the jeweler who will fix or replace it. Some jewelers have insurance policies that cover lost of stolen jewelry, also.
A magnet is a useful tool when shopping for jewelry in sterling silver. You are able to detect fake pieces of sterling jewelry with a magnet, as non-precious metals are attracted by the magnet. You can recognize sterling silver by stamps that say ‘.925’ or ‘ster’. If there is no hallmark, watch its authenticity since it may be fake.
Keep your jewelry from getting tarnished in order to keep it looking it’s best. Try not to wear jewelry when you are around water. A lot of metals will rust, tarnish or dull when they come in contact with water. Painting a thin layer of clear-colored nail polish on your metal jewelry can add a protective barrier to it.
Know the type of gem you’re buying, when you buy it. Gemstones come in three different varieties: natural, imitation and synthetic. Natural and synthetic gemstones are both actual gemstones, while an imitation gemstone is just a plastic mold made to look like a gemstone. While natural gems come out of mines, synthetic ones come out of laboratories.
If you want to start a costume jewelry collection, it is important to be aware of the pieces’ condition. While normally is a beautiful investment, a piece of costume jewelry that is in poor condition is not worth buying. An item in good condition holds its value better in the long run.
Jewelry should be a purchase that truly lasts a lifetime. Whenever you buy jewelry, make sure you go to a reliable, experienced dealer, so you know you’re getting an outstanding piece of jewelry. A truly high-quality piece is one that is well-constructed and of superior workmanship. The jeweler that you purchase the item from should give you the history of the piece, as far as who made it, and, if there are stones on the item, where they came from. It is important that your pieces are high-quality if you want them to last a long time.
Wear jewelry for at least a day to see if it hangs correctly and is comfortable. It will also allow you to see if it can withstand every day wear and tear.
For jewelry to stay shiny and new-looking, it is important to keep it from tarnishing. Jewelry should not be worn near the water. Many metals can become tarnished, rusty or dull when exposed to water too often. To give jewelry an added layer of protection apply a thin layer of clear nail lacquer.
The stone is an important part of a piece of jewelry so should be considered carefully. Think about your skin tone, and also think about your personality as you choose your favorite stones. Also think about what color clothing you wear often, and chose a neutral color that will match many of the outfits in your closet. There is no point in buying something that is not functional.
To most people, jewelry symbolizes more than just a monetary investment, it symbolizes a memory which is truly priceless. Every piece of jewelry has a story, one that is laden with happiness, hope or love.
Take careful consideration when thinking of how you want to care for the jewelry you purchase. Metals, gemstones and settings all have different storage and cleaning requirements. What works for one material could damage another. Ask a jeweler to make sure you know how to maintain your items.