It is necessary to have a deep understanding of jewelry in order to buy or sell it. It might be difficult to know where to begin your research, into buying and selling jewelry.
Get a polishing cloth for your jewelery. It will allow you to make your jewelry look as good as new without the use of chemicals. You use the special cloth to polish your jewelry just like you would polish your silverware. Use a two-sided cleaning cloth, one for polishing and one for shining.
To keep your jewelry looking attractive, polish it regularly using a cloth made especially for this purpose. This will allow your jewelry to shine without using chemicals. Use the dual-sided cloth to gently buff your jewelry as you would a delicate glass. Use a two-sided cleaning cloth, one for polishing and one for shining.
Do not clean your jewelry with chemicals such as bleach or ammonia. These chemicals can turn stones dull and even erode the enamel.
When storing your jewelry, be sure that you store it in a place with low humidity and free of open air. A drawstring bag or closed box offers the best protection from moisture in the air. Certain metals begin to tarnish when exposed to humidity. Polishing will work to restore the color and shine for precious metals, but with non-precious metals, polishing will not help the change in color.
Always be aware of the type of stone you’re buying when dealing with gems. Natural gems and imitation gems have been joined recently by synthetic gems, making three main categories. While both natural and synthetic stones are still real, imitation is just glass or plastic made to look like the natural stone. Natural gems are those that are actually from the earth, whereas synthetic ones are made in labs.
Sterling Silver Pieces
Check out the latest trends in jewelry before you pick up a new piece. If you look around you may be able to find a great deal!
If you want to buy sterling silver pieces, use a magnet and examine the jewelry very carefully. You can tell if a piece of silver is sterling or not by using a magnet. Sterling will not react to the magnet, but non-precious metals will be attracted. In addition, sterling silver pieces are always stamped with silver hallmarks indicating such factors as the degree of purity, the manufacturer’s symbol, and the date of manufacture. Some of the most common hallmarks are “925, “ster,” “sterling,” and “sterling silver.” If the piece you’re inspecting doesn’t carry such a mark, be careful, as it is likely a fake.
When you buy a piece of jewelery, inquire about the jeweler’s insurance policy. These policies dictate whether or not the jeweler will replace or fix your item of jewelry if it is damaged. Some jewelers have insurance policies that cover lost of stolen jewelry, also.
Study current jewelry trends prior to shopping for a piece. One of the few things that can enhance the appeal of a lovely piece of jewelry is knowing that it came at a great discount!
For those creative, quirky people in your life, shop for handcrafted original pieces. Finding something that shows you put thought and effort into the gift is more important the the gift itself, so whether or not what you choose exactly what they wanted, they are sure to be pleased.
Keep your jewelry from getting tarnished to preserve its best appearance. Avoid wearing your jewelry near water. Water can cause some metals to lose their luster or to become tarnished or rusty. It is wise to place a single coat of transparent nail lacquer on jewelry in order to protect it.
The brooch will call attention to your belt and make it more interesting to look at. Place the broach in the middle of your waist for the best effect.
Costume Jewelry
Wait until after your makeup is complete and set before putting on jewelry. The grime and dust in makeup are attracted to the jewelry, and if you put on the jewelry before the cosmetics, it can cause the pieces to look dull. This is particularly important with necklaces and earrings.
If you own costume jewelry, it is important to properly care for it. 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. A piece in good condition will be much more resourceful to you in the future.
Untangle knotted necklaces with delicate loops. Don’t give up on getting the knots out, instead get a sheet of plastic wrap. Put the necklace on the plastic wrap and add a little mineral oil or baby oil. Try using needles to start untangling it. Next, use dish soap to clean the piece. Finish by using a soft cloth to pat it dry.
Do some research on the best way to clean your particular piece of jewelry. Jewelry is composed of different stones, metals, and settings that all require different care to be properly maintained. Processes that may work for one type of jewelry may be harmful to others. Ask a jeweler to make sure you know how to maintain your items.
Before buying any jewelry, think about what you will use it for. A large jewelry box full of items you never use isn’t a wise investment. Take time to consider the type of clothing styles and outfits you plan on wearing with your jewelry purchase.
If you are buying jewelry for someone who values her individuality, find a one-of-a-kind piece or commission a piece designed specifically for her. A unique ring, necklace or bracelet conveys respect for and appreciation of the recipient’s creativity and personality.
If you hate finding your jewelry in tangles, you may want to consider using embellished robe hooks to hang your necklaces. Try hanging the hooks on the wall in your bedroom or on the back of the door, then put all your necklaces on them in the fashion that works for you. This organizational tip can help you from getting a tangled mess of necklaces in your jewelry box.
This rule applies to dry saunas as well as steam ones. The moisture and heat can cause your jewelry to become damaged.
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. Although something may be in style now, it may seem tacky after a few years. Check out some of the options that stand the test of time and maintain a unique edge.
Inspect the clasps of your necklaces and bracelets. You risk losing an expensive or sentimental chain or gemstone pendant if the clasp is too loose. You can have a safety clasp added to any existing piece that may require additional protection. It isn’t unusual for people to protect their most cherished jewelry with a second or even a third clasp.
Rubies have always been known to be a very fine jewelry stone and for good reason. Rubies come in different shades of red, though the most prized rubies are of the brightest reds. They can range from pinkish hues to the darkest, blood red colors. In addition, they’re very durable and can resist various chemicals. Being that rubies have strength as well as beauty, they’re a great choice for your jewelry.
Take your jewelry off before you go swimming. Chlorine is damaging to many types of metals that jewelry is made of. In the same way, salt water can have the same effects to jewelry over time. To extend the life of your jewelry, and protect the beauty, take off all jewelry before going into the water.
Keep in mind when shopping for natural sapphires or rubies that they are hard to discern from artificial ones. Synthetic stones cost much less than high-quality ones that come from a mine, and their physical and chemical properties are virtually identical. Before purchasing jewelry that is claimed to be natural sapphire, you should hire an expert gemologist to look over it for you.
Don’t buy jewelry just because of its brand. Few people can identify jewelry brands on sight. A jeweler who convinces you that a brand is worth paying more for is probably just out to get as much of your money as possible. It is not difficult to find quality jewelry that is made by different brands.
Have you ever considered purchasing jewelry second-hand? This can be a great way to add new pieces to your collection at a reasonable price. Their reasonable pricing may give a buyer a better item for the money, and the quality will be as nice as new items.
Long chains can be shortened and the excess metal can be sold for a profit. All it takes is clipping off any excess material, usually only a few inches. You will still keep your piece intact so you can wear it. You can actually make a tidy sum by selling off odds and ends of jewelry in this manner.
Determine the role you wish your jewelry to play in each outfit. Are you going to emphasize the jewelry or the outfit? Do you want to focus people’s eyes on the jewelry, or have it simply accentuate what you are wearing?
Alexandrite is a beautiful and unique stone for jewelry. Depending on your environment, the stone’s color switches between green and purple. Alexandrite is usually found in earrings, rings or pendants.
If you like to wear several rings on your fingers and on both hands, it would be a great idea to keep your hands in good shape. Trim and buff your nails or have regular manicures so your hands show off your jewelry as nicely as possible.
Apply a damp cloth in order to clean jewelry without damaging it. Follow this with another soft cloth for drying off the piece. Keep your fashion and costume jewelry away from steam cleaners and harsh chemicals.
Choose an engagement ring that fits your lifestyle, as well as one that looks gorgeous. Ideally, your ring should be a good fit with your lifestyle, and it should reflect your relationship. Think of this ring as a memory and a symbol of your relationship.
Learning how to make informed decisions on the buying and selling of jewelry takes time and effort. With these tips in place, you can start experiencing success.
Think twice before getting designer name jewelery. It is not always true that designer jewelry is made with higher quality components than non-brand name jewelry. Browse through a catalog or website of a designer jeweler and identify the styles you prefer, then look at some non-designer choices to see if you can find some similar styles that you like just as well for less.