There is no such thing as being too informed about jewelry. Even the tiniest misstep could be the end of your jewelry – and your money. This article will help you avoid needless mistakes. The tips given here can guide you in acquiring jewelry and steer you away from some common mistakes people make.
Try to avoid cleaning it with harsh chemicals like ammonia or turpentine. You can turn your stones this way and it will eat away the enamel on the pieces.
Do not clean your jewelry with chemicals such as bleach or ammonia. Using them may result in damage to your jewelry, may cause dulling of gemstones, and may erode enamel work.
Be cautious of the way all of your personal jewelry gets stored together. You can protect your jeweled investments with hooks, boxes and holders that keep each piece intact and prevent tangles. Resist the temptation to jumble all your pieces into a community box. This can damage fragile jewelry, and make it difficult to find the necklace you want because it’s tangled with other pieces.
Keep your jewelery in a space that is dry and doesn’t have any air flow. A box designed especially for jewelry gives the best protection, but a cloth bag can also work. Metals will become tarnished when exposed to air and humidity. The thing about this is that non-precious metals cannot fully recover from this because underneath, the copper shows through. However, keep in mind that precious metals can go back to their own original forms.
Jewelry should last a life-time. It is important to invest in a quality piece of jewelry, so only work with respected and reputable jewelers. Any piece that is high quality will have its craftsmanship and quality shining through. The jeweler will be able to provide a complete history of the piece of jewelry, including who made it, and exactly where the stones originated. Investing in a high-quality jewelry piece ensures that you will have a timeless item that will be just as wearable in 20 years as it is today.
Sterling Silver
Before buying a new item of jewelry, do a little research on recent trends. Getting a great deal on beautiful bauble makes getting it even more enjoyable.
A magnet is a useful tool when shopping for jewelry in sterling silver. Take the magnet with you to find fake pieces of jewelery, sterling silver will not stick to the magnet. 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 you don’t see a stamp of any sort on a piece, then be wary of whether it is actually silver or not.
Collecting costume jewelry is a popular pastime, but if you wish to participate, be careful of the condition of the jewelry. 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. Jewelry that’s in good repair can be a much better investment.
Identify the kind of stone in every piece you consider. There are basically three distinct types: natural gems, synthetic gems and imitation stones. “Real” can mean natural or synthetic, and an imitation stone could be glass or plastic. They make synthetic stones in a lab, whereas natural stones come from the ground.
The stone is an important part of a piece of jewelry so should be considered carefully. The gemstone you choose should work with your skin tone and suit your personality. Neutral colored stones will work well with any outfit in your closet. There is no point in buying something that is not functional.
A piece of jewelry should be long lasting. Get jewelry from a jeweler with a good reputation to be sure that it’s of high-quality. A valuable piece of jewelry will be well-made and feature superior craftsmanship. The jeweler ought to know the history of the piece, such as its manufacturer and the source of the gemstones. Making sure that it is high-quality will ensure that it lasts forever.
Esoteric people like to have handcrafted specialty pieces for presents. This means you have taken the time to think about the gift and make it as personal as possible. Customized jewelery will also help you convey the right message.
Study current jewelry trends prior to shopping for a piece. Getting a great deal on beautiful bauble makes getting it even more enjoyable.
Before purchasing a gemstone, find out if it has been treated, and if so, how. Different treatments come with different requirements for cleaning and storage. Some cleaning solutions that work perfectly well on untreated gems can strip off treatments, and even damage stones, if you use them on treated gems.
Do some research on the best way to clean your particular piece of jewelry. The variety of stones, metals and assorted settings will determine the ways in which you care for them. Processes that may work for one type of jewelry may be harmful to others. Ask a jeweler when you do not know how to take care of your jewelry.
If you are trying to sell jewelry on the Internet, make sure that you present it in an attractive way. As the potential buyer cannot physically touch the piece, this is important so that the jewelry is presented in its best light. Make sure the background behind the jewelry in the photograph is bland and boring, so as not to distract the viewer’s attention away from the piece itself.
If you are presenting a gift to someone who has their own unusual style, look for an item of jewelry that is in line with their clothing and lifestyle choices. This will express the time you spent to get their gift just right, just the kind of sentiment you want to show your special friends.
This goes for any type of sauna, either steam or dry. This is because the extreme heat and moisture can cause serious problems to the piece.
Apply your makeup and let it set before putting on jewelry. Makeup can gravitate dust and grime towards your jewelry leaving it to look dull. This is extra important when you are cleaning necklaces or earrings.
If you’re in the market for diamond jewelry, make sure to comparison shop. Every diamond is unique and they all have slight imperfections. Sometimes an imperfection isn’t so important, but you need to see the diamond in person to determine this. Also, jewelers can adjust prices based on a specific diamond’s particular condition. Make sure you browse different shops to locate the best diamond for the price range you have in mind.
If you want to purchase new jewelry, watch for discounts or sales. The right sale will save you a lot of cash. Look for the best promotions and sales on the Internet, in your local paper, on television ads, and even in storefront windows. Consider buying something that is out of style to get a better deal.
When you want to buy something nice for someone, think about getting them a jewelery set. Many jewelers offer deals on jewelry sets. You do not have to give your loved one the entire set at once. You can present him or her with one piece as each occasion comes around. It is an excellent way to know that you have a gift for someone that he or she is sure to love.
Do not buy a piece of jewelery if you are not sure when you are going to wear it. There is nothing worse than a box full of unloved jewelry. When making a selection, remember your outfits, clothing and accessories.
Don’t just buy a piece of jewelry because of what the brand is. There are probably not going to be many people that recognize that the piece is anything special due to the brand, and you are likely going to pay far too much money for it. There are a number of different brands that manufacture high-quality jewelry.
Selling Jewelry Online
When you are purchasing expensive jewelry, you should remind yourself that this is an investment that you will want to wear for many years. Consider both style and quality when selecting your next jewelry purchase. A modern cut may look wonderful with your style now but clash terribly with your timeless investment pieces several years down the line. Try and find something that is timeless.
Selling jewelry online requires you to capture stunning images of the piece. This is particularly important when selling jewelry online, since the buyer can’t inspect the piece in person. Take pictures of jewelry in an environment that will put the focus on just the piece, not the background.
Crystal or onyx stones both stand out and make bold statements. Give your wallet a break and look good at the same time.
Avoid both steam and dry saunas. The amount of moisture and heat can damage the pieces.
One stone that is often forgotten about is Alexandrite, although it looks beautiful when made into a piece of jewelry. This stone changes color depending on the lighting, and it ranges from a lovely purple to a rich green. Alexandrite is most often used in earrings, pendants and rings.
Try to purchase sets of jewelry as a gift for someone. You will find that a great deal of stores offer discounts when you buy sets of jewelry. You can make it fun and split the set up to give them parts of the set on each holiday as they come. It’s a good way to ascertain that you are never without a great gift to give a loved one.
IF you want to sell some jewelery, take it to a gemologist or a reputable appraiser. Not only does this give you a clear idea of your jewelry’s value, but it also assures potential buyers of the legitimacy of your asking price.
Always remove your jewelry before swimming. Chlorine is a strong chemical and it can damage the luster and life of your precious jewelry pieces. Salt water is equally as bad for your jewelry. By taking your jewelry off of your body before swimming, you will be protecting it from the harsh chlorine and salt.
If you cannot afford the wedding band of your dreams, consider buying something similar and saving for the ideal ring later. You can get that new ring on a special occasion in the future, like an anniversary. In some instances your jeweler may offer a program where they will buy back the simple ring in partial trade for your better one.
Well, it’s easy when you know how. This article has just touched on a few of things that you should know about this very rewarding hobby. There is much to learn, but at least you’ve now got a few good ideas to put to work.
While there are better ways to clean your jewelry, this will do the trick when you are in a bind. Try putting some toothpaste on a fine cloth or paper towel. First, rub your jewelry with the toothpaste, and then use water to wipe or rinse the paste off. You will be amazed at the difference a simple cleaning can do to enhance the appearance of your old jewelry.