You must know what you’re doing or do the research prior to shopping for jewelry in order to make a good purchase. It can be puzzling to know where to start.
Don’t use acetone, bleach, ammonia or turpentine to clean copper. Harsh chemicals will dull your stones and dissolve the enamel on your jewelry.
Do not use harsh chemicals such as ammonia, bleach, turpentine or acetone to clean them. Chemicals can eat away the stones or enamel on your stones.
Take a moment to consider how your valuable jewelry is stored and sorted. For best results, separate different pieces into different boxes, compartments or hooks. Throwing the jewelry together into the jewelry box is a no-no. This can damage fragile jewelry, and make it difficult to find the necklace you want because it’s tangled with other pieces.
If you are shopping for sterling silver jewelry, you’ll need a magnet and an eye for the real thing. To spot scams, see if the magnet attracts the piece. If it does, then shout “FAKE!” at the top of your lungs and move to the next store. True sterling sliver always has some sort of hallmark stamp on it, such as .925, sterling or ster. If the piece of presumed silver is not marked, be skeptical that is real silver. It could very well be a fake.
Take a magnet and a keen eye with you when you head out to purchase any jewelry made from sterling silver. You can detect fake sterling silver with the magnet, since non-precious metals are drawn to magnets. True sterling silver will also have a mark on it to indicate its quality, such as “0.925” or “ster”. If the piece that you are looking at is not hallmarked, this is usually the sign that it is a fake.
When shopping for a diamond, it’s crucial that you do comparisons. Closely examine pieces you like, and compare them with similar items you are interested in. Don’t fall for any of the tricks used by shady dealers. They employ these tactics to make a diamond look better than it really is.
You should expect good jewelry to last the rest of your life, and possibly beyond. Whenever you buy jewelry, make sure you go to a reliable, experienced dealer, so you know you’re getting an outstanding piece of jewelry. High-quality jewelry can be told by its superior craftsmanship and good manufacture. The jeweler must be able to provide a history of the piece. This will tell you who made the piece, and where the components came from. This way, you can ensure you are paying a fair price. Unless you purchase jewelry that is of high-quality, the piece is not likely to last a lifetime.
Observe them and see what jewelry pieces the happen to be wearing, such as necklaces, earrings, or rings. Also take note of any metals or stones they seem to prefer. Doing so can help to find the most special piece for the recipient.
Before you make a final jewelry-buying decision, take a look at what’s new and trendy. If there is one thing better than finding the perfect, most heart-stopping bauble, it would be snagging the piece at a wonderful price!
Check to see if your jeweler offers an insurance policy before purchasing an item. This is so that if something happens to your piece, you can return it to have it replaced or repaired. You might find some jewelers who are willing to insure it against loss and theft.
You need to pay special attention when caring for costume jewelry. Many pieces of costume jewelry have the stones glued on, for example. Therefore, you shouldn’t get costume jewelry wet or expose it to harsh chemicals. The most effective way to safely clean them is wiping with a damp cloth, then drying with a different, soft cloth. Doing so will keep your jewelry looking its best for life.
Try out the jewelery by wearing it for a period of time, like a day, so you can see whether it’s uncomfortable or doesn’t hang as well as you hoped. You’ll also be able to get a better idea of the piece’s durability.
An attractive brooch can increase visual interest and accent your waist. Place the broach in the middle of your waist for the best effect.
Plastic Wrap
Be sure to shop around when buying diamond jewelry. Every diamond is unique, and there will always be tiny flaws. Once you see some of the flaws in person, they may become less important. In addition, each jeweler evaluates the flaws as a basis for setting different prices. If you are working on a budget, shop around to find a diamond that suits both your preferences and your wallet.
Get the tangles out of a delicate necklace that’s in a knot. It is tempting to throw in the towel against knotted metal, but plastic wrap should be reached for instead. Apply baby oil or mineral oil to your necklace after placing it on the plastic wrap. After the necklace has loosened, try to untangle it by hand. If this does not work, consider using a sturdy pin or needle. Be sure to use extra caution due to the slippery oil. When your necklaces are straight, use dish soap to wash the oil off and pat them dry.
A jewelry set makes an excellent present for that special someone. The larger jewelry stores will often give discounts on an entire set of jewelry. There is nothing stopping you from splitting a set after buying it; you can use a set for a series of gifts over multiple holidays, for example. It will not only ensure you will always have a gift ready, it will also show the person that you care a lot about them.
Before you purchase a new piece of jewelry, consider what situations you will be wearing it in. There is no point continually buying jewelry if you never wear it. Take a look in your closet and consider what outfits your jewelry will accessorize.
Gold prices have skyrocketed, which is good if you’re selling gold, but not quite so helpful if your heart’s set on purchasing gold. If you are determined to buy real gold, you might have to be flexible on the carats, in order to save money. The best combination of price and quality is an 18k piece made without less than 75% pure gold.
A diamond’s cut, as well as its clarity, are considerably more important than size in determining value and appeal. Remember to think about the personality and style of the woman you’re getting the diamond for.
Onyx jewelry is unique and makes a bold impact, while crystal is a delicate and wonderful touch to any classy outfit. You can save your money and still get a beautiful piece of jewelry.
A matched jewelry set is a no-fail gift for any woman on your list. Many jewelry stores offer deals on sets of jewelry. Give away one piece at a time to different people throughout the years. It is a great way to make sure that you always have a present for someone and that it is something they will love.
It may be tough to figure out how to best present jewelry that you are selling at informal events like craft fairs and flea markets. While you are on the lookout for jewelry-making items, also keep an eye out for things from which you can make creative displays. Nearly any type of display, box or case may make a good jewelry stand, if you put in a bit of work.
A good quality clap is very important to any necklace or bracelet. Weak clasps can cause the loss of expensive pendants, chains and stones. Valuable bracelets and necklaces should be secured with a safety clasp. Some people choose to use additional safety clasps in order to keep their priceless pieces safe while they have them on.
It can be hard to tell natural rubies and sapphires from artificial ones. These beautiful stones are chemically and physically identical, but the artificial ones can be supplied for a fraction of the cost of natural flawless ones. Before purchasing jewelry that is claimed to be natural sapphire, you should hire an expert gemologist to look over it for you.
Never go swimming while wearing jewelry. Jewelry can be damaged by strong chemicals like chlorine, making your pieces less shiny and durable. Saltwater is equally damaging to your precious jewels. Your jewelry will last longer and stay more lustrous if you remember to take it off before getting into the water.
One underrated but beautiful jewelry stone is Alexandrite. This stone will change colors from green to purple, depending on the sun and temperature. It is frequently found in pendants, rings, or earrings.
As you can see, selling or buying jewelery requires you do your homework, and some hard work, so you can get the most out of it either way. This article has provided you with important techniques to ensure your success.
To maintain the integrity of the setting, only use a slightly damp cloth to gently clean the piece. Then polish the entire jewelry piece with a dry, soft cloth. Do not ever clean your jewelery with any chemicals that may damage the stones or harm the settings.