Whether you have inherited jewelry, bought a piece for yourself or received one as a gift, the world of jewelry can be a little confusing. The number of resources available can make things confusing at first. You can start learning right here with these useful tips that will help turn you into an educated jewelry consumer.
Sterling Silver
Having a good eye to catch the details, and a magnet, are key when you are considering the purchase of any type of sterling silver jewelry. 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. Another way to tell if a metal is sterling silver is to check for a hallmark stamp, for example .sterling, .ster, or .925. If your silver is not marked, it could be because it is not real!
Do some research on the gem in your new piece of jewelry before you buy. The types of gems available are synthetic, imitation and natural. Synthetic stones are lab created jewels, while imitation stones are normally colored glass. Natural stones are found underground and synthetic gems are created in a lab.
Do some shopping around when you are looking to buy some diamonds. View the piece you are currently considering closely and then compare it against some other pieces that are in the running. There are ways to hide some of a diamond’s imperfections, so be very particular about each one you view.
When buying a new piece of jewelry, be sure to check on the current fashion trends. The only thing that can make picking out a fantastic piece of jewelry better is if you get it at a discount.
Costume Jewelry
Look at the condition of costume jewelry before making a purchase. Costume jewelry can prove to be a good investment, but worn, broken, or otherwise damaged pieces are not worth the expense. Compare pieces for quality, because good ones stay high or even grow in value over time.
Know how to keep your jewelry beautiful. Different styles of jewelry affect the way they need to be cared for; one type of metal will need a different treatment than another, for example. What works for one material could damage another. Consult with a jeweler if you are unsure exactly how to care for your own jewels.
Costume jewelry needs to be handled carefully. Costume jewelry is generally bound by glue rather than settings and is therefore, a lot more fragile. Therefore, you shouldn’t get costume jewelry wet or expose it to harsh chemicals. The best way to care for your jewelry is to use one damp cloth to wipe it followed by a dry one to dry it. This will clean off any residue and make it look like new, without damaging it.
A brooch will accent your belt and will instantly add visual interest. You have the option of placing it close to your hip, or at your waist near the center.
Makeup isn’t for jewelry. Let your makeup dry before you put on a piece of jewelry. The small particles of powdered makeup can easily dull the shine of your jewelry. Doing this is particularly important when you are wearing a necklace or earrings, as they will brush against your makeup more than other jewelry.
It is important to pay attention to how the diamond is cut, and the clarity of the stone. To some people this is more important and appealing than the actual size. You also need to think about who is going to receive this ring.
Avoid steam saunas and dry ones. The high heat and humidity in these areas can significantly damage your jewelry.
It is important to visit different jewelers and examine multiple pieces when shopping for diamond jewelry. Each diamond is unique with its own individual flaws. Sometimes an imperfection isn’t so important, but you need to see the diamond in person to determine this. Jewelers have some flexibility with the price depending on the severity of the flaws. It is important to look at various options to ensure you get the best quality diamond for the amount of money you can comfortably afford.
Jewelry sets can make a great present if you are looking for a creative gift for someone. Many jewelry stores offer deals on 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. This ensures that you will have a lovely gift that is sure to match and be cherished.
It is vitally important that each of your bracelets and necklaces have a strong clasp attached to them. Unless your necklace or bracelet has a durable closure, you risk losing expensive or sentimental pendants, stones and charms. You should add a safety clasp on any expensive jewelry pieces. Adding more than one clasp to a jewelry piece may even be appropriate to provide greater security against loss.
Don’t buy a piece of jewelry based solely on the brand. Many people won’t know where you got it, and many sellers try to sell these brands so that you pay a lot for them. You can find excellent quality from many different brands.
If you want to make a few extra bucks without selling your jewelry, you can do this if you have bracelets or necklaces made of gold. Merely cut a few extra inches off the piece, and sell the excess; you can still own and wear the rest. If what you have truly is real god then with just a few chains the potential to make money is there. You can actually make around a few hundred when you shorten these type of pieces.
There are so many things to know and appreciate about the world of jewelry. With careful and helpful research, you will know you are buying quality jewelry and handling them the right way. You will find that the jewelry experience is both rewarding and fulfilling, so get involved! The advice above should be a valuable stepping stone for beginning your quest.