Does your sense of style need an update with some new jewelry? Perhaps you’re looking to add a splash of color to a drab outfit. Perhaps you would like to purchase a present for a friend; this article can help with that.

When you go shopping for sterling silver jewelry pieces, take with you a magnet and a monocle. If the piece you are examining is not silver and is made from non-precious metal, it will be attracted to the magnet. Also, look to make sure that silver is hallmarked and stamped with .925, sterling or ster. If there is no hallmark, the piece is probably not authentic and may, indeed, be counterfeit.

Jewelry should last a life-time. Whenever you buy jewelry, make sure you go to a reliable, experienced dealer, so you know you’re getting an outstanding piece of jewelry. The best jewelry is well-designed and well-made with close attention to detail. A jeweler should know about each piece he sells, including the person that made it, the origin of precious stones or other materials and other history, such as previous owners for antique or estate pieces. You’ll create an heirloom tomorrow if you choose high-quality jewelry today.

When shopping for a diamond, it’s crucial that you do comparisons. Start by finding what you like, and then begin comparing it with other pieces. You should be aware that there are many deceptive people trying to sell jewelry; therefore, it is essential to learn and understand what is involved when selecting a new diamond.

See what types of earrings they wear, what color, if they wear ankle bracelets, etc. These answers should give you a reasonable starting point for your shopping.

Costume Jewelry

You need to pay attention to care and maintenance if you intend to build up a costume jewelry collection. Many costume pieces are a great investment and can be quite costly, but costume jewelry that has too many signs of wear will not keep their value over time. Investing in quality means that you can enjoy the jewelry for many years to come.

Caring for your jewelry properly is important; you should definitely give it some consideration. Each type of stone, metal, and setting requires different type of care. A jewelry cleaner that is safe for one type of gemstone may damage another kind. It’s best to speak with a jeweler before you attempt to care of an unfamiliar piece of jewelry.

Costume jewelry should be taken care of. Costume jewelry is generally bound by glue rather than settings and is therefore, a lot more fragile. For this reason, costume jewelry should never touch water, and you should avoid using detergents on it. Wiping it down with a damp, warm cloth and then drying it with another cloth is the best care for it. This will clean off any residue and make it look like new, without damaging it.

Apply your makeup before putting on your jewelry. All the grime and dust from your makeup attracts jewelry. Therefore, putting on jewelry beforehand can make the piece look dingy. In particular, this hint is aimed towards your necklaces and earrings.

Now that you know the basics of jewelry selection, you will be able to spot the best specimens of any type of jewelry, from gemstones to precious metals. Buying a jewelry item that is heir-loom quality is a traditional move that will bring you enjoyment years down the road.