Jewelry has been popular for thousands of years and there are literally millions of designs to choose from. These suggestions can help you pick out a piece of jewelry that you will enjoy for years.

When shopping for genuine sterling silver jewelry, you need both a discerning eye and a small magnet. By using the magnet you can quickly determine if the jewelry item is made of a cheaper metal and not sterling silver. Sterling silver will always be hallmarked with a stamp such as .925, ster. or sterling. If the item has no markings indicating its authenticity, then be wary.

Your jewelry should endure an entire lifetime. When choosing your next piece of jewelry, be sure to deal with a reputable dealer to ensure you attain a high-quality piece. Any piece that is high quality will have its craftsmanship and quality shining through. A reputable jeweler will be able to provide you with a full background of the piece, including where the stones are from and who made it. 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.

Do some shopping around when you are looking to buy some diamonds. Look at what you want very closely, and keep that in mind so you can compare it with other diamonds you look at. Be careful of tricks that jewelers use to make a diamond look bigger or better.

For jewelry to stay shiny and new-looking, it is important to keep it from tarnishing. Keep your jewelry away from water. Some metals will tarnish, dull or rust when exposed to water or perspiration. If you are looking to protect your jewelry from the ill effects of water, try applying clear nail polish, just a thin layer, on the piece itself.

Consider the stones whenever you buy jewelry. Certain stones will do a better job of complementing your skin tone and your personality than others. Choose neutral colors that will easily match any outfit you decide to wear. It will be of no value to you to purchase jewels that are not easy to incorporate into your lifestyle.

Having an ornate piece at your waist will naturally draw eyes by adding interest. Place the brooch close to your hip or in the middle of your waist.

Before you buy, ask the jeweler if and how the gemstone was treated. Different treatments require different types of care. For example, improper cleaning with the wrong method may damage the stone by stripping the treatment.

You should always know what you plan on doing with jewelry when purchasing it. There is no point in filling your jewelery box with things you cannot wear. Think about what type of clothing you will wear with the jewelry before deciding what to buy.

Jewelry sets are a great gift item to consider. Buying a set of jewelry can get you a deal many times. You can separate pieces of the set and gift a piece to your loved one every holiday season. This ensures that you will have a lovely gift that is sure to match and be cherished.

You should never wear your jewelry while swimming. Chlorine is a very strong and harsh chemical that can damage and dull your precious pieces. The salt in seawater will result in the same effect. It is advisable to remove all jewelry prior to participating in any water sports to protect and extend the life of your jewelry.

Buying jewelry just because it is a name brand is not a good idea. Nobody will realize where this piece came from, and the seller may sell the piece at a higher price because of this brand. Many brands offer excellent quality.

The tips we have given are a reliable guide to finding exactly the right jewelry for you. The millions of jewelry designs to choose from can be daunting, and reading facts on jewelry can be of great help.