Have you been thinking about venturing into the world of jewelry? Perhaps you would like to purchase a present for a friend; this article can help with that.
Store your jewelry collection carefully. Keep pieces separately by using compartments, boxes, hooks and holders. Avoid simply piling them on top of each other in a box. Fragile jewelry could easily be damaged by doing this, not to mention the nuisance of having to untangle necklace chains that could get caught together.
Precious Metals
Jewelry should be stored in an air-tight and humid free area. To ensure it is protected, keep your jewelry in a drawstring bag or a jewelry box that is closed. Air and humidity can tarnish metals of all types. Polishing will work to restore the color and shine for precious metals, but with non-precious metals, polishing will not help the change in color.
If you want to buy sterling silver pieces, use a magnet and examine the jewelry very carefully. Metals that aren’t precious will connect to the magnet, signaling that it is fake. Sterling silver should always bear a stamp that says Sterling, Ster. or .925. If your silver is not marked, it could be because it is not real!
Always be aware of the type of stone you’re buying when dealing with gems. Gemstones come in three different varieties: natural, imitation and synthetic. Imitation is plastic that is colored to looked like the stone, but natural stones and synthetic stones are real. Natural comes from the ground, while synthetic ones are created in a lab.
Jewelry is an investment that should last forever. When you look for a piece of jewelry, always use a dealer with a good reputation, ensuring that the piece you choose is of high-quality. Any high-quality jewelry will show superior craftsmanship, and will be well-made. The jeweler should be able to give you a history on the piece, like who crafted it and where the stones came from if there are any. When you choose a piece of jewelry that is high in quality, it can become a heirloom that will last forever.
Comparison shopping is a must when shopping for diamonds. Find a few reference pieces that you like, and see if other diamonds can do better. Be careful of tricks that jewelers use to make a diamond look bigger or better.
When buying a new piece of jewelry, be sure to check on the current fashion trends. It is better to get a gorgeous bauble on sale!
A brooch is a great accent for your belt, adding eye-catching interest. Pin it near your hip or your waist’s center.
To preserve the pristine look of your jewelry, apply your make-up first, wait for it to set, then put on your jewelry. Makeup will settle into your jewelry making it look dull and dingy. This tip is especially important when it comes to earrings and necklaces.
See if your gem has had any treatments prior to buying, and if so, which treatments. You will need to know what type of care it might require as a result of the treatment. Applying the wrong chemical when cleaning a gemstone can cause the protective treatment to dissolve, and damage the appearance of the gem.
Buy jewelry on sale whenever possible. You can save huge amounts of money if you are savvy. Use the resources at your disposal like the Internet, newspapers, and even window shopping to find the best sales. Sometimes, buying fashions that are out of style can save you more than half of their original price.
The shape and shine of a diamond means more than the size. Most important of all, make sure that the piece you choose complements the nature of the intended receiver.
If you will follow the above tips and techniques, you will be able to appraise the value of any jewelry that you are considering buying. Jewelry is the gift that keeps on giving for years to come, both in style and in economic value.