It can be hard to gather jewelry information that is meaningful and helpful. The sheer amount of jewelry information available can make it all seem not worth the effort. Read all of the tips listed here to get a handle on how to choose jewelry.
Harsh chemicals and solvents can damage the finish of your jewelry and should never be used to clean it. Doing so can destroy enamel finishes, while clouding stones and crystals.
Take a moment to consider how your valuable jewelry is stored and sorted. Boxes, holders, compartments, and hooks are all valuable tools for storing jewelry safely. Throwing the jewelry together into the jewelry box is a no-no. Not only can it damage finer, fragile pieces, but it can also make a tangled mess out of chains.
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. Use the magnet to detect fake jewelry; real silver will not be attracted to the magnet, but the cheaper metals will. In addition, sterling silver pieces are always stamped with silver hallmarks indicating such factors as the degree of purity, the manufacturer’s symbol, and the date of manufacture. Some of the most common hallmarks are “925, “ster,” “sterling,” and “sterling silver.” Be wary of jewelery without any kind of hallmark, as often it is fake.
When shopping for a diamond, it’s crucial that you do comparisons. Compare the jewelery you like with others that are similar; make sure to examine the pieces closely. Look out for tricks that make the diamond look better than it is.
When you purchase jewelry from a jeweler, ask about their insurance policy. That way, if something were to happen to your jewelry, you can easily bring it back to the jeweler who will fix or replace it. Some jewelers have insurance policies that cover lost of stolen jewelry, also.
Take the steps to inhibit its tarnishing. Remove your jewelry if you plan on spending time in or near water. This could cause your jewelery to rust or become more dull. Clear nail polish, applied in a thin coat, can give jewelry some added protection.
It is important to think about the most effective methods of jewelry care. Different kinds of jewelery will require you take care of them in different ways. Cleaning and maintenance techniques that work perfectly on one stone might cause damage to another. If you are unfamiliar with the correct way to clean or maintain a piece, consult a jeweler.
A small but well-cut diamond with high clarity can look nicer than a bigger diamond of lower quality. Keep the individual you are buying the diamond for in mind.
This goes for any type of sauna, whether it’s the dry type or the steam type. The moisture and heat can cause your jewelry to become damaged.
A clasp that will hold up is a very important part of any necklace or bracelet. Without a decent clasp, you risk losing your expensive stones or chains. It is a wise idea to add a safety clasp to any expensive pieces of jewelry to avoid having them slip off accidentally. If there is a piece that you simply cannot afford to lose, try an additional clasp for added safety.
Don’t focus on brand when buying a piece of jewelry. Most people won’t know where you got the piece, and you will probably pay too much because of the name on it. There are several high quality brands.
Learning as much as you can about jewelry will increase your success in choosing the right piece, caring for your existing items and making informed decisions. Now you can spend much more time doing things instead of searching for information, all thanks to these tips. Add these tips to your store of jewelry knowledge, and you are well on your way to becoming a jewelry expert.