When you are buying or selling precious jewelry, doing your homework can have its benefits. However, it can leave you scratching your head as to where to start.

When shopping for sterling silver jewelry, it is a good idea to bring a small magnet along with you. Magnets attract non-precious metals, and you can use this fact to detect fakes. If your silver is sterling, you will also notice a mark on the piece. This mark might state .925, sterling, or ster. If a particular piece is not stamped, you should be cautious of its authenticity.

When shopping for a diamond, it’s crucial that you do comparisons. Take a look at the diamonds up close, then put it next to other pieces you are interested in. There are many ways to make a diamond look better than it really is.

Before adding a piece of jewelry to your collection, research current trends. If you look around you may be able to find a great deal!

Be sure to at least inquire about the insurance that is available when you buy jewelry from a reputable jeweler. Look for a good policy that lets you return damaged items. In some cases, insurance policies will cover lost, misplaced or stolen pieces.

Consider unique pieces of jewelry for unique individuals. Giving a gift that requires thought and creativity will make it even more special.

Plastic Wrap

It is possible to remove the knots from jewelry that has become tangled. Don’t give up on that tangled mass of jewelry. Instead, get a piece of plastic wrap. Put the tangled necklace onto the plastic wrap, then pour a little mineral oil or baby oil onto the piece. Gently untangle the knots with needles. Use ordinary dish soap to remove the mineral oil and let dry.

Resist the common notion that size matters; concentrate instead on quality and clarity. You also need to think about who is going to receive this ring.

A good clasp is important for any form of bracelet or necklace. Without something that is solid, your chain, pendants and costly stones could be lost. If you have expensive or heirloom items, invest in a safety clasp. For added protection, you may choose to use an additional clasp beyond the one you already have.

Long chains can be shortened and the excess metal can be sold for a profit. Just clip off a few inches of excess and you can sell it while still actually keeping a full piece to wear. You could make hundreds by shortening the chains of your necklaces, provided they are made of real gold.

There are very good reasons why rubies are among the most popular gems to be used in high quality jewelry. Even though genuine rubies are consistently red, there are many different shades, ranging from a light pink to a deep, dark red. They are also extremely durable and can withstand many chemicals and being hit. For a gemstone that is as beautiful as it is strong and storied, rubies cannot be beat.

Alexandrite is a beautiful stone that is often overlooked for jewelry. This stone changes color from green to purple, depending on the lighting. Alexandrite is most often used in earrings, pendants and rings.

Gently cleaning with a soft damp cloth is the best way to avoid disturbing the setting. To dry the piece, use a dry soft cloth. Avoid exposing your costume jewelry to steam cleaners or chemicals.

Surprise the love of your life with beautiful jewelry to express your love for them. It’s great to get surprise gifts, especially those as meaningful as jewelry. You can see someone’s face light up with joy when you hand them a gift.

If you want to continue to wear necklaces you wore when you were a child, wear them layered with trendy, larger pieces. Find a more adult piece to bring the cluster together. If you can match them all to the same theme, that’s even better.

If you want to sell some of your jewelry, take the piece to a master gemologist or a certified appraiser. By doing this, you will get a truthful appraisal that is based on the value of the item, and you will be ready to negotiate a price for your piece when you decide to sell.

Learning how to make informed decisions on the buying and selling of jewelry takes time and effort. If you remember the tips listed above, you are sure to be successful.