Have you been thinking about accessorizing your outfits with a burst of color by choosing just the right jewelry pieces? Whether you are buying, selling or wanting to maintain your investment, these tips can help you get the most out of your jewelry ventures.

Keep jewelry stored safely and away from both air and humidity. A box designed especially for jewelry gives the best protection, but a cloth bag can also work. Both air and humidity can lead to tarnished metal. It is possible to restore precious metals to their previous state, but it’s better to avoid damaging them in the first place.

Sterling Silver

When purchasing sterling silver, take along a good magnifying glass, along with a small magnet. Metals that aren’t precious will connect to the magnet, signaling that it is fake. Your sterling silver jewelery should always be imprinted if it is real. The stamp may read “.925” or “ster”. If the piece of presumed silver is not marked, be skeptical that is real silver. It could very well be a fake.

When you buy a piece of jewelery, inquire about the jeweler’s 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. In certain instances, there may even be jewelry insurance available to cover loss or theft.

If you want to maintain the look of your jewelry, you should prevent it from becoming tarnished. For example, avoid taking your jewelry somewhere it can get wet. Lots of jewelry materials are dulled or tarnished by water exposure. Use a thinner coat of your clear nail polish on your jewelry for extra protection.

Collecting Costume Jewelry

Collecting costume jewelry is a popular pastime, but if you wish to participate, be careful of the condition of the jewelry. Collecting costume jewelry can get expensive, but it is also an investment worth your time, so avoid any pieces that have too many flaws. You’ll get more return on your investment later if you buy costume jewelry in good condition.

Think carefully about what stones you want in your jewelry. Any stones that you choose should go with your skin tone and reflect your personality. Colors should be neutral so that they go with most of your outfits. Buying a stone that you will never wear is pointless

Before you buy, ask the jeweler if and how the gemstone was treated. The way to care for a stone differs greatly depending on how it was treated. For example, improper cleaning with the wrong method may damage the stone by stripping the treatment.

Buying jewelry is better if you keep watch for sales. 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, you can save about half the original price on trendy pieces that aren’t as trendy anymore.

Hit up several different stores when looking for diamond jewelry. Every diamond is unique and has its own flaws. Once you see a diamond yourself, certain flaws will be less of a concern to you. Depending on the number and types of flaws in a diamond, jewelers may be somewhat flexible in pricing the piece. Comparison shop between various jewelers to locate the best diamond in the price range that you can afford.

Do not buy jewelry based solely on the manufacturer or brand name. Not only is most jewelry not brand-recognizable, but you are also going to pay more just for the name. You can find fabulous quality from various brands.

If you are saving up for an investment piece, make sure your jewelry will last as long as you would like for it to! A pricey piece is usually of good quality, but don’t overlook the importance of styling. While the piece might appear stylish and modern right now, in five years time it could end up languishing at the bottom of your jewelry case. Look for pieces that will stand the test of time and trends.

With the advice you’ve learned here, you should be better prepared to select, appraise and care for any kind of jewelry. You will surely enjoy your purchase for many years.