When it comes to jewelry, it is practically impossible to overload on information. If you make just the wrong mistake, you could lose a great deal of money! What follows are some common sense jewelry tips that will help prevent you from making these costly mistakes. Here’s where you can learn about how to choose and take care of jewelry, and avoid making costly mistakes.
To distinguish between real and fake, bring a magnet when you shop for sterling silver jewelry. Precious metals, like sterling silver, will not be attracted to the magnet. You can generally tell genuine sterling silver by its stamp, which will look something like “.925 ster.” If there is no hallmark, the piece is probably not authentic and may, indeed, be counterfeit.
When shopping for a diamond, it’s crucial that you do comparisons. Find a few reference pieces that you like, and see if other diamonds can do better. Beware, there are many tricks to enhance the look of a sub-par diamond.
Check to see if your jeweler offers an insurance policy before purchasing an item. Look for a good policy that lets you return damaged items. Some jewelers will offer insurance on jewelry that might have been stolen or lost.
If you wish to keep a piece of jewelry looking fantastic, preventing it from tarnishing is important. For example, avoid taking your jewelry somewhere it can get wet. Water can cause some metals to lose their luster or to become tarnished or rusty. If you want to give your jewelry a measure of protection from this element, coat it thinly with clear nail polish.
Costume Jewelry
Costume jewelry needs special care. Costume jewelry is often put together using glue and other adhesives, unlike stoned that are set using metal. Don’t submerge costume jewelry in water or clean it with harsh chemicals. Use a damp cloth, then dry it with another clean, dry cloth. This will make your current costume jewelry look great.
If you are buying jewelry for someone who values her individuality, find a one-of-a-kind piece or commission a piece designed specifically for her. This will express the time you spent to get their gift just right, just the kind of sentiment you want to show your special friends.
Make sure you look into the history of your gemstone, especially if it was treated at all. Different care is required for different treatments. For example, you would not want to use a jewelry cleaner that is incompatible with a certain type of treatment. Doing so could result in irreversible damages to the color and surface of the stone.
You should always know what you plan on doing with jewelry when purchasing it. You do not need a huge box of jewelry you will never wear. Think about what type of clothing you will wear with the jewelry before deciding what to buy.
More desirable than a big piece is the cut and clarity of the diamond. Also, keep in mind the personality of the person you are giving the diamond to.
Well, it’s easy when you know how. This article has just touched on a few of things that you should know about this very rewarding hobby. There is much to learn, but at least you’ve now got a few good ideas to put to work.