It does not matter whether you buy it or receive it, it is important to understand the best way to sell, care for and buy jewelry. This article offers advice on all aspects of jewelry ownership.

You never want to use bleach, ammonia, or any other cleaning solvents that are not designed specifically for cleaning jewelry. These chemicals can wreak havoc on your jewelry, from discoloring bands, to dulling stones, to eroding enamel or glue.

Precious Metals

Always keep your jewelry in a place that doesn’t experience extreme temperatures or humidities. To protect your jewelry it is important to secure it in a small bag with a drawstring, or in a jewelry box that remains closed a majority of the time. Being submitted to extreme humidity and temperature can cause your pieces to tarnish. 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.

Be sure that you understand the kind of gemstone that is in the jewelry that you are purchasing. There are three unique types of stones: imitation, synthetic and natural. Both synthetic and natural gems are real; however, imitation is simply plastic. Natural stones are found in the earth and are mined out, while synthetic ones are grown in laboratories.

Know how to keep your jewelry beautiful. Different metals, stones, and settings have different needs to ensure proper maintenance. What works for a certain kind of stone may not work for another. Ask a jeweler to make sure you know how to maintain your items.

Costume Jewelry

You need to pay special attention when caring for costume jewelry. Many of the components of costume jewelry are glued into their settings rather than held in with prongs or other more permanent methods. Avoid using harsh chemicals on these pieces, and do not immerse them. The most effective way to safely clean them is wiping with a damp cloth, then drying with a different, soft cloth. This will keep your costume jewelry clean and shiny.

Untangle your knotted messes of delicate chains and necklaces. It’s easy to get frustrated with tangled necklaces, but saran wrap can come to the rescue. Place your jewelry on the plastic wrap and add a little baby oil. You can use needles to unravel them. When you are done, use soap and water to wash them.

You should always know what you plan on doing with jewelry when purchasing it. A large jewelry box full of items you never use isn’t a wise investment. Think about the outfits you can wear the jewelry with when you are choosing different pieces.

Both types of saunas, dry and steam, should be avoided when wearing jewelry. The jewelry can be damaged from extreme heat or moisture.

Take the time to compare your options when shopping for diamonds. Every single diamond is unique and has individual flaws. Once you see the diamond up close and look it over, some of the flaws may not be as critical as you once thought. Also, each jeweler can price point a little bit differently based on the flaws. Shop around and find the best diamond you can for the price you can afford.

Well-maintained jewelry holds both its resale value and sentimental value. When you give your valuable jewelry the proper care, you are protecting your investment and cherishing your memories. There is a wealth of information out there; utilize every resource at your disposal to maximize your investment.