While jewelry shopping is a fun experience, it can be extremely stressful, if the piece you are seeking is expensive. There are so many different things that are used in making jewelery and they are worth different amounts. The uneducated shopper can easily end up paying over the odds. Use these following tips to help you purchase jewelry wisely.

You never want to use bleach, ammonia, or any other cleaning solvents that are not designed specifically for cleaning jewelry. This can cause the stones to lose their luster in addition to eating away the enamel on any of the pieces.

Take care when you are storing your jewelry in the same place. Keep pieces separately by using compartments, boxes, hooks and holders. Don’t throw piles into a box. This can harm fragile and fine pieces, along with severely tangling necklaces with other pieces.

Precious Metals

Jewelry should be stored in an air-tight and humid free area. Some good examples of proper storage would be,a jewelry box that is closed, or a small draw string bag. When non-precious and precious metals are expose to air and humidity, they tend to tarnish. Tarnish can be removed from precious metals like gold and silver, but they cannot be removed from other metals.

To distinguish between real and fake, bring a magnet when you shop for sterling silver jewelry. If an item of jewelry is attracted by a magnet, it is not sterling silver! Only non-precious metals can be drawn to a magnet. True sterling sliver always has some sort of hallmark stamp on it, such as .925, sterling or ster. If there is no hallmark, the piece is probably not authentic and may, indeed, be counterfeit.

Jewelry should last a life-time. Don’t buy jewelry from less than reputable stockists if you expect your pieces to be of the highest quality. A truly high-quality piece is one that is well-constructed and of superior workmanship. A good jeweler can provide you with some background on the piece, such as who crafted it, where it was manufactured, and where any stones in it came from. When you choose a piece of jewelry that is high in quality, it can become a heirloom that will last forever.

Take careful consideration when thinking of how you want to care for the jewelry you purchase. You should know that different materials require different maintenance. Cleaning and maintenance techniques that work perfectly on one stone might cause damage to another. Speak with a knowlegeable jeweler if you do not know the best way to take care of your jewels.

Costume Jewelry

Costume jewelry needs special care. That’s because a lot of the costume settings are not set-in; they have usually been glued. Costume jewelry should never be immersed or make contact with harsh chemicals. Wiping it down with a damp, warm cloth and then drying it with another cloth is the best care for it. This will keep your costume jewelry clean and shiny.

Try searching for sales when purchasing jewelry. You can save big money with the right sale. Look for the best promotions and sales on the Internet, in your local paper, on television ads, and even in storefront windows. Sometimes, buying fashions that are out of style can save you more than half of their original price.

Untangle your knotted necklaces, even the delicate ones. Sometimes you give up on untangling a mess but you can get yourself some plastic wrap before you do give up. Place the tangled pieces on this plastic with some mineral or baby oil. Try using needles to start untangling it. Wash them using dish soap, and then pat dry them.

When you buy a piece of jewelry, know what your plans for it are. You do not need a huge box of jewelry you will never wear. Think about your most-worn wardrobe pieces when choosing jewelry.

Now that you have read this, you will know how to purchase all types of jewelry wisely. Keep this advice in mind in order to save both time and money when buying jewelry.