It’s impossible to know too much about beautiful jewelry! Making one small mistake could cost you with a small fortune. The following piece contains some great advice on the topic. These tips will allow you to purchase and maintain your jewelry without making some common mistakes.

Clean all of your jewelry with a polishing cloth. In this way, you will not have to deal with chemicals or solvents while you achieve the shine you love. Use a two-sided cloth to simply polish your jewelry as if it were composed of glass. Use one side of the cloth for polishing, and reserve the other side for shining it afterward.

Sterling Silver

If you are looking to purchase sterling silver jewelry make sure that you have a magnet with you and a good eye. As a precious metal, silver should never be attracted to a magnet. You can recognize sterling silver by stamps that say ‘.925’ or ‘ster’. If a particular piece is not stamped, you should be cautious of its authenticity.

Always compare prices before purchasing any diamonds. Look at the pieces up close before purchasing them, and be sure to compare them to others. Be aware that some dealers will use cheap tactics to make a diamond look better than it is.

Preventing tarnish will keep your jewelry look its best. Remove your jewelry if you plan on spending time in or near water. Many types of metal will become dulled, tarnished, or rusty when exposed to it. Painting a thin layer of clear-colored nail polish on your metal jewelry can add a protective barrier to it.

Consider stones when you are buying jewelry. Choose stones that have a reflection on your personality and that also complement the color of your skin. Pieces in neutral tones work well with any item in your wardrobe. Buying a stone that you will never wear is pointless

You need to know how to care for each piece in your jewelry collection. Not all types of jewelry can be cleaned in the same manner. What works for one material could damage another. Go ahead and ask a professional jeweler to find out exactly how you should be caring for your jewels.

Costume Jewelry

You will need to take special care when you are buying costume jewelery! Many of the components of costume jewelry are glued into their settings rather than held in with prongs or other more permanent methods. Don’t immerse costume jewelry in water, and never wash costume jewelery pieces with harsh chemicals. Wiping your jewelry off with with a slightly dampened cloth and then wiping it dry is usually sufficient to keep it clean. This will keep your costume jewelry clean and shiny.

A brooch is a great accent for your belt, adding eye-catching interest. You have the option of placing it close to your hip, or at your waist near the center.

Apply your makeup before putting on your jewelry. Makeup will settle into your jewelry making it look dull and dingy. This is particularly important with necklaces and earrings.

Plastic Wrap

Even knotted necklaces with delicate loops can be untangled. Sometimes you give up on untangling a mess but you can get yourself some plastic wrap before you do give up. Place the knotted necklace on the plastic wrap and coat it with baby oil. Try using needles to start untangling it. Finally, use dish soap and dry gently with a towel.

Before you purchase a new piece of jewelry, consider what situations you will be wearing it in. There is no need for a box of unused jewelry. When making a selection, remember your outfits, clothing and accessories.

Many times, the cut and clarity of a diamond outshines its actual carat weight. Most important of all, make sure that the piece you choose complements the nature of the intended receiver.

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.