Deciding which pieces of jewelry to purchase for yourself or as a gift can be a daunting task. Or perhaps a jewelry piece as a friend’s present? It is hoped then that you will find this article of handy hints, quite useful.
Take a moment to consider how your valuable jewelry is stored and sorted. Jewelry should be stored in an organized way in a box, a jewelry holder or hung on hooks. Tossing all of your jewelry into the same box is a bad plan. This can harm delicate parts, and tangle some pieces with others, like necklaces.
When you are shopping for jewelry in sterling silver, be sure to examine the piece closely, and take along a magnet for metal testing. Metals that aren’t precious will connect to the magnet, signaling that it is fake. In addition, sterling silver pieces are always stamped with silver hallmarks indicating such factors as the degree of purity, the manufacturer’s symbol, and the date of manufacture. Some of the most common hallmarks are “925, “ster,” “sterling,” and “sterling silver.” If your silver is not marked, it could be because it is not real!
Always compare prices before purchasing any diamonds. Find a few reference pieces that you like, and see if other diamonds can do better. You should be aware that there are many deceptive people trying to sell jewelry; therefore, it is essential to learn and understand what is involved when selecting a new diamond.
Keep your jewelry free of tarnish to make it look its best. Do not wear jewelery around water. Many types of metal will become dulled, tarnished, or rusty when exposed to it. Applying a very thin covering of clear nail varnish to your jewelry offers an added degree of protection.
If you wear the piece for 24 hours, then you can be sure that it has been put together correctly and hangs nicely. This will also let you know how the piece holds up in every day environments.
Think about how best ways to look after your jewelry. Different metals, stones, and settings have different needs to ensure proper maintenance. Each piece is individual in its needs so don’t assume what works well for one piece will work well for all. Go ahead and ask a professional jeweler to find out exactly how you should be caring for your jewels.
Gems are given chemical treatments in the process of cutting, polishing and setting. When you are thinking of buying, ask what treatment a stone was given. You will have to treat different gemstones with different kinds of care. If you have a treated gem you should avoid any solution that could damage the gem by stripping the treatment.
Look for sales when you want to buy some new jewelry. You could save a lot of money if you take the time to look for better prices. Check the newspaper, the Internet, and signs in store windows to find the best sales. Sometimes, buying fashion styles that are on their way out can save you almost half of the original price.
You can be confident in your choices now that you’ve been supplied with the tips and techniques to select the perfect piece of jewelry. Whether you buy it, give it, receive it or inherit it, a fine piece of well-cared-for jewelry is something you can enjoy for many years to come.