It takes some know-how to choose the best jewelry pieces. You may be uncertain where to start.
Take a polishing cloth to each piece of jewelry in your collection. This will give your jewelry shine and luster without the use of potentially harmful chemicals. All you do is polish it like you would a glass with the two-sided cloth. Use one side to shine it and the other to polish it.
Jewelry is best stored in an area with low humidity. It’s best to store it in a closed box, like a jewelry box, or a drawstring bag. Continued exposure to humidity extremes or air causes metals typically used in jewelry to tarnish. You can restore the precious metals back to their former glory, but plated jewelry is different. Trying to polish those pieces can reveal the non-precious metals underneath, such as copper.
If you want to buy sterling silver pieces, use a magnet and examine the jewelry very carefully. If the piece you are examining is not silver and is made from non-precious metal, it will be attracted to the magnet. You will always find a hallmark stamp such as “.925” or “STER.” on genuine sterling, or alternately, it might simply say, “STERLING”. If the piece of presumed silver is not marked, be skeptical that is real silver. It could very well be a fake.
Before you buy a gemstone, ask what type of gemstone it is. The three different types of stones are natural, imitation and synthetic. Imitation gems are made out of glass or plastic; natural and synthetic gems both consist of real gemstone. Natural stones are found in the earth and are mined out, while synthetic ones are grown in laboratories.
When you are shopping for diamonds, there are ways to compare the stones. Look at the pieces up close before purchasing them, and be sure to compare them to others. You must be a sharp consumer to avoid tricks that might make a diamond look better than it really is.
When purchasing jewelry from a respected jeweler, inquire as to whether they offer an insurance policy. This is so that if something happens to your piece, you can return it to have it replaced or repaired. There are jewelers who offer insurance for misplaced or lost jewelry, too.
You need to learn the best ways to take care of your jewelry. Each kind of setting, metal, and stone has its own particular maintenance need. What works for one material could damage another. For the best information on how to look after your jewelry, you should talk to a jeweler.
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. There are several different types of treatment, and each one needs it’s own type of care. You want to avoid unknowingly cleaning the gem with a chemical or solution that could strip off the protective treatment.
Look for sales when you want to buy some new jewelry. With the right kind of sale, you can save a lot of money. Check for the best sales in the paper, online, and in store windows. You could get great jewelry at discounts close to 50%, especially when it comes to styles that are being phased out.
The diamond cut and clarity can make the stone more appealing than the size. Also, keep in mind the personality of the person you are giving the diamond to.
Buying jewelry sets can be less expensive than purchasing separate pieces of the same value. It is usually quite easy to find a jewelry set at a reasonable price, especially during the holidays. You can make it fun and split the set up to give them parts of the set on each holiday as they come. It is a great way to make sure that you always have a present for someone and that it is something they will love.
You have seen that the process of buying and selling jewelry will take some effort, work and research so that you will be able to buy the items that you are looking for, or sell your jewelry for a profit. If you remember the tips listed above, you are sure to be successful.