Jewelry always makes a wonderful way to mark momentous occasions, whether for love or special achievements. Even a small piece of jewelry can get a wonderful reaction and will be cherished for years to come. Reading this article will expand your useful knowledge of jewelry, whether your own or if you are picking a gift.

Bring a magnet when shopping for sterling silver jewelery. Imitations will be attracted to your magnet. This is an easy way to recognize quality. True sterling silver will also have a mark on it to indicate its quality, such as “.925” or “ster”. If you don’t see a stamp of any sort on a piece, then be wary of whether it is actually silver or not.

Pay attention to the types, sizes, and colors of jewelry that the person wears. This should give you a grasp of their tastes, and some ideas about what to buy for them.

Keep your jewelry free of tarnish to make it look its best. If possible, remove your jewelry if you are around water. Many types of jewelry become dulled or tarnished when they are exposed to water. A very light coating of clear nail varnish can be applied to some jewelry, and this will add an additional line of protection against the elements.

Costume Jewelry

Look at the condition of costume jewelry before making a purchase. Costume jewelry can be very expensive and a great investment, but a piece that shows too much wear and tear will not be worth the money or time. Jewelry that’s in good repair can be a much better investment.

Wear the jewelry around for a day or so to be sure that it fits right and is comfortable. In this way, you will be able to tell if the item will withstand normal wear.

The stone is an important part of a piece of jewelry so should be considered carefully. Purchase stones that are a reflection of you who are, and match your skin tone as well. Neutral colored stones will work well with any outfit in your closet. Do not buy something if it does not work for you.

Costume Jewelry

Costume jewelry has different, specific care requirements. Costume jewelry is often put together using glue and other adhesives, unlike stoned that are set using metal. Don’t submerge costume jewelry in water or clean it with harsh chemicals. To properly care for it you need to use a cloth dampened with warm water. After wiping make sure to use another cloth to thoroughly dry it. This will make your current costume jewelry look great.

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. Different treatments come with different requirements for cleaning and storage. You want to avoid unknowingly cleaning the gem with a chemical or solution that could strip off the protective treatment.

It is critical that the photos and descriptions you use to sell jewelry online are attractive and high-quality. As the potential buyer cannot physically touch the piece, this is important so that the jewelry is presented in its best light. Make the piece of jewelry the main focus of the photograph, rather than its surroundings.

Be sure to shop around when buying diamond jewelry. Every diamond varies 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. Jewelers price diamonds differently, depending on their flaws. To find a good diamond within your budget, really do your homework and shop around.

A strong clasp is essential to any necklace or bracelet. Weak clasps put your expensive pieces of jewelry at risk of loss. Valuable bracelets and necklaces should be secured with a safety clasp. You might even want to add an extra clasp on your jewelery for added protection.

As was already stated, jewelry makes the ideal gift for many reasons. Small pieces of jewelry can be very sentimental. Of course, you have to know the right ways to take care of your own jewelry. Consider the tips mentioned here and use them to enhance your enjoyment of special pieces of jewelry for years to come.