It’s not possible for you to have too much solid information regarding jewelry. If you make a purchase that isn’t wise, you could be out hundreds or thousands of dollars. The following piece contains some great advice on the topic. This information is going to help you take care of you jewelry and steer clear of potential mistakes that people commonly make.
Don’t use acetone, ammonia, turpentine, bleach, or other harsh chemicals for cleaning them. This can cause the stones to lose their luster in addition to eating away the enamel on any of the pieces.
Sterling Silver
When you are shopping for jewelry in sterling silver, be sure to examine the piece closely, and take along a magnet for metal testing. By using the magnet you can quickly determine if the jewelry item is made of a cheaper metal and not sterling silver. Another way to tell if a metal is sterling silver is to check for a hallmark stamp, for example .sterling, .ster, or .925. Be wary of jewelery without any kind of hallmark, as often it is fake.
When you buy a piece of jewelery, inquire about the jeweler’s insurance policy. These policies dictate whether or not the jeweler will replace or fix your item of jewelry if it is damaged. There are even some jewelers that will cover the replacement if the piece has been lost or stolen.
Take the steps to inhibit its tarnishing. Keep your jewelry away from water. Many types of jewelry become dulled or tarnished when they are exposed to water. If you want to give your jewelry a measure of protection from this element, coat it thinly with clear nail polish.
If you want to collect costume jewelry, concentrate on getting quality peices. A piece that isn’t in very good condition won’t be worth it, and since you may be thinking of an expensive item as an investment, it’s important to watch for wear and tear. Compare pieces for quality, because good ones stay high or even grow in value over time.
Wear jewelry for at least a day to see if it hangs correctly and is comfortable. You’ll also be able to get a better idea of the piece’s durability.
Take stones into consideration when you go to purchase new jewelry. Choose a stone that goes well with your skin tone or the kind of clothes you wear and reflects your personality. Neutral colors are versatile enough to wear with any outfit in your closet. Don’t even bother to buy something that doesn’t function properly.
For those creative, quirky people in your life, shop for handcrafted original pieces. Pieces that match their personality will highlight your thoughtfulness and creativity, especially since you care for them enough to purchase jewelry for them.
Your belt will get a little pizzazz if you accent it with a brooch like this. Place the brooch close to your hip or in the middle of your waist.
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.