While jewelry shopping is a fun experience, it can be extremely stressful, if the piece you are seeking is expensive. From silver to platinum, there are many types of material that go into a piece of jewelry, and the cost of each piece varies. An inexperienced jewelry shopper might end up paying too much. Read this article to get a better idea of what to buy, and what to pay for it.
Never store your jewelry in open air or humidity. A box designed especially for jewelry gives the best protection, but a cloth bag can also work. Air and humidity can tarnish metals of all types. Precious metals can easily be polished, but non-precious metal needs a special polish.
Take a magnet and a keen eye with you when you head out to purchase any jewelry made from sterling silver. Use the magnet to detect fake jewelry; real silver will not be attracted to the magnet, but the cheaper metals will. You will always find a hallmark stamp such as “.925” or “STER.” on genuine sterling, or alternately, it might simply say, “STERLING”. If you don’t see such a mark, you might want to reconsider the purchase. This is usually an indication that the piece is fake.
Make sure you know what kind of gem you are getting when you are buying jewelry. There are three unique types of stones: imitation, synthetic and natural. “Real” can mean natural or synthetic, and an imitation stone could be glass or plastic. Natural stones are mined, and synthetic stones are created in a laboratory.
Make sure a piece of jewelry is still in style before you buy it. It is one thing to get a gorgeous bauble, but it is another to get it on sale!
When you buy a piece of jewelery, inquire about the jeweler’s insurance policy. Then, if something actually happens to the jewelry, you can return it or have it repaired. There are some jewelers that will also have insurance plans for pieces that get lost or stolen.
Think about ordering custom jewelery if you want to make an original gift to someone who counts for you. This means you have taken the time to think about the gift and make it as personal as possible. Customized jewelery will also help you convey the right message.
Before you buy, ask if the gemstone has been treated, and the method for doing so. Depending on the type of treatment used, the piece will require varying types of care. You can easily damage your gem, stripping the former treatment off, by cleaning it with the wrong solution.
The cut of the diamond and its clarity can be more appealing than its size. Remember to think about the personality and style of the woman you’re getting the diamond for.
Before you purchase a diamond ring, necklace or bracelet, shop around and compare your options. No diamond is the same and each has subtle imperfections. Once you see some of the flaws in person, they may become less important. Every jeweler is able to price point differently, depending on the flaw. If you are working on a budget, shop around to find a diamond that suits both your preferences and your wallet.
Whether it is a ring, watch or a beautiful new bracelet, you can use the advice in the article above to buy your next piece of jewelry with confidence. Keep this advice in mind in order to save both time and money when buying jewelry.