You may feel passionate about jewelery, if it is yours or a loved one’s. It is beneficial to inform yourself about purchasing, cleaning and maintaining fine jewels, no matter what form they come in. Read on for the best tips in the proper care of your jewelry.
When you are shopping for jewelry in sterling silver, be sure to examine the piece closely, and take along a magnet for metal testing. If an item of jewelry is attracted by a magnet, it is not sterling silver! Only non-precious metals can be drawn to a 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 is not hallmarked in any way, be leery of its authenticity because oftentimes it is a sign of a fake.
Know the distinctions between kinds of gems before you make a jewelry purchase. There are three unique types of stones: imitation, synthetic and natural. Imitation gems are basically plastic that is colored, while synthetic and natural are real. Synthetic gems come from a lab and natural ones are found in the ground.
When you buy jewelry, it should last the rest of your life. It is important to invest in a quality piece of jewelry, so only work with respected and reputable jewelers. A valuable piece of jewelry will be well-made and feature superior craftsmanship. A good jeweler can provide you with some background on the piece, such as who crafted it, where it was manufactured, and where any stones in it came from. When you are looking for jewelry of the highest quality, it is important to be careful in your choice, as you want something that will last a lifetime.
Do your research before settling on one diamond. Start by finding what you like, and then begin comparing it with other pieces. With diamonds, you need to have a keen eye because of the many tricks people will use to enhance it.
Do they often wear hoop earrings, or stud earrings? Do they show a preference for white or yellow gold? This is a great place to start when picking out that special item.
Be sure to at least inquire about the insurance that is available when you buy jewelry from a reputable jeweler. Then, if something actually happens to the jewelry, you can return it or have it repaired. Sometimes you can even get replacement coverage for loss or theft.
Keep your jewelry from tarnishing as best as you can. Do not wear jewelery around water. Some metals will tarnish, dull or rust when exposed to water or perspiration. Painting a thin layer of clear-colored nail polish on your metal jewelry can add a protective barrier to it.
Costume Jewelry
If you are interested in collecting costume jewelry, be sure to stay conscious of the condition. Quality costume jewelry may cost more, but a cheaply made piece will fall apart and will quickly become unusable. Investing in quality means that you can enjoy the jewelry for many years to come.
Wait until after your makeup is complete and set before putting on jewelry. Dirt and oil accumulate in the small crevices of jewelry, and can make it look dull and shabby. This is extra important when you are cleaning necklaces or earrings.
Jewelery is such a complex world that everyone finds themselves overwhelmed by choices, prices or occasions at least once. This article contains lots of advice to help answer all of your jewelry questions.