Purchasing a pricey piece of jewelry can prove to be stressful. Various kinds of materials are used for making jewelry. All of them vary in the amount of money they’re worth. An inexperienced jewelry shopper might end up paying too much. Use this advice to make the most of your next jewelry purchase.

Use a polishing cloth for all of your jewelry pieces. It will allow you to make your jewelry look as good as new without the use of chemicals. Gently polish your jewelry with the two-sided cloth as if it were a mirror. Use a two-sided cleaning cloth, one for polishing and one for shining.

Sterling Silver

Arm yourself with a magnet and a magnifying glass when shopping for sterling silver jewelry. Precious metals, like sterling silver, will not be attracted to the magnet. Sterling silver will always be hallmarked with a stamp such as .925, ster. or 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.

Jewelry should last a life-time. When you look for a piece of jewelry, always use a dealer with a good reputation, ensuring that the piece you choose is of high-quality. A valuable piece of jewelry will be well-made and feature superior craftsmanship. Make sure the jeweler is able to tell you the history of the piece, including who created it and where any stones come from. You need to buy quality jewelry so that you can pass it down as an heirloom.

Have shopping companions when you shop for diamonds. Closely examine pieces you like, and compare them with similar items you are interested in. However, be mindful that there are fraudulent ways to make the diamond look better than it is.

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. A piece that is in excellent condition will increase in value.

When shopping for jewelry, think about the stones in the pieces. The right stone will enhance your skin tone and make a statement about your personality. Your best bet is to choose a natural color to match any outfit. Do not buy anything that you cannot wear.

Research the proper methods for cleaning your jewelry. Various settings, types of metals, and gemstones need different types of care to protect them and make sure they get cleaned properly. What works for one piece of jewelry could dull or damage another. Ask a jeweler to make sure you know how to maintain your items.

Costume Jewelry

Costume jewelry needs special care. Many of the costume type settings are glued-in, rather than set-in. Avoid using harsh chemicals on these pieces, and do not immerse them. It is best to have two cloths ready, one warm with water and one dry, to use to wipe your jewelry. This method will keep your costume jewelry stunning and beautiful.

You should have a better understanding of what a good jewelery purchase is. Make sure you follow these tips next time you need jewelery. Keep this information in mind as you begin to invest your time and money throughout the buying process.