Jewelry is always fun to buy and own, whether it be for yourself or someone you love. There are many types of jewelry available, so it helps to understand some basic maintenance ideas. This article will help you to find those answers.
Keep your jewelry looking like new by wiping it with a polishing cloth. This helps keep your jewelry shiny without the need for chemical cleansers, which can damage the pieces. All you do is polish it like you would a glass with the two-sided cloth. First use the polishing side, and finish with the other side to make it shine.
Precious Metals
Keep your jewelry stored somewhere that is free from humidity or air. To protect your jewelry it is important to secure it in a small bag with a drawstring, or in a jewelry box that remains closed a majority of the time. Certain metals will be tarnished when exposed to humidity or air. Precious metals can often be polished to remove most tarnish. Non-precious metals often have a single coat of metal. Therefore, polishing them can remove the coat and show the copper that is found underneath.
If you are looking to purchase sterling silver jewelry make sure that you have a magnet with you and a good eye. You can detect fake sterling silver with the magnet, since non-precious metals are drawn to magnets. Sterling silver will always be hallmarked with a stamp such as .925, ster. or sterling. If you cannot find a stamp, you might be looking at a cheap imitation.
Know which kind of stone you are buying with your jewelry. A stone may be natural, synthetic or imitation. Natural and synthetic are both real, while imitation is just basically colored plastic. They make synthetic stones in a lab, whereas natural stones come from the ground.
Jewelry should last for years to come. When choosing your next piece of jewelry, be sure to deal with a reputable dealer to ensure you attain a high-quality piece. A valuable piece of jewelry will be well-made and feature superior craftsmanship. The jeweler will be able to provide a complete history of the piece of jewelry, including who made it, and exactly where the stones originated. If you select high-quality jewelry, it will last you forever.
Inquire about insurance for your jewelry when you purchase it from a jeweler. These policies dictate whether or not the jeweler will replace or fix your item of jewelry if it is damaged. In certain instances, there may even be jewelry insurance available to cover loss or theft.
Costume Jewelery
If you want costume jewelery, you will have to take care of it. Costume jewelery pieces can be expensive but they are not worth the investment if they look too old. Make sure you have a piece that is in excellent condition, because this will be a lot more fruitful for you down the road.
Caring for your jewelry properly is important; you should definitely give it some consideration. Not all types of jewelry can be cleaned in the same manner. Cleaning and maintenance techniques that work perfectly on one stone might cause damage to another. Consult with a jeweler if you are unsure exactly how to care for your own jewels.
Before you buy, ask if the gemstone has been treated, and the method for doing so. A treatment will make a difference on how to care for your gemstone. You do not want to try to clean a treated gem with a solution that may strip the treatment and damage the gem in the process.
It can be overwhelming trying to decide what jewelery to buy, wear, or how to pair it with occasion. Hopefully, the tips you’ve just read can provide you some assistance when you have a jewelry question in the future.