No matter why you are buying your jewelry, whether for yourself or as a gift, it is important to know the proper way to care for jewelry as well as buy and sell it responsibly. You can make sure that the time and money you devote to your jewelry does not go to waste by reading this article’s tips.
Watch how you store your jewelry when it isn’t being worn. You can protect your jeweled investments with hooks, boxes and holders that keep each piece intact and prevent tangles. Do not ever just throw them in a pile. Not only can it damage finer, fragile pieces, but it can also make a tangled mess out of chains.
Precious Metals
Don’t keep your jewelry in open air or someplace with a lot of humidity. Store them in a closed jewelry box or small drawstring bag for maximum protection. Tarnish is a chemical reaction that happens when silver and other metals are exposed to moisture and air. Precious metals are able to be polished and retain their luster, but the non-precious metals have a coat, and polishing will cause the metal under it to show through.
If you want to buy sterling silver pieces, use a magnet and examine the jewelry very carefully. Metals that aren’t precious will connect to the magnet, signaling that it is fake. Sterling silver should always bear a stamp that says Sterling, Ster. or .925. Be wary of pieces that lack any silver hallmarks, as this is an indication that they’re not genuine sterling silver.
Comparison shopping is a must when shopping for diamonds. Always see the piece up close, and compare it critically to any others you’re considering. Be careful of tricks that jewelers use to make a diamond look bigger or better.
Make sure you check into insurance policies when you make a jewelry purchase from a jeweler. These policies dictate whether or not the jeweler will replace or fix your item of jewelry if it is damaged. Some jewelers have insurance policies that cover lost of stolen jewelry, also.
It is important to think about the most effective methods of jewelry care. Each type of stone, metal, and setting requires different type of care. What works for one material could damage another. For the best information on how to look after your jewelry, you should talk to a jeweler.
If the person you are shopping for is a unique individual, consider choosing a one-of-a-kind piece crafted specifically for them. Show your affection for the person by recognizing their unique qualities; put some thought into the purchase and be creative.
Make sure that you regularly untangle delicate, knotted necklaces. Do not give up, but instead get a piece of plastic wrap. Put the chain on the wrap, then pour on a bit of mineral oil or baby oil. After the necklace has loosened, try to untangle it by hand. If this does not work, consider using a sturdy pin or needle. Be sure to use extra caution due to the slippery oil. Once it’s untangled, use dish soap to wash the necklace and pat it dry.
If you care for your jewelry well, it will be worth a fortune, in both in the sentimental and economic senses. By learning how to treat your jewelry right, you are protecting the memories and dollars invested in it. There’s always more to learn, and as long as you keep discovering about the delight of jewelry, there’ll be more to enjoy.