Tag Archives: sterling silver

Tips For Selecting Costume Jewelry The Right Way

There is a lot of time and information that goes into buying and selling jewelry. You need to know what kind of jewelry you want, or what price you should ask for a piece you are attempting to sell. This advice might make you confused about where you should start.

Keep your whole jewelry collection sparkling with a polishing cloth. This is a fairly simple way to achieve shine without dealing with solvents and chemicals. To clean your jewelry, obtain a soft two-sided cloth and gently rub in a circular motion. Polish jewelry with one side of the cloth, then flip it over and shine jewelry with the other side.

When storing your jewelry, be sure that you store it in a place with low humidity and free of open air. A box designed especially for jewelry gives the best protection, but a cloth bag can also work. Certain metals begin to tarnish when exposed to humidity. Precious metals, through some work and polish, can be restored to their original condition. Non-precious metals are coated, which means that polishing will allow copper metal to come through.

Sterling Silver

When shopping for sterling silver jewelry, it is a good idea to bring a small magnet along with you. By using the magnet you can quickly determine if the jewelry item is made of a cheaper metal and not sterling silver. You can identify sterling silver by its markings, for example “sterling,” “ster,” or “.925.” If you cannot find a stamp, you might be looking at a cheap imitation.

When you are shopping, think about the color or type of gem you want to buy. The types of gems available are synthetic, imitation and natural. Natural stones and synthetic gems are both real, but imitation gems are probably just colored glass or plastic. They make synthetic stones in a lab, whereas natural stones come from the ground.

Comparison shopping is a must when shopping for diamonds. Look at what you like close up, and compare them to other pieces you have seen. You should be aware that there are many deceptive people trying to sell jewelry; therefore, it is essential to learn and understand what is involved when selecting a new diamond.

Before you make a final jewelry-buying decision, take a look at what’s new and trendy. If there is one thing better than finding the perfect, most heart-stopping bauble, it would be snagging the piece at a wonderful price!

If you wear the piece for 24 hours, then you can be sure that it has been put together correctly and hangs nicely. It will also allow you to see if the item is durable enough.

Have definite plans for the jewelry you purchase. There is no need for a box of unused jewelry. Think of the outfits that you own, and use those to help you choose your jewelry.

The cut, color and clarity of a diamond can make a bigger impression than size alone. In addition, consider the characteristics and traits of the recipient of this diamond.

Wearing jewelry during spa and recreational activities is not recommended. The jewelry can be damaged from extreme heat or moisture.

Necklaces often get tangled, so consider buying stylish robe hooks with embellishments to hang them and keep them untangled. The small hooks can be hung just about anywhere and will allow you to neatly organize and display your necklaces. This organizational tip can help you from getting a tangled mess of necklaces in your jewelry box.

When buying jewelry, you should not buy something only because of the brand. Not only is most jewelry not brand-recognizable, but you are also going to pay more just for the name. You’ll be able to find high-quality jewelry from any number of brands.

You can make a real statement with a stand-out piece of onyx or crystal jewelry. Find ways to economize and you might be pleased with the results.

Never pair an ornate jewelry piece with a busy or fussy outfit. Try wearing a simple black dress for a gorgeous and classy outfit.

Buying jewelry, or selling it, is a whole process. You will have to do some research and put some thought into it, if it is a gift you are looking for. This article has provided you with important techniques to ensure your success.

Jewelry: Tips And Strategies

Have you ever considered buying a new jewelry piece to match a particular item of clothing, or to give your overall style a little oomph? Perhaps your focus is on your significant other. This article will give you all the tools you need to make the right choice no matter who you’re buying for!

To keep your jewelry looking attractive, polish it regularly using a cloth made especially for this purpose. In this way, you will not have to deal with chemicals or solvents while you achieve the shine you love. Gently polish your jewelry with the two-sided cloth as if it were a mirror. Use one side to shine it and the other to polish it.

Be cautious about your jewelry storage. A better idea is to keep the pieces separate by using boxes, hooks, compartments or holders. Don’t throw piles into a box. Not only will your necklaces become hopelessly tangled, you risk harming any fragile pieces as they bump and scrape against each other as you search the box.

Sterling Silver

A magnet is a useful tool when shopping for jewelry in sterling silver. Metals that aren’t precious will connect to the magnet, signaling that it is fake. Also, look to make sure that silver is hallmarked and stamped with .925, sterling or ster. Be wary of pieces that lack any silver hallmarks, as this is an indication that they’re not genuine sterling silver.

Do some research on the gem in your new piece of jewelry before you buy. The types of gems available are synthetic, imitation and natural. Synthetic and natural are real stones, while the imitation ones are plastic that is colored. Natural stones are found underground and synthetic gems are created in a lab.

Always shop around when buying a diamond. Always see the piece up close, and compare it critically to any others you’re considering. However, be mindful that there are fraudulent ways to make the diamond look better than it is.

Before you buy a new piece of jewelry, look at what the current trends are. Getting a nice piece of jewelry is good, but getting it at a discount is even better.

If you can prevent your jewelry from tarnishing, it will surely look much more attractive. Don’t wear jewelry near water. Metals can become dull, rusty or tarnished if submerged in it. Painting a thin layer of clear-colored nail polish on your metal jewelry can add a protective barrier to it.

If you are presenting a gift to someone who has their own unusual style, look for an item of jewelry that is in line with their clothing and lifestyle choices. You want the piece to match the person; unique people deserve unique jewelry.

You can use a brooch to make your belt stand out, since it is sure to be eye-catching. Pin it in the center of your waist or towards your hip.

In order to make sure your jewelry is always looking clean, you should only put a piece on once you’ve applied your make-up. Jewelry can become dirty and dull if you put it on too early, this is because incomplete makeup routines will transfer grime to it. This tip is especially important when it comes to earrings and necklaces.

When buying diamonds, remember to shop around. Every diamond is unique and has its own set of flaws. Once you see some of the flaws in person, they may become less important. Also, jewelers can adjust prices based on a specific diamond’s particular condition. Shop around and find the best diamond you can for the price you can afford.

This article should have given you tips on how to pick out jewelry and be sure that you have found the perfect piece, no matter the material. The price of gems and precious metals can change daily, but investing in a quality piece you love is something you are sure to enjoy for a lifetime.

Discover The Most Helpful Jewelry Tips And Tricks

A piece of jewelry can be very beautiful, and so can the entire concept itself. A well-chosen piece of jewelry preserves a memory of an important occasion or serves as a perpetual symbol of a special relationship. This article will teach you about jewelry, helping you to appreciate not only selling pieces, but purchasing them as well.

Take care when you are storing your jewelry in the same place. You can protect your jeweled investments with hooks, boxes and holders that keep each piece intact and prevent tangles. Resist the temptation to jumble all your pieces into a community box. Not only can this harm the fine and fragile pieces, but things like necklaces can get severely tangled up with other necklaces or other jewelry.

Sterling Silver

A magnet is a useful tool when shopping for jewelry in sterling silver. By using the magnet you can quickly determine if the jewelry item is made of a cheaper metal and not sterling silver. True sterling silver will also have a mark on it to indicate its quality, such as “.925” or “ster”. If the piece of presumed silver is not marked, be skeptical that is real silver. It could very well be a fake.

Keep your jewelry from getting tarnished in order to keep it looking it’s best. Avoid wearing your jewelry near water. Many types of metal will become dulled, tarnished, or rusty when exposed to it. If you must take your jewelry somewhere wet, prepare it by adding some clear nail polish on the surface.

If you are interested in collecting costume jewelry, be sure to stay conscious of the condition. Even though it is not as expensive as its precious counterpart, costume jewelry represents a significant investment, one that can be lost if the pieces are allowed to get worn and broken. Compare pieces for quality, because good ones stay high or even grow in value over time.

Consider stones when you are buying jewelry. Any stones that you choose should go with your skin tone and reflect your personality. Colors should be neutral so that they go with most of your outfits. Buying a stone that you will never wear is pointless

It is important to think about the most effective methods of jewelry care. There’s an ideal way to clean every different type of setting and stone. The best way to care for a particular piece of jewelry could be harmful to a different piece. If you’re not sure of how to properly care for your jewelry, seek advice from a reputable jeweler.

You need to take special care of costume jewelry. A fair amount of costume pieces are set with glue. Avoid using harsh chemicals on these pieces, and do not immerse them. For best results, use a warmed, damp cloth to wipe your jewelry and then use another cloth to dry it. Doing so will keep your jewelry looking its best for life.

If your gemstone was treated, you should know about it before you purchase it. Different care is required for different treatments. Some cleaning solutions that work perfectly well on untreated gems can strip off treatments, and even damage stones, if you use them on treated gems.

Plastic Wrap

Get the tangles out of a delicate necklace that’s in a knot. Don’t be tempted to give up on the tangled metal. It’s plastic wrap to the rescue. Put your knotted chains on the plastic wrap and cover with a little baby oil. You would then untangle the necklace using needles. When your necklaces are straight, use dish soap to wash the oil off and pat them dry.

You should always know what you plan on doing with jewelry when purchasing it. There is no point continually buying jewelry if you never wear it. Think about which outfits you will wear the jewelry with while you are shopping.

Whether you buy, sell or simply own jewelry, you are making an investment in a commodity that is priceless – memories. Every piece of jewelry has a story, one that is laden with happiness, hope or love.

Jewelry – Everyone’s Delight!

It is not, in fact, possible to know too much about jewelry. If you lack even one key piece of knowledge, it can cost you dearly. This article provides several practical tips about jewelry. These tips will allow you to purchase and maintain your jewelry without making some common mistakes.

Clean all of your jewelry with a polishing cloth. This is a fairly simple way to achieve shine without dealing with solvents and chemicals. You can use the two-sided cloth to polish your jewelry in the same way you would polish a drinking glass. First, use the polishing side to polish it up, then use the other side to shine it.

Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia and acetone that may permanently damage your jewelry. Harsh chemicals will dull your stones and dissolve the enamel on your jewelry.

Sterling Silver

When shopping for genuine sterling silver jewelry, you need both a discerning eye and a small magnet. 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. Also, look to make sure that silver is hallmarked and stamped with .925, sterling or ster. If the piece you’re inspecting doesn’t carry such a mark, be careful, as it is likely a fake.

Always be aware of the type of stone you’re buying when dealing with gems. There are three unique types of stones: imitation, synthetic and natural. Natural stones and synthetic gems are both real, but imitation gems are probably just colored glass or plastic. Natural gems are those that are actually from the earth, whereas synthetic ones are made in labs.

See what types of earrings they wear, what color, if they wear ankle bracelets, etc. Paying attention to these aspects of their current wardrobe will help you make a purchase they are more likely to enjoy.

Costume Jewelry

If you want to collect costume jewelry, concentrate on getting quality peices. This type of jewelry can be extremely expensive and makes an incredible investment. However, this type of piece can have a lot of wear and tear, which wouldn’t be worth your money or time. Maintaining a piece of costume jewelry’s condition preserves the beauty and value that attracted you in the first place.

Costume jewelry should be taken care of. Many of the stones and embellishments are just glued in instead of set in a professional setting. Costume jewelry should never be immersed or make contact with harsh chemicals. The best way to maintain your costume jewelry is to use a moist, warm cloth first, then dry it off with another cloth. This will assure that you costume jewelry will continue looking great.

If you are getting jewelry for someone you consider to be one-of-a-kind, think about buying a piece that’s the same: unique and specially-crafted. A unique piece like this that matches their personality appears creative and thoughtful, and it shows them that you care about them enough to buy them something that they’ll wear.

Well, it’s easy when you know how. This article has just touched on a few of things that you should know about this very rewarding hobby. There is much to learn, but at least you’ve now got a few good ideas to put to work.

Helpful Tips And Tricks For A Great Jewelry Collection

No matter if you received, bought or inherited a piece of jewelry, the jewelry world can be downright puzzling. Without being given the necessary information, it can be hard to know where to start. Read on to discover a few handy tips that can make you a wiser owner, buyer and giver of jewelry.

Steer clear of ammonia, bleach or other strong chemical solvents when you need to clean these items. Chemicals can eat away the stones or enamel on your stones.

When shopping for genuine sterling silver jewelry, you need both a discerning eye and a small magnet. You can tell if a piece of silver is sterling or not by using a magnet. Sterling will not react to the magnet, but non-precious metals will be attracted. Sterling silver always has some sort of stamp to indicate it is sterling. If there is no hallmark, the piece is probably not authentic and may, indeed, be counterfeit.

When you’re considering a diamond purchase, plan on shopping around and making comparisons. Always see the piece up close, and compare it critically to any others you’re considering. Be aware that some dealers will use cheap tactics to make a diamond look better than it is.

See what types of earrings they wear, what color, if they wear ankle bracelets, etc. Doing this will provide a good basis for where you should begin so that you can purchase a special piece for that special someone.

Costume Jewelry

If you are interested in collecting costume jewelry, be sure to stay conscious of the condition. Costume jewelry can be very expensive and a great investment, but a piece that shows too much wear and tear will not be worth the money or time. Compare pieces for quality, because good ones stay high or even grow in value over time.

Find out what the ideal methods are for maintaining each piece of jewelry you own. Different kinds of jewelery will require you take care of them in different ways. What works well with one type of precious stone may actually harm another. Ask a jeweler when you do not know how to take care of your jewelry.

Consider unique pieces of jewelry for unique individuals. Finding something that shows you put thought and effort into the gift is more important the the gift itself, so whether or not what you choose exactly what they wanted, they are sure to be pleased.

Makeup isn’t for jewelry. Let your makeup dry before you put on a piece of jewelry. The grime and dust in makeup are attracted to the jewelry, and if you put on the jewelry before the cosmetics, it can cause the pieces to look dull. Earrings and necklaces are the prominent pieces affected by this.

Baby Oil

Untangle your knotted messes of delicate chains and necklaces. If you are about to give up, get some baby oil and plastic wrap. Place your jewelry on the plastic wrap and add a little baby oil. Untangle it with the use of a needle. Then wash off the baby oil or mineral oil with dish soap, and then pat dry.

Now you see the wide and splendid array of jewelry that has been created. But, with thorough and comprehensive investigation, you can be confident that you are buying and taking care of quality pieces. Welcome to the enchanting world of jewelry! You will be well on your way to enjoying jewelry better when you make use of these tips.

Understanding How To Care For Your Jewelry

It can be great fun to go jewelry shopping, but the price tags can be stressful. There are lots of different things used when making jewelry, which are all worth different amounts of money. Someone who is not educated on jewelry may end up paying more than they should. Keep reading to discover useful insight into the most effective way to shop for jewelry.

Before dealing with harsh chemicals, try a polishing cloth to bring back the luster of your jewelry. A polishing cloth is a very gentle way to get a good shine on all your pieces. Use a two-sided cloth to simply polish your jewelry as if it were composed of glass. Use one side of the cloth for polishing, and the reverse to make it sparkle.

Avoid using things like bleach, acetone, ammonia, turpentine, and other related chemicals to clean them with. Doing so can damage the shine and luster of the stones on your favorite pieces.

Sterling Silver

Arm yourself with a magnet and a magnifying glass when shopping for sterling silver jewelry. As a precious metal, silver should never be attracted to a magnet. Sterling silver will always be hallmarked with a stamp such as .925, ster. or sterling. Be wary of jewelery without any kind of hallmark, as often it is fake.

Do your research before settling on one diamond. Look at what you want very closely, and keep that in mind so you can compare it with other diamonds you look at. Be alert, since there are various ways to deceive consumers into thinking a diamond is better then it really is.

Notice what type of earrings they are wearing, including the shape and metal. By doing this you should have a good idea what to buy them.

Know what is trendy before you buy a piece of jewelry. The only thing that beats getting a new piece of jewelry is getting it for a discounted price!

Take the steps to inhibit its tarnishing. Do not wear jewelery around water. This could cause your jewelery to rust or become more dull. Applying a very thin covering of clear nail varnish to your jewelry offers an added degree of protection.

Consider the stones whenever you buy jewelry. Try to select stones that are an extension of your individuality and that enhance the tone of your skin. Pieces in neutral tones work well with any item in your wardrobe. You want to have plenty of opportunities to show off every piece.

A brooch will add a little character to your belt. Place the brooch close to your hip or in the middle of your waist.

If your gemstone was treated, you should know about it before you purchase it. Different care is required for different treatments. Cleaning a treated gem using the wrong chemical might damage it.

Try searching for sales when purchasing jewelry. Finding a store offering extreme markdowns is a way to realize tremendous savings. You can snag a sweet sale by perusing your neighborhood shops, checking the classified ads, or even going online. Sometimes, buying fashion styles that are on their way out can save you almost half of the original price.

After reading this, you should have information that you can use to make wiser choices when shopping for jewelry. Use this advice to become a savvier jewelry shopper and owner.

Suggestions To Help You When Buying Jewelry

Whether thinking of a gift for your beloved or a cherished personal item, it is perfectly understandable to be passionate about jewelry. There are a lot of different kinds of jewelery that you can buy, there are a lot of different ways to wear it as well. Information is the key. This article aims to answer a few of the most common questions people have about jewelry.

Try using a simple polishing cloth on your jewelery collection. A polishing cloth is a very gentle way to get a good shine on all your pieces. You can use the two-sided cloth to polish your jewelry in the same way you would polish a drinking glass. Use the side of the cloth that is designed for polishing to remove fingerprints, dust and other surface imperfections, and then use the opposite side to buff the jewelry and make it gleam.

Always keep your jewelry in a place that doesn’t experience extreme temperatures or humidities. Some good examples of proper storage would be,a jewelry box that is closed, or a small draw string bag. Humidity quickly tarnishes both precious and non-precious metal. 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.

Sterling Silver

When purchasing sterling silver, take along a good magnifying glass, along with a small magnet. Magnets attract non-precious metals, and you can use this fact to detect fakes. You can identify sterling silver by its markings, for example “sterling,” “ster,” or “.925.” If there is no hallmark, the piece is probably not authentic and may, indeed, be counterfeit.

Your jewelry should be durable and long-lasting. Go to a dealer you can trust to make sure you get a quality item at a fair price. The best jewelry is well-designed and well-made with close attention to detail. Ask the jeweler about the history behind the piece and learn more about who made it, as well as the origin of the materials. Investing in a high-quality jewelry piece ensures that you will have a timeless item that will be just as wearable in 20 years as it is today.

Wear jewelry for at least a day to see if it hangs correctly and is comfortable. Doing this also tells you how well it stands up to normal daily wear.

Choose Stones

Consider stones when you are buying jewelry. Choose stones that have a reflection on your personality and that also complement the color of your skin. If your wardrobe is made up of a wide variety of colors, choose stones of a shade that will match whatever you choose to put on. It will be of no value to you to purchase jewels that are not easy to incorporate into your lifestyle.

Costume jewelry needs to be handled and stored delicately. Costume jewelry is generally bound by glue rather than settings and is therefore, a lot more fragile. Avoid using harsh chemicals on these pieces, and do not immerse them. For best results, use a warmed, damp cloth to wipe your jewelry and then use another cloth to dry it. You will be able to maintain its nice appearance with this method.

The price, style, color, material, occasion – there is so much to think about when selecting jewelry that it can easily become overwhelming. This article serves as a great guideline for jewelry selection, maintenance and ownership.

How To Shop For The Best Jewlery

A gift of jewelry is one of the most classic means of telling another person that you love them, are proud of them and that you never want to forget them. People will love any piece of jewelry you give them for years to come. Reading this article will expand your useful knowledge of jewelry, whether your own or if you are picking a gift.

Clean all of your jewelry with a polishing cloth. It will allow you to make your jewelry look as good as new without the use of chemicals. You just have to polish each piece the same as you would polish glass using the two-sided cloth. Use the side that is designated for polish, and the other to make it shine.

Don’t use acetone, bleach, ammonia or turpentine to clean copper. Chemicals can eat away the stones or enamel on your stones.

Precious Metals

Keep jewelry stored safely and away from both air and humidity. Store them in a closed jewelry box or small drawstring bag for maximum protection. Humidity and air tends to cause precious and non-precious metals to tarnish. Precious metals are capable of being polished until they are like new, while non-precious metals will not be able to be saved. This is because the non-precious metals are simple copper metal coated with the covering of precious metals, and when polished, they will allow the copper to show through.

When you go shopping for sterling silver jewelry pieces, take with you a magnet and a monocle. You are able to detect fake pieces of sterling jewelry with a magnet, as non-precious metals are attracted by the magnet. Sterling silver will always be hallmarked with a stamp such as .925, ster. or sterling. If the item has no markings indicating its authenticity, then be wary.

Quality Jewelry

Quality jewelry should stay beautiful forever. When you are ready to chose your next selection of jewelry, make sure you find a reputable dealer that will make sure that you find a high-quality piece. High-quality jewelry items will have superior craftsmanship and pleasing, aesthetic designs. The person selling the piece should know its history, including who made it and the source of the stones. Put effort into your choice, so you can be sure that the piece will last generations.

Look at the condition of costume jewelry before making a purchase. 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 in good condition will be much more resourceful to you in the future.

Stones are an important part of jewelry so ensure they factor heavily in your decision. Try to select stones that are an extension of your individuality and that enhance the tone of your skin. Neutral colors are very versatile, as they match well with any outfit. Do not buy something that looks nice on the shelf but that you will never use.

Find out what the ideal methods are for maintaining each piece of jewelry you own. Metals, gemstones and settings all have different storage and cleaning requirements. What is beneficial to one stone or setting may hurt another. Consult with a jeweler if you are unsure exactly how to care for your own jewels.

As commented above, jewelry is the perfect gift for so many occasions. Even the most delicate necklace or a modest pair of diamond earrings can make a big difference to the wearer. There are also a lot of important methods for keeping your jewelry sparkling. Apply the tips from this article to buy and care for your jewelry better.

Use These Great Tips When Buying Jewelry

It’s impossible to know too much about beautiful jewelry! Knowing about valuable jewelry is especially important if you want to ensure you get a fair price on every piece. Here are several very practical pieces of advice on the topic. This information can guide you in selecting and caring for jewelry pieces, and help you avoid some common pitfalls.

Don’t use acetone, bleach, ammonia or turpentine to clean copper. This could cause the stone to change color or become dull in appearance, and it may eat away at the enamel on the piece.

Sterling Silver

When you go shopping for sterling silver jewelry pieces, take with you a magnet and a monocle. Precious metals, like sterling silver, will not be attracted to the magnet. Sterling silver should always bear a stamp that says Sterling, Ster. or .925. If you don’t see a stamp of any sort on a piece, then be wary of whether it is actually silver or not.

Always look at a number of different places when you are shopping for diamonds. Get up close to inspect the diamond carefully. Make a comparison with other pieces you have looked at. Less-scrupulous jewelry sellers have many ways to enhance the appearance of a sub-par diamond, so you have to stay alert.

Take the time to notice what kind of jewelry they already wear. For example, if they wear earrings, are they hoop or studs? Do they prefer white or yellow metals? By doing this you should have a good idea what to buy them.

Check out the latest trends in jewelry before you pick up a new piece. The one thing that makes a great purchase an outstanding one is getting a bargain on it.

Make sure that you learn about the jeweler’s insurance policy prior to making any purchases. If you can get insurance, you know that you will be covered if something happens to your jewelry. There are jewelers who offer insurance for misplaced or lost jewelry, too.

Costume Jewelry

If you own costume jewelry, it is important to properly care for it. Costume jewelry is pricey and can retain its value in many cases, but pieces that are damaged aren’t worth much and aren’t worth the time to restore. Stick to pieces that are in good to excellent condition, as they are the best investments.

Think about ordering custom jewelery if you want to make an original gift to someone who counts for you. Finding something that shows you put thought and effort into the gift is more important the the gift itself, so whether or not what you choose exactly what they wanted, they are sure to be pleased.

If you put on your jewelry only after you have put on your makeup, you will have to clean it less. Dirt and oil accumulate in the small crevices of jewelry, and can make it look dull and shabby. This tip is especially important when it comes to earrings and necklaces.

Make sure you look into the history of your gemstone, especially if it was treated at all. The way to care for a stone differs greatly depending on how it was treated. For example, improper cleaning with the wrong method may damage the stone by stripping the treatment.

Well, it’s easy when you know how. This article has just touched on a few of things that you should know about this very rewarding hobby. There is much to learn, but at least you’ve now got a few good ideas to put to work.

Tips That Cover All Aspects Of Jewelry

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. This article will show you some ways you can get the most from your jewelry purchases.

Store your jewelry in a place that is not subjected to humidity extremes or open air. It’s best to store it in a closed box, like a jewelry box, or a drawstring bag. Air and humidity can cause the metals that the jewelry are made of to tarnish. You will be able to polish precious metals to remove tarnish, but non-precious metals may lose their coating, showing the copper metal beneath.

Sterling Silver

Bring a magnet when shopping for sterling silver jewelery. Use the magnet to detect fake jewelry; real silver will not be attracted to the magnet, but the cheaper metals will. Sterling silver will always be hallmarked with a stamp such as .925, ster. or sterling. If the piece that you are looking at is not hallmarked, this is usually the sign that it is a fake.

Know which kind of stone you are buying with your jewelry. Natural gems and imitation gems have been joined recently by synthetic gems, making three main categories. Imitation has little value, as it is generally plastic, while synthetic and natural are considered to be real gems. Natural gems are those that are actually from the earth, whereas synthetic ones are made in labs.

For jewelry to stay shiny and new-looking, it is important to keep it from tarnishing. For example, avoid taking your jewelry somewhere it can get wet. If you let some metals get wet too often, they can tarnish, rust or become dull. Use a thinner coat of your clear nail polish on your jewelry for extra protection.

As a collector of costume jewelry, you should investigate the condition of the pieces that you want to add to your collection Quality costume jewelry may cost more, but a cheaply made piece will fall apart and will quickly become unusable. Pieces that are in great shape will fetch you better prices down the road, should you choose to sell them.

Wear the jewelry around for a day or so to be sure that it fits right and is comfortable. Doing this also helps you see if the jewelery is long lasting or likely to break easily.

If you want to purchase new jewelry, watch for discounts or sales. If the deal is good, you may be able to save some serious money! Watch for sales in the newspaper, on the Internet, and even in the stores themselves. If you purchase something on clearance, you might save 50% or more off the original purchase price.

Plastic Wrap

Untangle a delicate necklace easily. It’s easy to get frustrated when trying to get the knots out of a badly tangled necklace, but try using some plastic wrap before you call it quits. Put the tangled necklace onto the plastic wrap, then pour a little mineral oil or baby oil onto the piece. Needles can be used to untangle it. Once it’s untangled, use dish soap to wash the necklace and pat it dry.

Jewelry that is cared for properly is very valuable, not just in economic terms, but also in sentimental value. Take special care of those valuable pieces of jewelry, and it will pay off in terms of investment and sentimental value. There is a lot more information out there, so keep educating yourself so that you will know how to get the most out of your jewelry.