Jewelry shopping can be fun and stressful if you want an expensive piece. Different jewelry materials can make a very big difference in the overall value of a piece. When a shopper is lacking the knowledge to recognize the appropriate prices for the different materials, they may pay much more than necessary. Find out how to make sure you get your money’s worth with the helpful advice in the article below.

You never want to use bleach, ammonia, or any other cleaning solvents that are not designed specifically for cleaning jewelry. Harsh chemicals can destroy the enamel, and ruin the stones in your jewelry.

Precious Metals

The metals in jewelry can tarnish if exposed to humid air, so you will want to store them in a way that protects them. Store them in a closed jewelry box or small drawstring bag for maximum protection. Air and humidity can tarnish metals of all types. 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 are shopping unmarked sterling silver jewelry, then by all means bring a magnet. Magnets attract non-precious metals, and you can use this fact to detect fakes. True sterling sliver always has some sort of hallmark stamp on it, such as .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.

When purchasing jewels, you should understand which type of stone you are getting. The types of gems available are synthetic, imitation and natural. Natural and synthetic are both real, while imitation is just basically colored plastic. Natural gems are dug up from the ground, and synthetic gems are man-made in a lab.

Jewelry is an investment that should last forever. When selecting jewelry, a reputable jeweler is indispensable to ensuring you get quality items. Quality jewelry will be constructed to last, and show a fine attention to detail. Ask the jeweler what the origin of the piece is, like the maker and the origin of the stones. Put effort into your choice, so you can be sure that the piece will last generations.

Costume Jewelry

If you are interested in collecting costume jewelry, be sure to stay conscious of the condition. 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. The most useful pieces in your collection are the ones that are in excellent condition.

It’s a simple way to turn a plain belt into something more eye catching. Pin it to the middle of the waist or close to your hip.

Your jewelry will stay cleaner if you wait until after you apply make-up to put it on. Jewelry can become dirty and dull if you put it on too early, this is because incomplete makeup routines will transfer grime to it. In particular, this hint is aimed towards your necklaces and earrings.

Think about the outfits you will wear it with when you buy a piece of jewelry. A large jewelry box full of items you never use isn’t a wise investment. When you are picking the jewelry out, think about the clothes you will be wearing.

Now that you’ve read this article, you know a little more about how to make wise jewelry purchases. This advice can save you a ton of money when you go to the jewelers.