You will need to have an understanding of how the selling and buying of jewelry works before you jump into the field yourself. There is so much to learn, it can be hard to decide where to start.

If you are shopping unmarked sterling silver jewelry, then by all means bring a magnet. As a precious metal, silver should never be attracted to a magnet. Your sterling silver jewelery should always be imprinted if it is real. The stamp may read “.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.

When you are purchasing a new piece of jewelry, be aware of the gemstone that it contains and what it is made of. Gemstones now come in natural as well as synthetic and imitation types. Synthetic stones are lab created jewels, while imitation stones are normally colored glass. The only difference between natural and imitation gemstones is where they are made. Natural occur naturally, while synthetic stones are grown in labs.

Keep your jewelry free of tarnish to make it look its best. Jewelry should not be worn near the water. Metals will often tarnish or rust when in contact with water. If you want to give your jewelry a measure of protection from this element, coat it thinly with clear nail polish.

When shopping for jewelry, think about the stones in the pieces. Try to choose a stone that meshes well with your taste or personality. Also, consider what looks good on you. Also think about what color clothing you wear often, and chose a neutral color that will match many of the outfits in your closet. It’s a waste of time buying something that you won’t wear regularly.

Costume Jewelry

Costume jewelry needs to be handled carefully. Often, stones will be glued into their settings, which makes them more prone to falling out than regular jewelry. Don’t immerse costume jewelry in water or use chemicals on it. It is best to have two cloths ready, one warm with water and one dry, to use to wipe your jewelry. Doing so will keep your jewelry looking its best for life.

It’s a simple way to turn a plain belt into something more eye catching. To add a twist to tradition, place the brooch at your hip.

To preserve the pristine look of your jewelry, apply your make-up first, wait for it to set, then put on your jewelry. Dirt and oil accumulate in the small crevices of jewelry, and can make it look dull and shabby. This is particularly important in the case of necklaces and earrings.

If you are in the market for jewelry, always seek out sales. If you find the right sale, you might see a lot of savings. Keep your eyes peeled for sales on the Internet, in the paper, and on storefront displays. If a particular piece was designed to fit a current trend, and that trend is nearing conclusion, then you could make a saving as big as 50%.

Plastic Wrap

You can untangle delicate necklaces that have become knotted. Before giving up on a tangled knotted mass of precious metal, source some plastic wrap. Put your knotted chains on the plastic wrap and cover with a little baby oil. Use a straight pin to untangle the knot. Use a mild liquid soap to remove the oil and then pat dry with a towel.

Clearly, buying and selling jewelry successfully requires ample amounts of research and effort. Use the advice given in this article to help you as you begin venturing into the jewelry market.