It is important that you are aware of how to look after jewelry so that it will enhance your life for a long time. The art of buying and selling jewelry is also something you need to be aware of. The below article will provide you some very useful tips for maximizing the value from your effort and money that is put into purchasing jewelry.
Always keep your jewelry in a place that doesn’t experience extreme temperatures or humidities. A box designed especially for jewelry gives the best protection, but a cloth bag can also work. Air and humidity will make the metals in jewelry tarnish. Tarnish can be removed from precious metals like gold and silver, but they cannot be removed from other metals.
Sterling Silver
When you go shopping for sterling silver jewelry pieces, take with you a magnet and a monocle. You can detect fake sterling silver with the magnet, since non-precious metals are drawn to magnets. In addition, sterling silver pieces are always stamped with silver hallmarks indicating such factors as the degree of purity, the manufacturer’s symbol, and the date of manufacture. Some of the most common hallmarks are “925, “ster,” “sterling,” and “sterling silver.” If the item has no markings indicating its authenticity, then be wary.
Jewelry is an investment that should last forever. When buying jewelry, only buy from dealers with good reputations, so that you don’t buy a piece that seems durable, but really isn’t. Any piece that is high quality will have its craftsmanship and quality shining through. The jeweler should be able to give you a history on the piece, like who crafted it and where the stones came from if there are any. You’ll create an heirloom tomorrow if you choose high-quality jewelry today.
Discover whether they wear studs, hoop earrings, or some other type of jewelry. This should give you a grasp of their tastes, and some ideas about what to buy for them.
If you like to buy costume jewelry, make sure that you examine the condition carefully. If you do not maintain the piece, it will depreciate in value. An item in good condition holds its value better in the long run.
The color gemstones are an important consideration when shopping for new jewelry. The stone will look best on you if it is complementary to your skin tone, eye, and hair color. Neutral colored jewelry is nearly always a good buy, because they blend in well with any outfit. There is no point in buying something that is not functional.
Costume Jewelry
Costume jewelry needs to be handled and stored delicately. Many of the components of costume jewelry are glued into their settings rather than held in with prongs or other more permanent methods. Don’t submerge costume jewelry in water or clean it with harsh chemicals. Wiping it down with a damp, warm cloth and then drying it with another cloth is the best care for it. This will ensure that your costume jewelry looks perfect.
The brooch adds a unique touch and a bit of your style to your outfit. The best places to pin the brooch for maximum visual impact are the middle of your waist and at hip line.
Before you buy, ask the jeweler if and how the gemstone was treated. Gemstone treatment can affect the type of care the piece needs. If you have a treated gem you should avoid any solution that could damage the gem by stripping the treatment.
Always keep an eye on sales when you’re looking to acquire some new jewelry pieces. Finding the right sale can save you a lot of money. Locate the best prices online, in newspapers and in stores. Sometimes, you can save about half the original price on trendy pieces that aren’t as trendy anymore.
You will increase the sentimental and actual value of your jewelry with proper care and maintenance. If you know how to properly care for your jewelry, your memories and financial investments are also going to remain safe. Information is available online to help you learn the proper techniques for taking care of your jewelry.