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. You may be uncertain where to start.

Be cautious of the way all of your personal jewelry gets stored together. Boxes, holders, compartments, and hooks are all valuable tools for storing jewelry safely. Don’t just put them in one huge, unorganized pile. This can damage fragile, delicate jewelry, and necklaces can become very tangled in other jewelry pieces.

If you are shopping unmarked sterling silver jewelry, then by all means bring a magnet. Take the magnet with you to find fake pieces of jewelery, sterling silver will not stick to the magnet. If your silver is sterling, you will also notice a mark on the piece. This mark might state .925, sterling, or ster. If the item has no markings indicating its authenticity, then be wary.

Discover whether they wear studs, hoop earrings, or some other type of jewelry. Paying attention to these aspects of their current wardrobe will help you make a purchase they are more likely to enjoy.

Prevent your jewelry from tarnishing so that it keeps looking great. Try to keep your jewelry away from water. Water can dull and rust some types of metal if it is exposed to it too often. A very light coating of clear nail varnish can be applied to some jewelry, and this will add an additional line of protection against the elements.

Costume Jewelry

Look at the condition of costume jewelry before making a purchase. Costume jewelry, while expensive, can be a great investment. However, if a piece shows wear it will lose value. Investing in quality means that you can enjoy the jewelry for many years to come.

Give the jewelry a little test drive and wear it for a little bit to see if it is comfortable and lays right. It will also allow you to see if the item is durable enough.

You should carefully consider how to best care for your jewelry. You should know that different materials require different maintenance. Processes that may work for one type of jewelry may be harmful to others. It’s best to speak with a jeweler before you attempt to care of an unfamiliar piece of jewelry.

Costume Jewelry

Take good care of your costume jewelry. These pieces are often put together with glue, which does not last as long as other methods. Don’t immerse costume jewelry in water or use chemicals on it. 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 ensure that all of your costume jewelry looks like it did the day you bought it.

A brooch will accent your belt and will instantly add visual interest. Either put it near your hip or near the middle of your waist.

Learn how to unravel a knotted necklace, even one with delicate loops. Don’t give up on that tangled mass of jewelry. Instead, get a piece of plastic wrap. Put the necklace on the plastic wrap and add a little mineral oil or baby oil. Using sewing needles, you should be able to separate the knot. Wash with dishwashing liquid then pat dry.

You have seen that the process of buying and selling jewelry will take some effort, work and research so that you will be able to buy the items that you are looking for, or sell your jewelry for a profit. We have provided you with some great tips that offer a solid starting point. Use them well and you’ll be on the way to successful purchases and sales.