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.