Whatever your jewelry situation is, the jewelry world can get confusing. Where do you begin to look for information on this praiseworthy human tradition? This article will address a few pieces of advice that will help you be a better educated consumer of jewelry.

Make sure you organize your jewelry properly. Jewelry should be stored in an organized way in a box, a jewelry holder or hung on hooks. Resist the urge to jumble all your pieces together in one box or basket. Fragile jewelry could easily be damaged by doing this, not to mention the nuisance of having to untangle necklace chains that could get caught together.

Keep your jewelry stored somewhere that is free from humidity or air. Some good examples of proper storage would be,a jewelry box that is closed, or a small draw string bag. Being submitted to extreme humidity and temperature can cause your pieces to tarnish. It is possible to restore precious metals to their previous state, but it’s better to avoid damaging them in the first place.

Sterling Silver

A magnet is a useful tool when shopping for jewelry in sterling silver. If the piece you are examining is not silver and is made from non-precious metal, it will be attracted to the magnet. Look for the hallmark stamped on the piece of jewelry to determine what percentage sterling silver it is. If the item has no markings indicating its authenticity, then be wary.

Jewelry should be a purchase that truly lasts a lifetime. Always purchase pieces from reputable jewelers in order to make sure you are getting quality pieces. You can tell when jewelry is of high quality, due to the excellent craftsmanship. 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.

Always compare prices before purchasing any diamonds. Take a good look at all the pieces that you like, examining them and comparing them to each other. Less-scrupulous jewelry sellers have many ways to enhance the appearance of a sub-par diamond, so you have to stay alert.

If you buy jewelry from a jewelry store, ask if they offer insurance. If your jewelry gets damaged or broken, you can come back to the store and have it repaired or replaced. There are even some jewelers that will cover the replacement if the piece has been lost or stolen.

For jewelry to stay shiny and new-looking, it is important to keep it from tarnishing. When you are close to water, do not wear your jewelry. Lots of jewelry materials are dulled or tarnished by water exposure. 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.

Know how to keep your jewelry beautiful. Each kind of setting, metal, and stone has its own particular maintenance need. Processes that may work for one type of jewelry may be harmful to others. Ask a jeweler to make sure you know how to maintain your items.

As you have read, jewelry has a myriad of various aspects. As long as you take the time to educate yourself on the subject, though, you can buy, sell and care for jewelry wisely. Buying and selling jewelry is fun and exciting! When you apply the above advice, you are on the right path to a successful journey.