The world of jewelry is full of opportunity. Different jewelry materials can make a very big difference in the overall value of a piece. People who are uneducated with shopping for jewelry can pay more than they need to for a piece. Read this article to get a better idea of what to buy, and what to pay for it.
Try using a simple polishing cloth on your jewelery collection. It will allow you to make your jewelry look as good as new without the use of chemicals. Gently polish your jewelry with the two-sided cloth as if it were a mirror. Use one side of the cloth for polishing, and reserve the other side for shining it afterward.
You should always store your jewelry very carefully. You can protect your jeweled investments with hooks, boxes and holders that keep each piece intact and prevent tangles. Don’t just put them in one huge, unorganized pile. Storing them improperly can damage the fragile pieces, and necklaces can get tangled with other pieces.
Sterling Silver
If you want to buy sterling silver pieces, use a magnet and examine the jewelry very carefully. Precious metals, like sterling silver, will not be attracted to the magnet. You will always find a hallmark stamp such as “.925” or “STER.” on genuine sterling, or alternately, it might simply say, “STERLING”. If you cannot find a stamp, you might be looking at a cheap imitation.
Quality jewelry should stay beautiful forever. It is important to invest in a quality piece of jewelry, so only work with respected and reputable jewelers. If a piece of jewelry is of high quality, it should be made well and exhibit top-flight craftsmanship. A good jeweler can provide you with some background on the piece, such as who crafted it, where it was manufactured, and where any stones in it came from. If you select high-quality jewelry, it will last you forever.
Always shop around when buying a diamond. Always see the piece up close, and compare it critically to any others you’re considering. Some diamond sellers use misleading practices to try to increase the apparent quality of their merchandise, so you should be wary of these tactics.
Study current jewelry trends prior to shopping for a piece. Purchasing a new trinket to add to your collection is always delightful, especially if you find it on sale.
Make sure that you learn about the jeweler’s insurance policy prior to making any purchases. Look for a good policy that lets you return damaged items. There are some jewelers that will also have insurance plans for pieces that get lost or stolen.
If you want to maintain the look of your jewelry, you should prevent it from becoming tarnished. Try not to wear jewelry when you are around water. Exposure can result in tarnishing, rusting or dulling of different metals. To give jewelry an added layer of protection apply a thin layer of clear nail lacquer.
When buying new jewelry, carefully consider the stones. You should chose stones that reflect your personality, as well as complement your skin tone. Colors should be neutral so that they go with most of your outfits. As long as you’re spending money, it makes more sense to purchase something that is functional as well as beautiful.
Costume Jewelry
Costume jewelry needs to be handled and stored delicately. Many of the stones and embellishments are just glued in instead of set in a professional setting. You will need to avoid immersing your jewelry and make sure to stay away from the use of harsh chemicals. The best way to maintain your costume jewelry is to use a moist, warm cloth first, then dry it off with another cloth. This method will keep your costume jewelry stunning and beautiful.
If you are buying jewelry for someone who values her individuality, find a one-of-a-kind piece or commission a piece designed specifically for her. Show your affection for the person by recognizing their unique qualities; put some thought into the purchase and be creative.
To keep your jewelry looking clean, only put it on after your make-up is applied and set. Dirt and oil accumulate in the small crevices of jewelry, and can make it look dull and shabby. This is even more necessary for earrings and necklaces.
When you buy a piece of jewelry, know what your plans for it are. It is not beneficial to have a large box full of jewelry that you will not wear. As you shop for jewelry, try to envision whether you can see yourself wearing a piece with your current wardrobe.
Use decorative robe hooks to prevent your necklaces from becoming tangled and knotted. Create an instant necklace storage area by mounting a row of these hooks on a closet wall. This will avoid necklaces getting tangled and knotty, and it is the perfect alternative to a jewelry box.
The high price of gold can interfere with your fine jewelry purchases. If you insist upon a gold ring or necklace, you can still save some money by compromising on karats. Buying 18 karat jewelry means you will get a piece that is at least 75% gold. Experts agree that this is the sweet spot on the price-quality curve.
A lot of people are starting to combine silver jewelry with yellow gold jewelry when they pick out pieces to wear. However, you have to find jewelry that incorporates both metals into one piece. If you do not, the look will appear dated and sloppy.
Whether it is a ring, watch or a beautiful new bracelet, you can use the advice in the article above to buy your next piece of jewelry with confidence. By remembering the advice presented here, you could save a lot of time and money at the jewelers.
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