Shopping

You can never have enough good information on the subject of jewelry. One mistake can cost you a fortune. What follows are some common sense jewelry tips that will help prevent you from making these costly mistakes. The tips given here can guide you in acquiring jewelry and steer you away from some common mistakes people make.

 

Get a polishing cloth for your jewelery. This is a fairly simple way to achieve shine without dealing with solvents and chemicals. Use the dual-sided cloth on your jewelry just as you would clean a glass. First, use the polishing side to polish it up, then use the other side to shine it.

 

The metals in jewelry can tarnish if exposed to humid air, so you will want to store them in a way that protects them. To protect your jewelry it is important to secure it in a small bag with a drawstring, or in a jewelry box that remains closed a majority of the time. Certain metals begin to tarnish when exposed to humidity. You will be able to polish precious metals to remove tarnish, but non-precious metals may lose their coating, showing the copper metal beneath.

 

Bring a magnet when shopping for sterling silver jewelery. If the piece you are examining is not silver and is made from non-precious metal, it will 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.

 

A good piece of jewelery can last you your whole life. Go to a dealer you can trust to make sure you get a quality item at a fair price. High-quality jewelry can be told by its superior craftsmanship and good manufacture. The jeweler that you purchase the item from should give you the history of the piece, as far as who made it, and, if there are stones on the item, where they came from. Take your time when selecting a high-quality piece if you want it to last you for a long time.

 

Have shopping companions when you shop for diamonds. Start by finding what you like, and then begin comparing it with other pieces. Be careful of tricks that jewelers use to make a diamond look bigger or better.

 

Pay attention to the types, sizes, and colors of jewelry that the person wears. Once you are aware of their preferences, you will be in a better position to determine what to buy them.

 

Before committing yourself to a piece, do research to determine which styles are hot and which are not. Getting a great deal on beautiful bauble makes getting it even more enjoyable.

 

If you own costume jewelry, it is important to properly care for it. If you do not maintain the piece, it will depreciate in value. Maintaining a piece of costume jewelry's condition preserves the beauty and value that attracted you in the first place.

 

Think about ordering custom jewelery if you want to make an original gift to someone who counts for you. A one-of-a-kind jewelry piece is a great way to show someone how much they mean to you.

 

The cut of the diamond and its clarity can be more appealing than its size. You must think of the person who will be wearing the jewelry.

 

This applies to dry and steam-filled saunas. The moisture and heat can cause your jewelry to become damaged.

 

Buying jewelry sets can be less expensive than purchasing separate pieces of the same value. It is often possible to get a good deal on jewelry sets at a jewelry store. There is nothing stopping you from splitting a set after buying it; you can use a set for a series of gifts over multiple holidays, for example. You will always have presents ready for your loved ones, even if you did not plan in advance.

 

Be sure to always remove your jewelry before going for a swim. The strength of chlorine means it can hurt the shine of your jewelry and decrease its life. Over time, saltwater can be as bad. Lengthen the jewelry's life, and ensure it keeps its beauty by removing any precious items before entering the pool.

 

Make sure jewelry you purchase can last for a long time. Although more expensive jewelry is normally high quality, there are other factors to consider. A precious stone tiara may be a great addition to your New Year's Eve outfit this year, but maybe an elegant diamond tennis bracelet will make you feel like a queen for years to come. Try to find something timeless and classic.

 

The high price of gold can interfere with your fine jewelry purchases. Karat selection is a way to reduce the price of your gold jewelry. A piece of jewelry that is 75% gold is said to have 18 karats, which is high quality but still affordable; a good combination.

 

Traditional simple clothing can be paired with colorful ornate jewelry to add some interest. Try wearing a simple black dress for a gorgeous and classy outfit.

 

If you have a good piece of jewelry that you wish to sell, think about taking it to an appraiser or a gemologist. This way, you will get an accurate and truthful quote on what the item is worth, so you will be prepared for offers on your piece once you are putting it on the market.

 

If you are looking for diamond brilliance without the price tag, consider purchasing an illusion setting. An illusion setting is created by using a mirrored plate placed on your ring prior to the diamond being set. The diamond will appear larger because it is reflecting in the mirror. It might be harder to make any needed repairs to this style however.

 

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.