No matter your reason for buying jewelry, you should understand how to responsibly buy and sell it. This article will teach you how to save money when buying jewelry and care for it effectively.
Use a polishing cloth to keep your jewelry clean and free from damage. A polishing cloth is a very gentle way to get a good shine on all your pieces. All you do is polish it like you would a glass with the two-sided cloth. Use the side of the cloth that is designed for polishing to remove fingerprints, dust and other surface imperfections, and then use the opposite side to buff the jewelry and make it gleam.
Don’t use harsh chemicals like turpentine or bleach to clean jewelry. Harsh chemicals will dull your stones and dissolve the enamel on your jewelry.
Ensure you are certain how to keep your jewelery in one place so it is not damaged. It is best to use holders, compartments, boxes, and hooks so that everything is kept separate. Do not ever just throw them in a pile. Storing them improperly can damage the fragile pieces, and necklaces can get tangled with other pieces.
Sterling Silver
Arm yourself with a magnet and a magnifying glass when shopping for sterling silver jewelry. When you do this, you become able to find fake pieces of any type of sterling jewelry. You can use the magnet because non-precious metals actually are attracted by magnets. Another way to tell if a metal is sterling silver is to check for a hallmark stamp, for example .sterling, .ster, or .925. If there is no marking on the piece, it may not be sterling silver.
Know the distinctions between kinds of gems before you make a jewelry purchase. The three different types of stones are natural, imitation and synthetic. Imitation gems are basically plastic that is colored, while synthetic and natural are real. Natural stones are mined, and synthetic stones are created in a laboratory.
When shopping for a diamond, it’s crucial that you do comparisons. Take a close look at a truly top notch diamond, and then hold everything else you consider to that standard. However, be mindful that there are fraudulent ways to make the diamond look better than it is.
Pay attention to the types, sizes, and colors of jewelry that the person wears. Doing so can help to find the most special piece for the recipient.
Keep your jewelry from tarnishing as best as you can. If possible, remove your jewelry if you are around water. Many of the metals become tarnished, rusty or dull when they get exposed to the elements of water. To protect your jewelry from exposure, apply a single coat of clear nail lacquer to its surface.
Both steam and dry saunas are included. Both heat and moisture will damage your jewelery.
Make sure jewelry you purchase can last for a long time. The more expensive a piece of jewelry is usually means it is higher quality. When selecting a piece, also consider the various styles available. If the piece you are considering is very trendy at the moment, it may be out of fashion in just a few years. Stick to pieces that have stood the test of time.
Gold prices have skyrocketed, which is good if you’re selling gold, but not quite so helpful if your heart’s set on purchasing gold. If you must have a gold bracelet or ring, consider looking at a piece with fewer karats in order to spend less money. An 18 karat piece is comprised of no less than 75 percent of pure gold, which is generally considered by many to be the most optimal combination of quality and price.
When adorning yourself with over-sized or prominently displayed jewelry, try contrasting it with clothing that is understated. This type of jewelry is best complemented by solid clothing, including the basic “little black dress.”
Beautiful displays will help you sell the jewelry you make. Always try to be as creative as possible, as this will draw the most eyes to your display. You can turn baskets, cigar boxes, racks or even wig stands into jewelry displays by being creative.
If you care for your jewelry well, it will be worth a fortune, in both in the sentimental and economic senses. By learning what you need to do to properly care for your jewelry, you are working to protect memories and the money invested in it. This is more information out there, and by continuously education yourself, you can get more from your own jewelry.