Jewelry can get confusing whether you bought it yourself, received it as a gift, or inherited a piece. Jewelry has been an important part of the human condition for so long, but where can you even start looking for the right things to learn about it? Read on to discover a few handy tips that can make you a wiser owner, buyer and giver of jewelry.
Having a good eye to catch the details, and a magnet, are key when you are considering the purchase of any type of sterling silver jewelry. Use the magnet to detect fake jewelry; real silver will not be attracted to the magnet, but the cheaper metals will. Your sterling silver jewelery should always be imprinted if it is real. The stamp may read “.925” or “ster”. If your silver is not marked, it could be because it is not real!
When you are shopping for diamonds, there are ways to compare the stones. Closely examine pieces you like, and compare them with similar items you are interested in. Be aware that some dealers will use cheap tactics to make a diamond look better than it is.
Be sure to at least inquire about the insurance that is available when you buy jewelry from a reputable jeweler. You want to know if they will be able to repair or replace the piece if it was to break. In certain instances, there may even be jewelry insurance available to cover loss or theft.
Test it out by wearing it yourself; you don’t want to give a piece that will be uncomfortable or awkward for the recipient. This will also help you to determine if the piece is sufficiently durable.
Think about how best ways to look after your jewelry. Different cleaning techniques are required for different types of jewelry. A treatment that polishes one stone may scratch another stone. Ask a jeweler to make sure you know how to maintain your items.
Costume jewelry does require some special care. Many of the stones and embellishments are just glued in instead of set in a professional setting. Don’t submerge costume jewelry in water or clean it with harsh chemicals. For best results, use a warmed, damp cloth to wipe your jewelry and then use another cloth to dry it. This will ensure that all of your costume jewelry looks like it did the day you bought it.
Having an ornate piece at your waist will naturally draw eyes by adding interest. Pin the brooch on your belt in the center, or offset to one side.
Before purchasing a gemstone, find out if it has been treated, and if so, how. The kind of care your stone needs is dependent on what it was treated with. You do not want to try to clean a treated gem with a solution that may strip the treatment and damage the gem in the process.
Take extra care when you are untangling necklaces. It’s easy to get frustrated with tangled necklaces, but saran wrap can come to the rescue. Place the chain in on the plastic wrap and add a few drops of baby oil onto the knots. If the jewelry is tangled and knotted, try using needles to unknot the strands. Wash it gently with a bit of dish soap and then pat it dry.
Have a purpose in mind before shopping for jewelry. A large jewelry box full of items you never use isn’t a wise investment. Think about what type of clothing you will wear with the jewelry before deciding what to buy.
When selling a piece of jewelry online, you should aim to present the piece in an attractive manner. This is very important since customers cannot handle the jewelry in an online transaction. Ensure the focus of your pictures is the piece itself.
As you have just read, jewelry is quite the fascinating topic. With careful and helpful research, you will know you are buying quality jewelry and handling them the right way. Welcome to the colorful, powerful and rewarding world of jewelry and adornments! The tips that you’ve just been given will help you find your way through this vast and wonderful world.
