While jewelry shopping is a fun experience, it can be extremely stressful, if the piece you are seeking is expensive. There are lots of different things used when making jewelry, which are all worth different amounts of money. Shoppers who don’t know the jewelry industry well often end up spending more than is necessary. Read on if you want some great advice about purchasing jewelry.
Store your jewelry in a place that is not subjected to humidity extremes or open air. Some good examples of proper storage would be,a jewelry box that is closed, or a small draw string bag. Precious, as well as non-precious metals, will tarnish if they are exposed to humidity and air over time. Silver polishes work well to remove tarnish, but certain metals, such as bronze, may not polish well. The polish may remove the surface coating and then the metal underneath, such as copper, becomes visible.
To distinguish between real and fake, bring a magnet when you shop for sterling silver jewelry. Magnets attract non-precious metals, and you can use this fact to detect fakes. You will always find a hallmark stamp such as “.925” or “STER.” on genuine sterling, or alternately, it might simply say, “STERLING”. If the item has no markings indicating its authenticity, then be wary.
Before you buy a new piece of jewelry, research the latest trends. Getting a beautiful piece is fantastic; but it’s even better when it’s on sale!
Keep your jewelry from getting tarnished to preserve its best appearance. Try to keep your jewelry away from water. Many of the metals become tarnished, rusty or dull when they get exposed to the elements of water. To give jewelry an added layer of protection apply a thin layer of clear nail lacquer.
You should wear the jewelry for a few days to see how it feels and if it is comfortable. You’ll also be able to get a better idea of the piece’s durability.
One key thing to remember is to only put your jewelry on after you’ve applied your makeup. Dust and grime from makeup gravitates towards jewelry, and putting on your jewelry first can leave it looking dull or dingy. In particular, this hint is aimed towards your necklaces and earrings.
Find out if your gemstone was treated before you buy it and if it was, how it was treated. It is important to understand the varying treatment processes because each one requires a specific care regimen. For example, you should avoid cleaning a gem that has been treated with a certain solution that could peel off the treatment because this could harm the gem.
If you want to purchase new jewelry, watch for discounts or sales. If the sale is a good one, you can save a lot of money. Look for great deals in old-fashioned newspapers, on the Internet, and even at retail stores. Sometimes, you can save about half the original price on trendy pieces that aren’t as trendy anymore.
Untangle your knotted necklaces, even the delicate ones. Sometimes you give up on untangling a mess but you can get yourself some plastic wrap before you do give up. After you place the necklace on top of the wrap, cover it in baby oil. Use a straight pin to untangle the knot. Clean with warm, soapy water and gently pat dry.
Before buying any jewelry, think about what you will use it for. There is no point continually buying jewelry if you never wear it. When choosing a piece of jewelry, take into account what you will be wearing it with.
It is important to pay attention to how the diamond is cut, and the clarity of the stone. To some people this is more important and appealing than the actual size. Also, keep in mind the personality of the person you are giving the diamond to.
Both types of saunas, dry and steam, should be avoided when wearing jewelry. Sweat, heat and water, can all damage jewelry. Even if permanent damage does not occur, wearing your jewelry during these activities increases the need to clean it.
Brand name should not be the primary concern when buying jewelry. Many designer pieces are of the same quality than other, more affordable baubles. For example, if you opt for a ring from Cartier, you are actually paying more for the name than you are for the piece itself. There are many different manufacturers, that make high quality jewelry, without the huge markup for the brand name.
There are a few easy ways to benefit financially from your valuable jewelry without relinquishing it. Carefully remove an inch or two from the piece, then sell that section. Just be sure to leave enough length so that you can continue to wear it. If you can do this with several chains made of real gold, you might make a significant chunk of pocket change.
Onyx and crystal, for example, can be especially striking and make a strong impression. You don’t need to completely empty your wallet on a new jewelry piece to be pleased with the results.
If you have a piece of jewelry you like from your childhood, try combining them with new pieces that are larger and more modern. Using a single cross or heart pendant will add some personality to a group of necklaces that might share a similar construction material, color, or theme.
An engagement ring is a monumental purchase in your life, as you will want to understand all of the costs associated. Shopping for a diamond can be an emotional experience. It is easy to lose yourself in the moment and forget about your budget.
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. Keep this advice in mind to save some money and time next time you go jewelry shopping.
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