Whether you inherited some jewelry, received a piece as a gift or purchased a item for yourself, you might be a little confused about the details of jewelry. 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? This article is the first step to becoming an educated customer.
Sterling Silver
Take a magnet and a keen eye with you when you head out to purchase any jewelry made from sterling silver. You can tell if a piece of silver is sterling or not by using a magnet. Sterling will not react to the magnet, but non-precious metals will be attracted. True sterling silver will also have a mark on it to indicate its quality, such as “.925” or “ster”. If your silver is not marked, it could be because it is not real!
Before you select your newest addition to your jewelry collection, learn the latest styles that are trending. One of the few things that can enhance the appeal of a lovely piece of jewelry is knowing that it came at a great discount!
Consider how you should best clean each piece of your jewelry. Each kind of setting, metal, and stone has its own particular maintenance need. What works well with one type of precious stone may actually harm another. When in doubt about the right way to maintain your jewelry, just ask a professional jeweler.
Before you buy, ask if the gemstone has been treated, and the method for doing so. The way to care for a stone differs greatly depending on how it was treated. You want to avoid unknowingly cleaning the gem with a chemical or solution that could strip off the protective treatment.
When you are looking for new jewelry, the first thing to do is to check what is on sale. If the sale is a good one, you can save a lot of money. Keep your eyes peeled for sales on the Internet, in the paper, and on storefront displays. If a particular piece was designed to fit a current trend, and that trend is nearing conclusion, then you could make a saving as big as 50%.
This includes steam and dry saunas. 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.
Comparison shopping is vital to the diamond-buying process. Every diamond is unique and they all have slight imperfections. When you see the diamond yourself, you may find certain flaws not to be that important. Every jeweler is able to price point differently, depending on the flaw. You should always shop around to find the best possible diamond for a price that you can afford.
Take your jewelry off before you go swimming. Chlorine is a very strong and harsh chemical that can damage and dull your precious pieces. The salt in seawater will result in the same effect. You can extend the longevity of your pieces and keep their beauty intact by removing them prior to swimming.
If you want to spend a lot of money on some jewelry, then make sure to buy a piece that will last a very long time. Although more expensive jewelry is normally high quality, there are other factors to consider. Trends in jewelry can be fleeting and result in unworn pieces later. Be on the lookout for something timeless and classic.
Gold Jewelry
One of the disadvantages of purchasing gold jewelry is the high price. If you decide you must have real gold jewelry, you may want to save money on the karats instead. For example, a piece that is classed as 18 karat is a minimum of 75% pure gold. This is felt, by many, to be the best value for money when comparing quality to price.
It’s a real challenge to pick out a natural ruby or sapphire from an artificial one. The chemical and physical composition of natural and artificial stones can be identical, but the man-made ones are manufactured for a small percentage of the price of a natural flawless gem. Before you buy a piece of jewelry sold as natural sapphire, get a reputable gemologist to examine it for natural inclusions.
When buying jewelry, be sure and stay within your budget. No piece of jewelry is worth going into debt over. When just starting out, a young couple might be better served getting a cheaper ring. Then, they can get nicer rings after their finances are more secure.
For a radiant and striking look, opt for diamonds in an illusion setting. This involves plating your ring with a mirror before setting the diamond. The diamond is then mirrored while on your hand, making it look larger and very sparkly. However, keep in mind that repairing this type of ring can be difficult.
If you are going to go shopping for engagement rings, know the approximate price for diamonds before looking. Purchasing a diamond is often a thing that is approached on an emotional level. It is easy to lose yourself in the moment and forget about your budget.
As we have noted, the world of jewelry is quite diverse. As long as you take the time to educate yourself on the subject, though, you can buy, sell and care for jewelry wisely. The more you learn about jewelry, the more you’ll see what an awe-inspiring and dazzling world it can be. These tips can help you start your journey armed with knowledge.