It’s not possible for you to have too much solid information regarding jewelry. One mistake can cost you a fortune. Here are a couple of intelligent tips on this particular subject. The tips given here can guide you in acquiring jewelry and steer you away from some common mistakes people make.
Don’t clean your jewelry in harsh household chemicals like ammonia, bleach or turpentine. This could cause the stone to change color or become dull in appearance, and it may eat away at the enamel on the piece.
Silver Hallmarks
If you are in the market to buy some silver jewelry, don’t forget to take a magnet along with you. Use the magnet to detect fake jewelry; real silver will not be attracted to the magnet, but the cheaper metals will. In addition, sterling silver pieces are always stamped with silver hallmarks indicating such factors as the degree of purity, the manufacturer’s symbol, and the date of manufacture. Some of the most common hallmarks are “925, “ster,” “sterling,” and “sterling silver.” Be wary of pieces that lack any silver hallmarks, as this is an indication that they’re not genuine sterling silver.
When purchasing jewels, you should understand which type of stone you are getting. The types of gems available are synthetic, imitation and natural. Imitation gems are basically plastic that is colored, while synthetic and natural are real. Synthetic gems come from a lab and natural ones are found in the ground.
When shopping for diamonds, it’s best to comparison shop. Closely examine pieces you like, and compare them with similar items you are interested in. There are ways to hide some of a diamond’s imperfections, so be very particular about each one you view.
Before you buy anything new, found out about the latest trend. You will enjoy your jewelery even more if you can get it on sale.
If you want to maintain the look of your jewelry, you should prevent it from becoming tarnished. Don’t wear jewelry near water. Metals will often tarnish or rust when in contact with water. Clear nail polish can be used to protect your jewelry if you apply a very thin coat of it on your pieces.
Buy Costume Jewelry
If you like to buy costume jewelry, make sure that you examine the condition carefully. A piece that isn’t in very good condition won’t be worth it, and since you may be thinking of an expensive item as an investment, it’s important to watch for wear and tear. You’ll get more return on your investment later if you buy costume jewelry in good condition.
Think carefully about what stones you want in your jewelry. Certain stones will do a better job of complementing your skin tone and your personality than others. Neutral colors are versatile enough to wear with any outfit in your closet. Do not buy anything that you cannot wear.
You will need to take special care when you are buying costume jewelery! Costume jewelry is often put together using glue and other adhesives, unlike stoned that are set using metal. Don’t submerge costume jewelry in water or clean it with abrasives. The best way to clean these pieces are to wipe them clean with a damp cloth and dry immediately with another cloth. This will ensure that all of your costume jewelry looks like it did the day you bought it.
If you’re shopping for an individual who likes unique pieces of jewelry, you should consider purchasing an item that is made specifically for this person. This shows that you are both thoughtful and creative, traits that someone who would want a unique piece of jewelry is likely to value.
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. If your gem was treated you have to find out how to clean it properly.
Before you purchase a new piece of fine jewelry, think about how you will wear it. There is no point continually buying jewelry if you never wear it. Think of the outfits that you own, and use those to help you choose your jewelry.
A diamond’s cut, as well as its clarity, are considerably more important than size in determining value and appeal. You want the diamond to really suit the person that’s going to wear it.
That includes dry or steam saunas. The high levels of moisture and heat are very damaging to the jewelry.
When you are purchasing jewelry, you should avoid making a purchase simply because it carries a particular brand name. You’ll probably pay too much since a jeweler will be aware that you are probably buying the name and not the piece. Besides, many “regular” people won’t even recognize the brand when you wear it. There are thousands of quality brands of jewelry available for purchase.
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.