There is no such thing as having enough information with jewelry. One mistake could result in costing you a small fortune. Here’s a few very sensible tips on the subject. Let this article guide you to the best possible jewelry choices for your needs.
Sterling Silver
Take a magnet and a keen eye with you when you head out to purchase any jewelry made from sterling silver. By using the magnet you can quickly determine if the jewelry item is made of a cheaper metal and not sterling silver. 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!
You need to know the type of gem that you are purchasing. Three different kinds of gems are available for purchase: imitation, synthetic and natural. While both natural and synthetic stones are still real, imitation is just glass or plastic made to look like the natural stone. They make synthetic stones in a lab, whereas natural stones come from the ground.
Always check with your jeweler about insurance policy options before buying anything. If your jewelry gets damaged or broken, you can come back to the store and have it repaired or replaced. You can even find insurance on jewelry pieces that were stolen or misplaced.
It’s great that you love costume jewelry, but make sure you evaluate the condition of any piece you plan to buy. Costume jewelry make good investments and they can be costly, but an item that shows major signs of usage will be a poor investment of your time and money. Investing in quality means that you can enjoy the jewelry for many years to come.
Find out what the ideal methods are for maintaining each piece of jewelry you own. Different styles of jewelry affect the way they need to be cared for; one type of metal will need a different treatment than another, for example. Cleaning and maintenance techniques that work perfectly on one stone might cause damage to another. It’s best to speak with a jeweler before you attempt to care of an unfamiliar piece of jewelry.
Your jewelry will stay cleaner if you wait until after you apply make-up to put it on. Dust and grime from makeup gravitates towards jewelry, and putting on your jewelry first can leave it looking dull or dingy. This is particularly important with necklaces and earrings.
Watch for jewelry sales if you’re in the mood to shop. Buying at the right moment can mean big savings. Use the resources at your disposal like the Internet, newspapers, and even window shopping to find the best sales. Buying styles that are waning in popularity is often an excellent way to save money on original jewelry.
Before you buy any item of jewelry, have a think about what your long term plans are for it. You should not have a lot of jewelery that you are never going to put on. Consider specific outfits and styles when making your selections.
Remove your jewelery prior to swimming. Chlorine can damage your valuable pieces because it’s such a strong chemical. Over time, saltwater can be as bad. By taking your jewelry off of your body before swimming, you will be protecting it from the harsh chlorine and salt.
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.