Your Go-To Guide For All Things Jewelry

TIP! Store your jewelry in a place that is not subjected to humidity extremes or open air. A jewelry box or drawstring bag out of a humid area is ideal.

The idea of beautiful jewelry can be as exquisite as the actual jewelry pieces themselves. A single piece of jewelry has the power to commemorate occasions, events and relationships. This article will teach you about jewelry, helping you to appreciate not only selling pieces, but purchasing them as well.

TIP! If you are shopping for sterling silver jewelry, you’ll need a magnet and an eye for the real thing. Precious metals, like sterling silver, will not be attracted to the magnet.

Harsh chemicals and solvents can damage the finish of your jewelry and should never be used to clean it. Harsh chemicals will dull your stones and dissolve the enamel on your jewelry.

TIP! Always check with your jeweler about insurance policy options before buying anything. If your jewelry becomes damaged, you can return it to the source and have it repaired.

Do some research on the gem in your new piece of jewelry before you buy. Three different kinds of gems are available for purchase: imitation, synthetic and natural. Natural and synthetic gemstones are both actual gemstones, while an imitation gemstone is just a plastic mold made to look like a gemstone. Synthetic gems are grown in a lab, natural gems are dug out of the Earth.

TIP! Research the proper methods for cleaning your jewelry. Depending on the metals and stones used in your jewelry, along with how they are set, you will need different maintenance methods.

Ask about insurance from your jeweler before purchasing a new piece. This is so that if something happens to your piece, you can return it to have it replaced or repaired. You can even find insurance on jewelry pieces that were stolen or misplaced.

Costume Jewelry

TIP! Ask your jeweler before you make a purchse about what kinds of treatments were used on the gemstones in the piece. The way to care for a stone differs greatly depending on how it was treated.

If you own costume jewelry, it is important to properly care for it. Well-done costume jewelry is often worth the price, but if it’s worn out or visibly damaged, it won’t be worth the effort it takes to restore it. Costume pieces kept in great condition will enhance your collection much more over time.

TIP! It is easy to find jewelry on sale. If the deal is good, you may be able to save some serious money! Check ads in the newspaper, on the Internet, and in stores for the best deals.

When shopping for jewelry, think about the stones in the pieces. Choose pieces that have stones which express your personality and those that make you feel great when you wear them. Pieces in neutral tones work well with any item in your wardrobe. Don’t even bother to buy something that doesn’t function properly.

TIP! When you are buying jewelery, make sure you know what you are going to use it for. There is no need for a box of unused jewelry.

Taking proper care of your jewelry requires careful consideration. Take into account that different types of material takes different types of care, like stones and metals. Cleaning and maintenance techniques that work perfectly on one stone might cause damage to another. If you’re not sure of how to properly care for your jewelry, seek advice from a reputable jeweler.

TIP! The shape and shine of a diamond means more than the size. Be sure to consider the type of person that you are presenting the diamond to.

Remember that even costume jewelry needs careful attention. Stones in costume jewelry are usually held in place with glue instead of a physical setting. Never immerse your costume jewelry or use harsh chemicals on it. To care for it best, wipe your jewelry with a damp, warm cloth and dry it with a different cloth. This will ensure that all of your costume jewelry looks like it did the day you bought it.

TIP! These days of sky-high gold prices makes buying gold jewelry an expensive proposition. If you must have a gold bracelet or ring, consider looking at a piece with fewer karats in order to spend less money.

Apply your makeup before putting on your jewelry. 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 in the case of necklaces and earrings.

TIP! Crystal or onyx stones both stand out and make bold statements. You may find some other type of stone that you really love at a very nice price.

Before you buy any gemstone, determine what, if any, treatment it received. The kind of care your stone needs is dependent on what it was treated with. If your gem was treated you have to find out how to clean it properly.

TIP! If you are a jewelry maker and sell it at craft shows and other sales, you may need new ideas for displaying it. While you source your jewelry materials, keep an eye out for display ideas.

If you are in the market for jewelry, always seek out sales. Buying at the right moment can mean big savings. You can snag a sweet sale by perusing your neighborhood shops, checking the classified ads, or even going online. You could get great jewelry at discounts close to 50%, especially when it comes to styles that are being phased out.

TIP! For the longest time, rubies have held a special place in the world of jewelry. Even though genuine rubies are consistently red, there are many different shades, ranging from a light pink to a deep, dark red.

Selling, owning or buying jewelry means you are investing in something that is nearly priceless, which in itself is the memory. All jewelry carries the weight of human emotions, whether they be a symbol of happy times or hopes for the future.