There is no such thing as being too informed about jewelry. A single slip-up could end up costing you big. This article will help you avoid needless mistakes. Follow the advice in this article to learn how to care for your jewelry without damaging it.
Don’t use things that contain harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, acetone or turpentine, to clean your jewelry. This can cause the stones to lose their luster in addition to eating away the enamel on any of the pieces.
Precious Metals
Never store your jewelry in open air or humidity. To keep your jewelry properly protected, store it in a drawstring bag or jewelry box. Certain metals begin to tarnish when exposed to humidity. Precious metals are able to be polished and retain their luster, but the non-precious metals have a coat, and polishing will cause the metal under it to show through.
If you are shopping unmarked sterling silver jewelry, then by all means bring a magnet. To spot scams, see if the magnet attracts the piece. If it does, then shout “FAKE!” at the top of your lungs and move to the next store. Sterling silver should always bear a stamp that says Sterling, Ster. or .925. Be wary of pieces that lack any silver hallmarks, as this is an indication that they’re not genuine sterling silver.
Do some research on the gem in your new piece of jewelry before you buy. Gemstones come in three different varieties: natural, imitation and synthetic. “Real” can mean natural or synthetic, and an imitation stone could be glass or plastic. Natural gems are those that are actually from the earth, whereas synthetic ones are made in labs.
Quality Jewelry
Quality jewelry should stay beautiful forever. When you are ready to chose your next selection of jewelry, make sure you find a reputable dealer that will make sure that you find a high-quality piece. Any piece that is high quality will have its craftsmanship and quality shining through. The person selling the piece should know its history, including who made it and the source of the stones. Investing in a high-quality jewelry piece ensures that you will have a timeless item that will be just as wearable in 20 years as it is today.
When buying a new piece of jewelry, be sure to check on the current fashion trends. The only thing that beats getting a new piece of jewelry is getting it for a discounted price!
Always check with your jeweler about insurance policy options before buying anything. If something happened to your jewelery, you can take it back and see if they will fix it! There are even some jewelers that will cover the replacement if the piece has been lost or stolen.
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.
