It doesn’t matter whether you are a jewelry buyer or seller. You need to understand the ins and outs of the jewelry market, as well as how to care for pieces that come into your possession. This article has most of the tips you need to learn how to keep your jewelry looking brand new.
You never want to use bleach, ammonia, or any other cleaning solvents that are not designed specifically for cleaning jewelry. This can cause your stones to turn and dull in color, along with eating away any enamel on the pieces.
Sterling Silver
Having a good eye to catch the details, and a magnet, are key when you are considering the purchase of any type of sterling silver jewelry. If the piece you are examining is not silver and is made from non-precious metal, it will be attracted to the magnet. You can generally tell genuine sterling silver by its stamp, which will look something like “.925 ster.” If you cannot find a stamp, you might be looking at a cheap imitation.
Every piece of jewelry should last you a life-time. 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 high-quality jewelry will show superior craftsmanship, and will be well-made. The jeweler that you purchase the item from should give you the history of the piece, as far as who made it, and, if there are stones on the item, where they came from. Choosing a high-quality piece of jewelry is important, so that it will last forever.
Study current jewelry trends prior to shopping for a piece. Price a variety of similar items before buying an expensive piece.
Check to see if your jeweler offers an insurance policy before purchasing an item. Many stores offer a policy where you can bring broken or damaged jewelry back to the original jeweler for repair at little to no cost. In certain instances, there may even be jewelry insurance available to cover loss or theft.
For jewelry to stay shiny and new-looking, it is important to keep it from tarnishing. Don’t wear jewelry near water. Many metals can become tarnished, rusty or dull when exposed to water too often. If you must take your jewelry somewhere wet, prepare it by adding some clear nail polish on the surface.
Give the jewelry a little test drive and wear it for a little bit to see if it is comfortable and lays right. Doing this also helps you see if the jewelery is long lasting or likely to break easily.
Take stones into consideration when you go to purchase new jewelry. The gemstone you choose should work with your skin tone and suit your personality. Neutral colors are versatile enough to wear with any outfit in your closet. You want to have plenty of opportunities to show off every piece.
Do some research on the best way to clean your particular piece of jewelry. Various settings, types of metals, and gemstones need different types of care to protect them and make sure they get cleaned properly. Processes that may work for one type of jewelry may be harmful to others. Speak with a knowlegeable jeweler if you do not know the best way to take care of your jewels.
A diamond’s cut and clarity may be more attractive than its size. It’s also important to consider the personality of whomever is to receive the diamond.
If jewelry is handled properly, it can be worth a great deal, both in monetary value and in the emotions that are tied up in it. You can protect your jewelry by understanding how to care for your jewelry. Information is available online to help you learn the proper techniques for taking care of your jewelry.
