When shopping for or selling jewelry, it is important that you are knowledgeable about the product. It can be puzzling to know where to start.
You can keep the jewelry in your collection sparkling by using a special polishing cloth. You can keep your items shiny without using chemicals. To clean your jewelry, obtain a soft two-sided cloth and gently rub in a circular motion. The first side is designed to polish, while the other is for adding shine.
If you are in the market to buy some silver jewelry, don’t forget to take a magnet along with you. Jewelry made with non-precious metals will be attracted to the magnet, revealing any fakes. You will always find a hallmark stamp such as “.925” or “STER.” on genuine sterling, or alternately, it might simply say, “STERLING”. If a particular piece is not stamped, you should be cautious of its authenticity.
Before purchasing a piece of jewelry, be sure to ask the jeweler about insurance policies. If your jewelry becomes damaged, you can return it to the source and have it repaired. Some jewelers will offer insurance on jewelry that might have been stolen or lost.
You should carefully consider how to best care for your jewelry. Take into account that different types of material takes different types of care, like stones and metals. What works for a certain kind of stone may not work for another. Talk with a professional if you aren’t sure what sort of care each jewel requires.
Costume Jewelry
You need to pay special attention when caring for costume jewelry. Costume jewelry is often put together using glue and other adhesives, unlike stoned that are set using metal. Don’t immerse costume jewelry in water, and never wash costume jewelery pieces with harsh chemicals. The best care is to wipe with a warm damp cloth and then dry with another cloth. This will keep your costume jewelry clean and shiny.
Before buying jewelry or a fine stone, find out if it was treated in any way. If it was, find out how. The various treatments that gems are given means that they need to be cared for differently. Some cleaning solutions that work perfectly well on untreated gems can strip off treatments, and even damage stones, if you use them on treated gems.
As has been outlined in this article, whether you are buying or selling an item of jewelry, it is important to do your homework and then put in the effort towards achieving your end goals. Whether that is to own a new piece, or to sell an old one for profit, the effort put in will equal what you get out. Follow these tips and your efforts will be rewarded.
