Buying or selling jewelry requires a lot of research and understanding to get what you want or what you need. There is so much to learn, it can be hard to decide where to start.
You never want to use bleach, ammonia, or any other cleaning solvents that are not designed specifically for cleaning jewelry. You can turn your stones this way and it will eat away the enamel on the pieces.
Natural Stones
When you are purchasing a new piece of jewelry, be aware of the gemstone that it contains and what it is made of. Gemstones come in three different varieties: natural, imitation and synthetic. Natural stones and synthetic gems are both real, but imitation gems are probably just colored glass or plastic. They make synthetic stones in a lab, whereas natural stones come from the ground.
You should expect good jewelry to last the rest of your life, and possibly beyond. Don’t buy jewelry from less than reputable stockists if you expect your pieces to be of the highest quality. You can tell when jewelry is of high quality, due to the excellent craftsmanship. The jeweler must be able to provide a history of the piece. This will tell you who made the piece, and where the components came from. This way, you can ensure you are paying a fair price. A quality item of jewelry will last a lifetime or more, so take the time to do your research.
When you go diamond shopping, make sure that you do shopping comparisons. Make a close-range examination of stones you find appealing, and contrast them with other likely purchases. Some diamond sellers use misleading practices to try to increase the apparent quality of their merchandise, so you should be wary of these tactics.
Pay attention to the type of metal they wear, such as white gold or yellow gold. Also notice if your loved one usually wears hoops or studs. This will give you a good idea of where to start when purchasing that special item.
Before you buy any new jewelry, you should look around for the latest trends. Purchasing a new trinket to add to your collection is always delightful, especially if you find it on sale.
If you wish to keep a piece of jewelry looking fantastic, preventing it from tarnishing is important. Avoid wearing your jewelry near water. Many metals can become tarnished, rusty or dull when exposed to water too often. For added protection for your jewelry, try adding a thin coating of clear nail polish.
If you own costume jewelry, it is important to properly care for it. If you do not maintain the piece, it will depreciate in value. An item in good condition holds its value better in the long run.
Buying jewelry, or selling it, is a whole process. You will have to do some research and put some thought into it, if it is a gift you are looking for. Use the advice given in this article to help you as you begin venturing into the jewelry market.
