It is important to understand the proper way to shop for, wear and store fine jewelry, regardless of whether it is a newer piece or a cherished heirloom. The below article will provide you some very useful tips for maximizing the value from your effort and money that is put into purchasing jewelry.
When storing your jewelry, be sure that you store it in a place with low humidity and free of open air. A box designed especially for jewelry gives the best protection, but a cloth bag can also work. Humid air affects the metals in jewelry and causes tarnishing. Precious metal jewelry can be polished to fix tarnish, but non-precious metals coated with a finish will never get back to their previous state.
Notice what type of earrings they are wearing, including the shape and metal. This should give you a grasp of their tastes, and some ideas about what to buy for them.
If you wish to keep a piece of jewelry looking fantastic, preventing it from tarnishing is important. When wearing your jewelry, you should avoid exposure to water. Many metals can become tarnished, rusty or dull when exposed to water too often. To protect your jewelry from exposure, apply a single coat of clear nail lacquer to its surface.
If you are wanting to collect costume jewelry, you should ensure you are aware of its condition. A piece that isn’t in very good condition won’t be worth it, and since you may be thinking of an expensive item as an investment, it’s important to watch for wear and tear. Pieces that are in great shape will fetch you better prices down the road, should you choose to sell them.
Taking good care of your jewelry is important if you want it to last. Different metals, stones, and settings have different needs to ensure proper maintenance. 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.
Costume Jewelry
You need to take special care of costume jewelry. Many costume jewelry pieces are glued rather than set. Don’t immerse costume jewelry in water, and never wash costume jewelery pieces with harsh chemicals. It is best to have two cloths ready, one warm with water and one dry, to use to wipe your jewelry. This will make your costume jewelry sparkle for weeks, months, or even years.
If you are attempting to sell jewelry online, it is important to present the item in a flattering manner. Visuals are particularly important because customers cannot physically see or touch jewelery when they buy online. Make sure the background behind the jewelry in the photograph is bland and boring, so as not to distract the viewer’s attention away from the piece itself.
Dry saunas and steam rooms can cause damage to jewelry. Significant damage can occur to the piece because of the high moisture and high temperatures.
Think about getting a set of jewelry rather than a single piece. It is usually quite easy to find a jewelry set at a reasonable price, especially during the holidays. You can divide up the set into individual pieces and give them out one at a time. It is a great way to make sure that you always have a present for someone and that it is something they will love.
When it is properly selected and cared for, jewelry has considerable value, both sentimental and financial. Protecting your jewelry investment can be as simple as learning proper care methods. Continue learning about jewelry care, and you’ll never have to retire another piece.
