Purchasing a pricey piece of jewelry can prove to be stressful. There are dozens of types of materials that are used to make different pieces of jewelry, and they each come with a different price tag. An inexperienced jewelry shopper might end up paying too much. Read this article for wise tips for making your next purchase in the jewelry department.
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. Magnets attract non-precious metals, and you can use this fact to detect fakes. Sterling silver always has some sort of stamp to indicate it is sterling. If the item has no markings indicating its authenticity, then be wary.
Know the type of gem you’re buying, when you buy it. There are three different types: natural, synthetic and imitation. Natural and synthetic gems are real stones, but imitation is just plastic colored to look like the real thing. Natural stones are found in mines, while synthetic stones are produced by machines.
Good jewelry will last a lifetime. When choosing your next piece of jewelry, be sure to deal with a reputable dealer to ensure you attain a high-quality piece. Jewelry should display exemplary craftsmanship and be well-made. A good jeweler can provide you with some background on the piece, such as who crafted it, where it was manufactured, and where any stones in it came from. Making sure that it is high-quality will ensure that it lasts forever.
Keep your jewelry from tarnishing as best as you can. For example, avoid taking your jewelry somewhere it can get wet. Metals will often tarnish or rust when in contact with water. A single coat of transparent nail polish may help protect certain types of metal.
Costume Jewelry
Collecting costume jewelry is a popular pastime, but if you wish to participate, be careful of the condition of the jewelry. Well-done costume jewelry is often worth the price, but if it’s worn out or visibly damaged, it won’t be worth the effort it takes to restore it. An item in good condition holds its value better in the long run.
Give the jewelry a little test drive and wear it for a little bit to see if it is comfortable and lays right. It will also allow you to test the piece’s durability.
You can untangle delicate necklaces that have become knotted. Before giving up on a tangled knotted mass of precious metal, source some plastic wrap. After you place the necklace on top of the wrap, cover it in baby oil. Untangle it with some needles. Rinse the necklace off as best you can and gently pat it dry with a soft cloth. Use soap only if it has been approved to not damage your jewelry.
Hopefully you can take this advice and use it to make your next jewelry purchase a memorable one. Keep these tips in mind when at the jewelers to save both time and money.