Getting The Most Out Of What You Put Into Your Jewelry

Buying a few pieces of trendy jewelry can breath new life into your wardrobe. Perhaps you want to pick out a present for a friend. Whatever your needs, you will be helped by the advice given in this article.
Try using a polishing cloth on all of the jewelry in a collection. This is a fairly simple way to achieve shine without dealing with solvents and chemicals. Simply use the two-sided polishing cloth to polish your jewelry the same way you would polish a glass. First you should use the polish side, then use the shining side to really make your jewelry look stunning!
When purchasing sterling silver, take along a good magnifying glass, along with a small magnet. Use the magnet to detect fake jewelry; real silver will not be attracted to the magnet, but the cheaper metals will. You can identify sterling silver by its markings, for example “sterling,” “ster,” or “.925.” If the piece that you are looking at is not hallmarked, this is usually the sign that it is a fake.
When you are shopping for diamonds, there are ways to compare the stones. Look at what you want very closely, and keep that in mind so you can compare it with other diamonds you look at. There are deceptive tricks that can be used to enhance a diamond, so you need to be on the lookout.
If you wear the piece for 24 hours, then you can be sure that it has been put together correctly and hangs nicely. This also helps you to see its durability.
Take stones into consideration when you go to purchase new jewelry. Choose pieces that have stones which express your personality and those that make you feel great when you wear them. If your wardrobe is made up of a wide variety of colors, choose stones of a shade that will match whatever you choose to put on. Do not buy anything that you cannot wear.
Caring for your jewelry properly is important; you should definitely give it some consideration. The variety of stones, metals and assorted settings will determine the ways in which you care for them. What works well with one type of precious stone may actually harm another. Go ahead and ask a professional jeweler to find out exactly how you should be caring for your jewels.
Determine whether or not your stone received a treatment, and what kind, prior to purchasing it. You will have to treat different gemstones with different kinds of care. You do not want to try to clean a treated gem with a solution that may strip the treatment and damage the gem in the process.
Every necklace, bracelet or anklet can benefit from a quality clasp. Clasps keep your pendants safe. It is a wise idea to add a safety clasp to any expensive pieces of jewelry to avoid having them slip off accidentally. If there is a piece that you simply cannot afford to lose, try an additional clasp for added safety.
The price of gold is a major limiting factor to being able to afford beautiful gold jewelry. If nothing else but gold will do, then you can save a little by buying fewer karats. Many people believe that 75 percent pure gold is the most ideal ratio of price and quality. This grade is commonly referred to as 18 karats.
Now that you know the basics of jewelry selection, you will be able to spot the best specimens of any type of jewelry, from gemstones to precious metals. Buying a jewelry item that is heir-loom quality is a traditional move that will bring you enjoyment years down the road.