It doesn’t matter whether you are purchasing jewelry for loved ones or yourself. It’s important that you know the proper methods of purchasing, selling, and caring for your jewelry. This article will provide you with some key tips on how to best shop for jewelry.
Try cleaning your jewelry collection with a polishing cloth. With this method, you can simply shine it up and not deal with the hassle of using cleaners. Buff your jewelry with the two-sided cloth, just as if you were cleaning a glass. First use the polishing side, and finish with the other side to make it shine.
Do not clean your jewelry with chemicals such as bleach or ammonia. Chemicals can eat away the stones or enamel on your stones.
Take care when you are storing your jewelry in the same place. Precious metals and certain gemstones will tarnish if they are exposed to humidity, so keep the away from this. Avoid simply piling them on top of each other in a box. This can damage fragile, delicate jewelry, and necklaces can become very tangled in other jewelry pieces.
If you are in the market to buy some silver jewelry, don’t forget to take a magnet along with you. As a precious metal, silver should never be attracted to a magnet. Also, look to make sure that silver is hallmarked and stamped with .925, sterling or ster. If you cannot find a stamp, you might be looking at a cheap imitation.
Have shopping companions when you shop for diamonds. Always see the piece up close, and compare it critically to any others you’re considering. Keep an eye out for deceptive tricks to cause you to think a diamond is better than it actually is.
Pay attention to the types, sizes, and colors of jewelry that the person wears. This will help you get started in your search for the perfect item of jewelry for your loved one.
Before committing yourself to a piece, do research to determine which styles are hot and which are not. It is one thing to get a gorgeous bauble, but it is another to get it on sale!
Be sure to at least inquire about the insurance that is available when you buy jewelry from a reputable jeweler. If you can get insurance, you know that you will be covered if something happens to your jewelry. Some stores even insure jewelry against loss or theft.
Take the steps to inhibit its tarnishing. Remove your jewelry if you plan on spending time in or near water. Water can cause some metals to lose their luster or to become tarnished or rusty. A very light coating of clear nail varnish can be applied to some jewelry, and this will add an additional line of protection against the elements.
Costume Jewelry
Costume jewelry needs special care. Many embellishments on costume jewelry are only secured with glue rather than set into the piece. Therefore, you shouldn’t get costume jewelry wet or expose it to harsh chemicals. To properly care for it you need to use a cloth dampened with warm water. After wiping make sure to use another cloth to thoroughly dry it. Doing so will keep your jewelry looking its best for life.
Properly-maintained jewelry is very valuable, not just financially but also sentimentally. If you know how to properly care for your jewelery, you will be taking care of memories you will have for many years. Educate yourself with the information available about caring for your jewelry and you will enjoy it for many years.