How to approach purchasing and caring for jewelry can be confusing for anyone that is not a professional. Jewelry has been an important part of the human condition for so long, but where can you even start looking for the right things to learn about it? This article will provide you with guidance on researching jewelry, and this information can help you make good purchases.
Harsh chemicals and solvents can damage the finish of your jewelry and should never be used to clean it. These chemicals can turn stones dull and even erode the enamel.
A magnet is a useful tool when shopping for jewelry in sterling silver. Imitations will be attracted to your magnet. This is an easy way to recognize quality. You will always find a hallmark stamp such as “.925” or “STER.” on genuine sterling, or alternately, it might simply say, “STERLING”. If you don’t see such a mark, you might want to reconsider the purchase. This is usually an indication that the piece is fake.
When you are shopping for a diamond, make sure to shop around and compare. Find a few reference pieces that you like, and see if other diamonds can do better. Be careful of tricks that jewelers use to make a diamond look bigger or better.
Before purchasing a piece of jewelry, be sure to ask the jeweler about insurance policies. That way, if something were to happen to your jewelry, you can easily bring it back to the jeweler who will fix or replace it. Some stores even insure jewelry against loss or theft.
Keep your jewelry from getting tarnished to preserve its best appearance. If possible, remove your jewelry if you are around water. Many of the metals become tarnished, rusty or dull when they get exposed to the elements of water. Use a thinner coat of your clear nail polish on your jewelry for extra protection.
If you want to purchase new jewelry, watch for discounts or sales. You could save a lot of money if you take the time to look for better prices. Check ads in the newspaper, on the Internet, and in stores for the best deals. You can occasionally get fading fashion styles for a fraction of their original prices.
Be careful when untangling your delicate necklaces. It’s easy to give up on some knotted metal mass; however, you should instead use plastic wrap. After you place the necklace on top of the wrap, cover it in baby oil. If the jewelry is tangled and knotted, try using needles to unknot the strands. Use ordinary dish soap to remove the mineral oil and let dry.
When you want to sell jewelry on the Internet, you should try to show it off in an attractive way. This is extra important because the customer can not handle jewelry with an online transaction. Take your jewelry photographs in a manner that focuses only on the piece, not anything in the background, and keep the background very plain.
By now you understand there are many amazing details regarding jewelry. However, if you conduct your research properly, you can ensure that the pieces you purchase are of the highest quality, and that the way you care for them will keep them beautiful for many years to come. Jewelry is a fun and exciting world of its own. The advice above should be a valuable stepping stone for beginning your quest.