You need to have knowledge of jewelry care regardless of how you acquire it; you should also maintain a basic familiarity with buying and selling trends so you make the best choices with the pieces you have or are considering purchasing. This article will provide you with tips and tricks to get the most from your jewelry shopping time and efforts.
When shopping for genuine sterling silver jewelry, you need both a discerning eye and a small magnet. You can tell if a piece of silver is sterling or not by using a magnet. Sterling will not react to the magnet, but non-precious metals will be attracted. Also, look to make sure that silver is hallmarked and stamped with .925, sterling or ster. If the piece you’re inspecting doesn’t carry such a mark, be careful, as it is likely a fake.
Be sure that you understand the kind of gemstone that is in the jewelry that you are purchasing. Gems can be natural, imitation or synthetic. While natural and synthetic stones are the real deal, imitation stones are made to look like a real gemstone, but could be anything from colored glass to plastic. Natural gems are those that are actually from the earth, whereas synthetic ones are made in labs.
Jewelry should last for years to come. Whenever you buy jewelry, make sure you go to a reliable, experienced dealer, so you know you’re getting an outstanding piece of jewelry. Quality jewelry will be constructed to last, and show a fine attention to detail. The jeweler that you purchase the item from should give you the history of the piece, as far as who made it, and, if there are stones on the item, where they came from. You need to buy quality jewelry so that you can pass it down as an heirloom.
When you are shopping for a diamond, make sure to shop around and compare. See what you like up close, and then compare it to other pieces that you look at. There are ways to hide some of a diamond’s imperfections, so be very particular about each one you view.
Jewelry that is well-cared for is important, both for its monetary worth and its sentimental value. You can protect your jewelry by understanding how to care for your jewelry. Educate yourself with the information available about caring for your jewelry and you will enjoy it for many years.