It can be well worth your while to thoroughly research any jewelry you are planning to buy or sell. You may be uncertain where to start.
Use a polishing cloth for all of your jewelry pieces. These cloths can replace the need for chemicals or solvents during the process. Use a two-sided cloth to simply polish your jewelry as if it were composed of glass. First you should use the polish side, then use the shining side to really make your jewelry look stunning!
Don’t use harsh chemicals like turpentine or bleach to clean jewelry. These chemicals can wreak havoc on your jewelry, from discoloring bands, to dulling stones, to eroding enamel or glue.
Sterling Silver
If you are shopping for sterling silver jewelry, you’ll need a magnet and an eye for the real thing. If an item of jewelry is attracted by a magnet, it is not sterling silver! Only non-precious metals can be drawn to a magnet. Also, look to make sure that silver is hallmarked and stamped with .925, sterling or ster. If there is no hallmark, watch its authenticity since it may be fake.
Jewelry should last for years to come. Choose reputable jewelry dealers when considering your next jewelry purchase. Quality jewelry will be constructed to last, and show a fine attention to detail. Ask the jeweler what the origin of the piece is, like the maker and the origin of the stones. It is important to choose a high-quality piece to ensure that your jewelry will last a lifetime.
Take note of whether they wear hoop earrings or studs, yellow gold or white gold, an ankle bracelet, etc. Noticing these things lets you choose jewelry more suited to their tastes.
If you want to start a costume jewelry collection, it is important to be aware of the pieces’ condition. If you do not maintain the piece, it will depreciate in value. A piece that is free of any defects or wear not only looks better, but is also a better investment.
Have a unique piece of jewelry made for the special person on your gift list. You want the piece to match the person; unique people deserve unique jewelry.
If you put on your jewelry only after you have put on your makeup, you will have to clean it less. Dust from your makeup can end up on your jewelry, and this can make it look dull. This applies to necklaces and earrings more than anything else.
Always keep an eye on sales when you’re looking to acquire some new jewelry pieces. Jewelry sales offer big savings. Scope out the sales in every store you can find. Buying styles that are going out of fashion can be a huge money saver, even getting up to 50% off.
When you list jewelry for sale online, make sure you present it in the best possible way. A nice photo and description is essential since your online customer will not be able to see the piece in person. Photograph jewelry in a setting that concentrates the viewer’s attention solely on the jewelry; avoid distracting backgrounds.
The cut, color and clarity of a diamond can make a bigger impression than size alone. Keep the individual you are buying the diamond for in mind.
Before you purchase a diamond ring, necklace or bracelet, shop around and compare your options. Each diamond is unique with its own individual flaws. When you see the diamond in person, the flaws, of course, can become much less important. Jewelers have some flexibility with the price depending on the severity of the flaws. You can make the most of your investment if you take the time to comparison shop and hunt down the best diamond that falls within your price range.
Try to purchase sets of jewelry as a gift for someone. Most jewelers offer special deals on jewelry when it is bought in sets, rather than each piece individually. You can split up the set and give the loved one a piece of jewelry as each holiday comes around. It will not only ensure you will always have a gift ready, it will also show the person that you care a lot about them.
An important part of your necklace or bracelet is having a quality clasp. Weak clasps put your expensive pieces of jewelry at risk of loss. For especially valuable necklaces and bracelets, adding a safety clasp to the piece is a good way to safeguard them. It is common to have two or three clasps for expensive jewelry.
You should never wear your jewelry while swimming. The chlorine in pool water will corrode your jewelry and remove its shine. Even ocean swimming is not good for jewelry. The salt is damaging. Your jewelry will last longer and stay more lustrous if you remember to take it off before getting into the water.
Learning how to make informed decisions on the buying and selling of jewelry takes time and effort. Use the information you’ve learned in this article to make successful jewelry acquisitions.