Whether you have inherited jewelry, bought a piece for yourself or received one as a gift, the world of jewelry can be a little confusing. Where do you begin to look for information on this praiseworthy human tradition? This article includes tips written to make you a more informed customer.
Polishing Cloth
Clean all of your jewelry with a polishing cloth. A polishing cloth is a very gentle way to get a good shine on all your pieces. Use the dual-sided cloth on your jewelry just as you would clean a glass. First you should use the polish side, then use the shining side to really make your jewelry look stunning!
When shopping for genuine sterling silver jewelry, you need both a discerning eye and a small magnet. If the piece you are examining is not silver and is made from non-precious metal, it will be attracted to the magnet. Look for the hallmark stamped on the piece of jewelry to determine what percentage sterling silver it is. If the piece is not hallmarked in any way, be leery of its authenticity because oftentimes it is a sign of a fake.
Knowing what type of jewel you are buying when you purchase jewelry is very important. There are different types of gems, including imitation, natural and lab produced. Natural gems and synthetic gems are real gemstones, whereas imitation is just an item of plastic with gemstone colors. Natural stones are mined, and synthetic stones are created in a laboratory.
Before you buy a new piece of jewelry, look at what the current trends are. One of the few things that can enhance the appeal of a lovely piece of jewelry is knowing that it came at a great discount!
When you purchase jewelry from a jeweler, ask about their insurance policy. If your jewelry gets damaged or broken, you can come back to the store and have it repaired or replaced. There are some jewelers that will also have insurance plans for pieces that get lost or stolen.
Costume Jewelry
Make careful note of the condition of costume jewelry you wish to collect. Costume jewelry, while expensive, can be a great investment. However, if a piece shows wear it will lose value. Pieces that are in great shape will fetch you better prices down the road, should you choose to sell them.
Test it out by wearing it yourself; you don’t want to give a piece that will be uncomfortable or awkward for the recipient. This can also help you see whether the piece is durable enough to last.
Costume jewelry does require some special care. These pieces are often put together with glue, which does not last as long as other methods. Don’t let them go under water or clean them with strong chemicals, or you could dissolve the glue. Wiping your jewelry off with with a slightly dampened cloth and then wiping it dry is usually sufficient to keep it clean. This helps keep costume jewelry looking sparkling clean and new.
If your gemstone was treated, you should know about it before you purchase it. It is important to understand the varying treatment processes because each one requires a specific care regimen. For example, you would not want to use a jewelry cleaner that is incompatible with a certain type of treatment. Doing so could result in irreversible damages to the color and surface of the stone.
There are many different aspects of jewelry to learn about. If you research your purchases properly, you can know that the jewelry you buy will last a lifetime. When you first start out with jewelry, it is like a whole other world, and it is one flush with excitement and beauty. The tips that you’ve just been given will help you find your way through this vast and wonderful world.