Jewelry can get confusing whether you bought it yourself, received it as a gift, or inherited a piece. 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? You will find the information you need to become an educated consumer in the article outlined below.
Sterling Silver
To distinguish between real and fake, bring a magnet when you shop for sterling silver jewelry. You are able to detect fake pieces of sterling jewelry with a magnet, as non-precious metals are attracted by the magnet. You can recognize sterling silver by stamps that say ‘.925’ or ‘ster’. If the piece is not hallmarked in any way, be leery of its authenticity because oftentimes it is a sign of a fake.
When you purchase jewelery ensure you know what you are buying. The three types are imitation, synthetic and natural. Natural gems and synthetic gems are real gemstones, whereas imitation is just an item of plastic with gemstone colors. The only difference between natural and imitation gemstones is where they are made. Natural occur naturally, while synthetic stones are grown in labs.
Compare lots of diamonds before you settle on one to buy. Compare the jewelery you like with others that are similar; make sure to examine the pieces closely. Keep an eye out for deceptive tricks to cause you to think a diamond is better than it actually is.
Pay attention to the type of metal they wear, such as white gold or yellow gold. Also notice if your loved one usually wears hoops or studs. Once you are aware of their preferences, you will be in a better position to determine what to buy them.
If you buy jewelry from a jewelry store, ask if they offer insurance. Then, you will have peace of mind knowing it can be fixed or replaced if anything happens. In some instances, you can even insure your jewelry against loss or theft.
Costume Jewelry
Look at the condition of costume jewelry before making a purchase. Costume jewelry can be very expensive and a great investment, but a piece that shows too much wear and tear will not be worth the money or time. Costume pieces kept in great condition will enhance your collection much more over time.
Wear the jewelry piece for a day so that you can get an idea of how comfortable it is and if it hangs right. It will also allow you to test the piece’s durability.
Costume jewelry should be treated differently than your other jewelry. Many pieces of costume jewelry have the stones glued on, for example. For this reason, costume jewelry should never touch water, and you should avoid using detergents on it. Wiping your jewelry off with with a slightly dampened cloth and then wiping it dry is usually sufficient to keep it clean. This will keep your costume jewelry clean and shiny.
If your “giftee” is a unique person, try finding a special piece that is crafted specifically for them. A unique ring, necklace or bracelet conveys respect for and appreciation of the recipient’s creativity and personality.
Apply your makeup before putting on your jewelry. The dust, oils and particles from makeup rub off on jewelry; putting on jewels first means they will get dingy and dull with a film of makeup over them. Especially keep this tip in mind for necklaces or earrings.
Before you buy a gemstone, it is important that you learn about the treatment process it underwent. Gemstone treatment can affect the type of care the piece needs. Some cleaning solutions that work perfectly well on untreated gems can strip off treatments, and even damage stones, if you use them on treated gems.
When you are purchasing diamonds, do some shopping around. No diamond is without its flaws, and every piece is unique. Seeing a diamond in person will help you determine whether you can accept a given imperfection. And each jeweler will set price differently according to flaws. If you are working on a budget, shop around to find a diamond that suits both your preferences and your wallet.
Think about getting a set of jewelry rather than a single piece. Many jewelry stores offer deals on sets of jewelry. Eventually you can split the set up and give someone just one piece of jewelry when a holiday comes around. This is a surefire way to ensure that you are never without a gift for that special someone.
Jewelry is a very large topic, and there are a lot of things to know about it. That said, if you read carefully and know what you are buying, you can pick only the best pieces and care for them properly. Jewelry is a fun and exciting world of its own. These tips should be a useful first step on your journey.