Knowing what jewelry to buy and how to take care of it isn’t something everyone just knows without doing research. With so much information out there, how can you choose what will help you the most? This article contains answers to your everyday jewelry questions and concerns.
Store your jewelry collection carefully. Boxes, holders, compartments, and hooks are all valuable tools for storing jewelry safely. Do not just throw them into piles in a box. This can harm fragile and fine pieces, along with severely tangling necklaces with other pieces.
A magnet is a useful tool when shopping for jewelry in sterling silver. Magnets attract non-precious metals, and you can use this fact to detect fakes. Look for the hallmark stamped on the piece of jewelry to determine what percentage sterling silver it is. If there is no hallmark, watch its authenticity since it may be fake.
Natural Gems
Be sure that you understand the kind of gemstone that is in the jewelry that you are purchasing. Natural gems and imitation gems have been joined recently by synthetic gems, making three main categories. Both synthetic and natural gems are real; however, imitation is simply plastic. Synthetic gems come from a lab and natural ones are found in the ground.
Most jewelry is intended to last for a life time. When buying jewelry, only buy from dealers with good reputations, so that you don’t buy a piece that seems durable, but really isn’t. You should be able to notice a quality piece by its craftsmanship. The jeweler you buy it from should be providing you with a provenance on the piece. Details of where it came from, what it is made from and who made it. A quality item of jewelry will last a lifetime or more, so take the time to do your research.
Have shopping companions when you shop for diamonds. Look at what you like close up, and compare them to other pieces you have seen. Keep an eye out for deceptive tricks to cause you to think a diamond is better than it actually is.
Inquire about insurance for your jewelry when you purchase it from a jeweler. Many stores offer a policy where you can bring broken or damaged jewelry back to the original jeweler for repair at little to no cost. There are jewelers who offer insurance for misplaced or lost jewelry, too.
Keep your jewelry from getting tarnished to preserve its best appearance. Don’t take your jewelry into the water, regardless of whether you are showering or hitting the beach. Metals can become dull, rusty or tarnished if submerged in it. Apply clear nail polish to your jewelery as an added protection.
To preserve the pristine look of your jewelry, apply your make-up first, wait for it to set, then put on your jewelry. Jewelry will get grimy from the makeup as you apply it, attracting dirt that will make it look dull. This applies to necklaces and earrings more than anything else.
If you want to wear and care for jewelry successfully, then it is important to keep your knowledge up to date. You can now spend more time doing, and less time searching for good information, thanks to this article. Apply these tips and you will be successful in buying and taking care of your jewelery.