What jewelry represents is almost as interesting as actually wearing it. Jewelry captures happy occasions and special events, giving tribute to relationships between those that buy the jewelry and those that receive it. By knowing more about jewelry, and the buying and selling process in particular, you will find the purchase of each piece a rewarding and memorable experience.
Polish your jewelry regularly with a jeweler’s polishing cloth. These cloths can replace the need for chemicals or solvents during the process. Use the dual-sided cloth on your jewelry just as you would clean a glass. One side is designed to polish, and the other is used to make the piece shine.
Sterling Silver
Take a magnet and a keen eye with you when you head out to purchase any jewelry made from sterling silver. Imitations will be attracted to your magnet. This is an easy way to recognize quality. Sterling silver will always be hallmarked with a stamp such as .925, ster. or sterling. If there is no marking on the piece, it may not be sterling silver.
Every piece of jewelry should last you a life-time. When choosing your next piece of jewelry, be sure to deal with a reputable dealer to ensure you attain a high-quality piece. High-quality jewelry is durable and displays excellent craftsmanship. The jeweler should be able to give you a history on the piece, like who crafted it and where the stones came from if there are any. Put effort into your choice, so you can be sure that the piece will last generations.
Compare lots of diamonds before you settle on one to buy. Take a good look at all the pieces that you like, examining them and comparing them to each other. There are many ways to make a diamond look better than it really is.
Observe them and see what jewelry pieces the happen to be wearing, such as necklaces, earrings, or rings. Also take note of any metals or stones they seem to prefer. Just paying attention to what they wear now will make buying for them much easier than asking a salesperson.
Study current jewelry trends prior to shopping for a piece. Price a variety of similar items before buying an expensive piece.
Ask about any insurance a jeweler may offer when you are buying jewelry. Then, you will have peace of mind knowing it can be fixed or replaced if anything happens. There are jewelers who offer insurance for misplaced or lost jewelry, too.
If you wish to keep a piece of jewelry looking fantastic, preventing it from tarnishing is important. Try to keep your jewelry away from water. A lot of metals will rust, tarnish or dull when they come in contact with water. To give jewelry an added layer of protection apply a thin layer of clear nail lacquer.
Costume Jewelry
Costume jewelry requires specific care. Many of the components of costume jewelry are glued into their settings rather than held in with prongs or other more permanent methods. Costume jewelry should never be submerged in liquid, nor cleaned with chemicals. The best way to maintain your costume jewelry is to use a moist, warm cloth first, then dry it off with another cloth. This helps keep costume jewelry looking sparkling clean and new.
If you are buying jewelry for someone who values her individuality, find a one-of-a-kind piece or commission a piece designed specifically for her. A unique ring, necklace or bracelet conveys respect for and appreciation of the recipient’s creativity and personality.
If you are selling jewelry on the Internet, you should present these pieces as attractively as possible. As the potential buyer cannot physically touch the piece, this is important so that the jewelry is presented in its best light. Take your jewelry photographs in a manner that focuses only on the piece, not anything in the background, and keep the background very plain.
Both steam and dry saunas are included. Both heat and moisture will damage your jewelery.
Try to purchase sets of jewelry as a gift for someone. You can easily get a set of jewelery at a good price. If you purchase a necklace and earring set, you can gift the necklace on one occasion and the earrings on another. This way you can have a gift ready for someone months in advance and know that they will like it.
You get more than an investment when you acquire jewelry; you get a special memory. Jewelry symbolizes many things in the human journey; past, present and future.
