It doesn’t matter whether you are purchasing jewelry for loved ones or yourself. It’s important that you know the proper methods of purchasing, selling, and caring for your jewelry. This article will teach you how to save money when buying jewelry and care for it effectively.
You can keep the jewelry in your collection sparkling by using a special polishing cloth. A polishing cloth is a very gentle way to get a good shine on all your pieces. Use the dual-sided cloth to gently buff your jewelry as you would a delicate glass. First use the polishing side, and finish with the other side to make it shine.
Don’t keep your jewelry in open air or someplace with a lot of humidity. A jewelry box or drawstring bag out of a humid area is ideal. Precious, as well as non-precious metals, will tarnish if they are exposed to humidity and air over time. Precious metals are able to be polished and retain their luster, but the non-precious metals have a coat, and polishing will cause the metal under it to show through.
Sterling Silver
If you are shopping unmarked sterling silver jewelry, then by all means bring a magnet. Imitations will be attracted to your magnet. This is an easy way to recognize quality. In addition, sterling silver pieces are always stamped with silver hallmarks indicating such factors as the degree of purity, the manufacturer’s symbol, and the date of manufacture. Some of the most common hallmarks are “925, “ster,” “sterling,” and “sterling silver.” If the piece you’re inspecting doesn’t carry such a mark, be careful, as it is likely a fake.
Ask the jeweler what type of insurance is available for your purchase. In the unfortunate, but possible event that your jewelry gets damaged, the jeweler will be able to replace or fix it for you. For more expensive pieces, look for a jeweler that offers insurance for lost or stolen items.
Prevent your jewelry from tarnishing so that it keeps looking great. Keep your jewelry away from water. Many pieces can become rusty, tarnished or dull when they are exposed to water. You can give your jewelry an additional layer of protection by applying a thin coat of clear nail polish to it.
Wear jewelry for at least a day to see if it hangs correctly and is comfortable. It will also allow you to test the piece’s durability.
Costume Jewelry
You need to take special care of costume jewelry. Many of their settings are glued instead of set. Never immerse your costume jewelry or use harsh chemicals on it. To properly care for it you need to use a cloth dampened with warm water. After wiping make sure to use another cloth to thoroughly dry it. This will help your costume jewelry to continue looking great.
When you are buying jewelery for someone who is very different or eccentric, try going to a jeweler that will make you a piece that will fit their personality and add to their flair! This means you have taken the time to think about the gift and make it as personal as possible. Customized jewelery will also help you convey the right message.
Gems are given chemical treatments in the process of cutting, polishing and setting. When you are thinking of buying, ask what treatment a stone was given. You will need to know what type of care it might require as a result of the treatment. You don’t want to clean them with a type of solution that could strip the treatment or damage the gem.
For most people, jewelry has significant monetary and sentimental value. Learn the proper ways to clean and store your jewelry. There is more to it than what you’ve read here, and continuing to learn can help you mazimize the wear and value of all your jewelry pieces for years to come.