Many people feel intimidated when first investing in jewelry. Jewelry is made of many different kinds of metals, gems, and so on. The choice of materials affects the cost of the item. Without the proper knowledge, a shopper risks paying too much for a piece. Learn to make smart jewelry purchases with these pointers.
Don’t use things that contain harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, acetone or turpentine, to clean your jewelry. You can turn your stones this way and it will eat away the enamel on the pieces.
Precious Metals
Keep your jewelry stored somewhere that is free from humidity or air. Ideally, you should keep them in drawstring bags or in a jewelry box. Air and humidity can cause the metals that the jewelry are made of to tarnish. While precious metals can be polished back to their original luster, non-precious metals are only coated in which case polishing causes the copper metal underneath to show through.
Having a good eye to catch the details, and a magnet, are key when you are considering the purchase of any type of sterling silver jewelry. Take the magnet with you to find fake pieces of jewelery, sterling silver will not stick to the magnet. Also, look to make sure that silver is hallmarked and stamped with .925, sterling or ster. If you cannot find a stamp, you might be looking at a cheap imitation.
Before buying a new item of jewelry, do a little research on recent trends. If there is one thing better than finding the perfect, most heart-stopping bauble, it would be snagging the piece at a wonderful price!
Costume Jewelry
Remember that even costume jewelry needs careful attention. Costume jewelry is generally bound by glue rather than settings and is therefore, a lot more fragile. Don’t immerse costume jewelry in water, and never wash costume jewelery pieces with harsh chemicals. It is best to have two cloths ready, one warm with water and one dry, to use to wipe your jewelry. This will make your costume jewelry sparkle for weeks, months, or even years.
Putting on jewelry only after you have put on makeup and fixed your hair will keep it from being exposed to chemicals that could tarnish it. Your jewelry attracts dust and particles from cosmetics; if you apply makeup after you put on your jewelry, the particles will make it look dull. It is especially important to keep this in mind when putting on earrings and necklaces.
Be careful when untangling your delicate necklaces. It’s easy to give up on some knotted metal mass; however, you should instead use plastic wrap. Put the chain on the wrap, then pour on a bit of mineral oil or baby oil. Do the untangling yourself with a pair of needles. Wash with dish soap and pat dry.
Have a purpose in mind for a piece of jewelry before you buy it. You want to ensure that you purchase a piece of jewelry that you will actually wear. When you are picking the jewelry out, think about the clothes you will be wearing.
The cut, color and clarity of a diamond can make a bigger impression than size alone. Also, keep in mind the personality of the person you are giving the diamond to.
You should have a better understanding of what a good jewelery purchase is. Make sure you follow these tips next time you need jewelery. You’ll be able to save both time and money when you follow the advice you’ve learned here.