The history and uses of jewelry are as fascinating as the array of styles and materials used in the designs themselves. Jewelry captures happy occasions and special events, giving tribute to relationships between those that buy the jewelry and those that receive it. Expanding your knowledge about jewelry can make the buying and selling experience become more rewarding.
Try using a simple polishing cloth on your jewelery collection. A polishing cloth is a very gentle way to get a good shine on all your pieces. Polish your jewelry with a two-sided polishing cloth as you might buff a lovely glass. Polish jewelry with one side of the cloth, then flip it over and shine jewelry with the other side.
You never want to use bleach, ammonia, or any other cleaning solvents that are not designed specifically for cleaning jewelry. This can cause your stones to turn and dull in color, along with eating away any enamel on the pieces.
Sterling Silver
Bring a magnet when shopping for sterling silver jewelery. Use the magnet to detect fake jewelry; real silver will not be attracted to the magnet, but the cheaper metals will. You will always find a hallmark stamp such as “.925” or “STER.” on genuine sterling, or alternately, it might simply say, “STERLING”. If there is no marking on the piece, it may not be sterling silver.
Do some price comparisons before you commit to buying a piece of diamond jewelry. Start by finding what you like, and then begin comparing it with other pieces. Less-scrupulous jewelry sellers have many ways to enhance the appearance of a sub-par diamond, so you have to stay alert.
See what types of earrings they wear, what color, if they wear ankle bracelets, etc. This way, you know where you should start when buying a gift.
Before purchasing a new pieces, look at the latest jewelry trends. If there is one thing better than a beautiful piece of jewelry, it’s finding that jewelry at a great price!
Find out what the ideal methods are for maintaining each piece of jewelry you own. Not all types of jewelry can be cleaned in the same manner. Something that may help one piece of jewelry might hurt another one. If you can’t find information about caring for a specific piece of jewelry, consult a trusted jeweler.
You will need to take special care when you are buying costume jewelery! Costume settings are often glued-in as compared to set-in. Avoid using harsh chemicals on these pieces, and do not immerse them. Use a gentle cloth, like microfiber, to clean it. One wet, then another, dry. This will ensure that your costume jewelry looks perfect.
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! You want the piece to match the person; unique people deserve unique jewelry.
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. It is important to understand the varying treatment processes because each one requires a specific care regimen. You want to avoid unknowingly cleaning the gem with a chemical or solution that could strip off the protective treatment.
To most people, jewelry symbolizes more than just a monetary investment, it symbolizes a memory which is truly priceless. Every piece of jewelry has a story, one that is laden with happiness, hope or love.
