The concept of jewelry is nearly as beautiful as physical pieces of jewelry are themselves. Jewelry gives material form to memories and acts as a symbol of important relationships, such as engagements and marriages. Learning more about all kinds of jewelry can help you preserve your memories and having more rewarding buying and selling experiences.
Make sure you organize your jewelry properly. A better idea is to keep the pieces separate by using boxes, hooks, compartments or holders. Never simply throw piles of jewelry in a box. Fragile jewelry could easily be damaged by doing this, not to mention the nuisance of having to untangle necklace chains that could get caught together.
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. Tarnish is a chemical reaction that happens when silver and other metals are exposed to moisture and air. You can restore the precious metals back to their former glory, but plated jewelry is different. Trying to polish those pieces can reveal the non-precious metals underneath, such as copper.
When you are shopping for jewelry in sterling silver, be sure to examine the piece closely, and take along a magnet for metal testing. When you do this, you become able to find fake pieces of any type of sterling jewelry. You can use the magnet because non-precious metals actually are attracted by magnets. You can generally tell genuine sterling silver by its stamp, which will look something like “.925 ster.” Be wary of jewelery without any kind of hallmark, as often it is fake.
When you are shopping for a diamond, make sure to shop around and compare. Get up close to inspect the diamond carefully. Make a comparison with other pieces you have looked at. You should be aware that there are many deceptive people trying to sell jewelry; therefore, it is essential to learn and understand what is involved when selecting a new diamond.
Inquire about insurance for your jewelry when you purchase it from a jeweler. You want to know if they will be able to repair or replace the piece if it was to break. In some cases, insurance policies will cover lost, misplaced or stolen pieces.
Make sure you look into the history of your gemstone, especially if it was treated at all. Depending on the type of treatment used, the piece will require varying types of care. You can easily damage your gem, stripping the former treatment off, by cleaning it with the wrong solution.
Baby Oil
Learn how to unravel a knotted necklace, even one with delicate loops. It is tempting to throw in the towel against knotted metal, but plastic wrap should be reached for instead. Put the tangled necklace onto the plastic wrap, then pour a little mineral oil or baby oil onto the piece. You can use needles to unravel them. Then wash off the baby oil or mineral oil with dish soap, and then pat dry.
When making a jewelry purchase, be aware of what you plan to do with it. There is nothing worse than a box full of unloved jewelry. Think about your most-worn wardrobe pieces when choosing jewelry.
Each piece of jewelry bought, sold or owned will hold a little spot in your memories for the years ahead. Jewelry can symbolize a memorable moment or a hope for the future.