The concept of jewelry is nearly as beautiful as physical pieces of jewelry are themselves. Jewelery can be an important family heirloom or perhaps be a cherished memory of someone you love. When you know more about jewelry and its ability to preserve memories, you will find that even the act of buying and selling can be more enjoyable.
Arm yourself with a magnet and a magnifying glass when shopping for sterling silver jewelry. If an item of jewelry is attracted by a magnet, it is not sterling silver! Only non-precious metals can be drawn to a magnet. True sterling sliver always has some sort of hallmark stamp on it, such as .925, sterling or ster. If you cannot find a stamp, you might be looking at a cheap imitation.
Identify the kind of stone in every piece you consider. A stone may be natural, synthetic or imitation. Natural and synthetic gemstones are both actual gemstones, while an imitation gemstone is just a plastic mold made to look like a gemstone. The only difference between natural and imitation gemstones is where they are made. Natural occur naturally, while synthetic stones are grown in labs.
When you purchase jewelry from a jeweler, ask about their insurance policy. If your jewelry gets damaged or broken, you can come back to the store and have it repaired or replaced. There are some jewelers that will also have insurance plans for pieces that get lost or stolen.
Choose Stones
When buying new jewelry, carefully consider the stones. Choose stones that have a reflection on your personality and that also complement the color of your skin. If your wardrobe is made up of a wide variety of colors, choose stones of a shade that will match whatever you choose to put on. A piece that is hard to wear is not as useful as one that goes with everything.
It is important to think about the most effective methods of jewelry care. The variety of stones, metals and assorted settings will determine the ways in which you care for them. Each piece is individual in its needs so don’t assume what works well for one piece will work well for all. If you’re not sure of how to properly care for your jewelry, seek advice from a reputable jeweler.
Costume jewelry does require some special care. Many pieces of costume jewelry have the stones glued on, for example. Therefore, you shouldn’t get costume jewelry wet or expose it to harsh chemicals. Use a damp cloth, then dry it with another clean, dry cloth. This will ensure that your costume jewelry looks perfect.
Investigate your gemstone to determine if it has been treated before you purchase it, and what type of treatment it had. Care for your gemstone is different, depending on how it was previously treated. You want to avoid putting a solution on jewelry that has been treated, particularly if you do not know whether or not it will hurt the piece.
You get more than an investment when you acquire jewelry; you get a special memory. Whether your jewelry symbolizes happiness from the past or hopes for great times in the future, every piece of jewelry is linked to human emotion.