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. When a shopper is lacking the knowledge to recognize the appropriate prices for the different materials, they may pay much more than necessary. Learn to make smart jewelry purchases with these pointers.
Use a polishing cloth for all of your jewelry pieces. This method ensures your jewelry stays shiny without having to use any chemical cleansers or solvents. All you do is polish it like you would a glass with the two-sided cloth. Use the side of the cloth that is designed for polishing to remove fingerprints, dust and other surface imperfections, and then use the opposite side to buff the jewelry and make it gleam.
Sterling Silver
If you are looking to purchase sterling silver jewelry make sure that you have a magnet with you and a good eye. You can tell if a piece of silver is sterling or not by using a magnet. Sterling will not react to the magnet, but non-precious metals will be attracted. Another way to tell if a metal is sterling silver is to check for a hallmark stamp, for example .sterling, .ster, or .925. If there is no hallmark, the piece is probably not authentic and may, indeed, be counterfeit.
Every piece of jewelry should last you a life-time. It is important to invest in a quality piece of jewelry, so only work with respected and reputable jewelers. High quality jewelry is well-crafted and made of exceptional materials. The jeweler must be able to provide a history of the piece. This will tell you who made the piece, and where the components came from. This way, you can ensure you are paying a fair price. Put effort into your choice, so you can be sure that the piece will last generations.
Pay attention to the type of metal they wear, such as white gold or yellow gold. Also notice if your loved one usually wears hoops or studs. This information will allow you to purchase that special piece that they will treasure for life.
Costume Jewelry
Costume jewelry needs special care. That’s because a lot of the costume settings are not set-in; they have usually been glued. 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 keeps dirt from building up and making your jewelry look dull.
For a gift that is as unique as its recipient, look for handcrafted or customized pieces. If you buy something that will go along with their personality it will show them you thought about them!
A brooch will add an interesting aspect to the belt. Place the brooch close to your hip or in the middle of your waist.
Even knotted necklaces with delicate loops can be untangled. While it can be frustrating untangling metal necklaces, consider using plastic wrap. Place your necklace on the wrap and put baby oil or mineral oil on it. Try using needles to start untangling it. Next, use dish soap to clean the piece. Finish by using a soft cloth to pat it dry.
Whether you’re shopping for a ring, watch, necklace or other piece, you should now be better equipped to make wise purchasing decisions. Keep this advice in mind in order to save both time and money when buying jewelry.