When you think of jewelry, what images or ideas come to mind? Can you identify the diverse qualities and characteristics of different pieces? You will also learn the difference between man-made or lab created gem and natural gems. Read these tips to find out a few simple things you will want to know when exploring the world of jewelry.
Precious Metals
Make sure to store your jewelry away from humidity and air. To protect your jewelry it is important to secure it in a small bag with a drawstring, or in a jewelry box that remains closed a majority of the time. Certain metals begin to tarnish when exposed to humidity. Precious metals are able to be polished and retain their luster, but the non-precious metals have a coat, and polishing will cause the metal under it to show through.
To distinguish between real and fake, bring a magnet when you shop for sterling silver jewelry. 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. There should be a stamp hallmarked that says something like .925 sterling or ster, on sterling silver Be wary of jewelery without any kind of hallmark, as often it is fake.
Find out more about the gems you look at. Ask about where they came from and to which category they belong. The three different types of stones are natural, imitation and synthetic. Natural and synthetic gemstones are both actual gemstones, while an imitation gemstone is just a plastic mold made to look like a gemstone. Natural gems are dug up from the ground, and synthetic gems are man-made in a lab.
A piece of jewelry should be long lasting. Choose reputable jewelry dealers when considering your next jewelry purchase. You can tell when jewelry is of high quality, due to the excellent craftsmanship. Your jeweler should have all the information on the piece, including where it came from and who created it. Investing in a high-quality jewelry piece ensures that you will have a timeless item that will be just as wearable in 20 years as it is today.
Pay attention if they usually wear studs or hoop earrings, white gold or yellow, and any other typical jewelry that they wear. This will give you a good idea of where to start when purchasing that special item.
You need to pay attention to care and maintenance if you intend to build up a costume jewelry collection. A piece that isn’t in very good condition won’t be worth it, and since you may be thinking of an expensive item as an investment, it’s important to watch for wear and tear. An item in good condition holds its value better in the long run.
Keep these tips in mind whenever you go shopping for jewelry. Make the most of every jewelry purchase by knowing how to identify a great piece and a great deal. Having a good taste in jewelry is all about education and exposure to this art.