It takes a lot of homework to buy or sell jewelery and get the most out of it. This can make it hard to know where to start.
When you are shopping for jewelry in sterling silver, be sure to examine the piece closely, and take along a magnet for metal testing. Magnets attract non-precious metals, and you can use this fact to detect fakes. Also, look to make sure that silver is hallmarked and stamped with .925, sterling or ster. Silver jewelry that lacks a hallmark may be a fake or composed of other metals.
Identify the kind of stone in every piece you consider. The types of gems available are synthetic, imitation and natural. Synthetic and natural are real stones, while the imitation ones are plastic that is colored. The difference here, however, is that synthetic is man-made in a laboratory while natural is found buried in the earth.
For jewelry to stay shiny and new-looking, it is important to keep it from tarnishing. Try to keep your jewelry away from water. Many of the metals become tarnished, rusty or dull when they get exposed to the elements of water. Apply clear nail polish to your jewelery as an added protection.
Take careful consideration when thinking of how you want to care for the jewelry you purchase. Every metal, setting, and stone has different requirements when it comes to care. A technique that is effective for one type of stone or metal may actually cause damage to another. Talk with a professional if you aren’t sure what sort of care each jewel requires.
Watch for jewelry sales if you’re in the mood to shop. You can save big money with the right sale. Check ads in the newspaper, on the Internet, and in stores for the best deals. You could get great jewelry at discounts close to 50%, especially when it comes to styles that are being phased out.
When you list jewelry for sale online, make sure you present it in the best possible way. Handling jewelry often helps the customer make up his mind but this is not possible with online transactions. Don’t let the background overwhelm the picture.
A diamond’s cut and clarity are often times more important than how big it is. Most important of all, make sure that the piece you choose complements the nature of the intended receiver.
Be sure to shop around when buying diamond jewelry. All diamonds are unique and will have different types of imperfections. Seeing a diamond in person will help you determine whether you can accept a given imperfection. Also, jewelers can adjust prices based on a specific diamond’s particular condition. Comparison shop between various jewelers to locate the best diamond in the price range that you can afford.
As you can see, it does indeed require some knowledge and effort for both the buying and selling of jewelry. This article has provided you with important techniques to ensure your success.