While it can be fun to shop for jewelry, things can get stressful when you are in the market for an expensive item of jewelry. Each piece’s price depends on the materials it is made out of. For example, a perfect diamond set into a pure gold ring will be far more expensive than a fake diamond setting in a gold-tinted ring, made out of cheap metal. Buyers who have not educated themselves about jewelry may end up paying too much money for what they get. Read this article for tips on how to purchase jewelry wisely.
Polishing Cloth
Try cleaning your jewelry collection with a polishing cloth. A polishing cloth is a very gentle way to get a good shine on all your pieces. Use the dual-sided cloth to gently buff your jewelry as you would a delicate glass. One side is designed to polish, and the other is used to make the piece shine.
When you are shopping for jewelry in sterling silver, be sure to examine the piece closely, and take along a magnet for metal testing. Imitations will be attracted to your magnet. This is an easy way to recognize quality. True sterling sliver always has some sort of hallmark stamp on it, such as .925, sterling or ster. Silver jewelry that lacks a hallmark may be a fake or composed of other metals.
What color gold do they seem to favor – white or yellow? Do they normally wear a bracelet? What type of earrings do they prefer – drop and dangle or studs? Take a mental note of this important information. By doing this you should have a good idea what to buy them.
Keep your jewelry from tarnishing as best as you can. Keep your jewelry away from water. Some metals will tarnish, dull or rust when exposed to water or perspiration. Clear nail polish can be used to protect your jewelry if you apply a very thin coat of it on your pieces.
Costume Jewelry
If you want to collect costume jewelry, concentrate on getting quality peices. Quality costume jewelry may cost more, but a cheaply made piece will fall apart and will quickly become unusable. Jewelry that’s in good repair can be a much better investment.
Consider stones when you are buying jewelry. The stone will look best on you if it is complementary to your skin tone, eye, and hair color. Neutral colored stones will work well with any outfit in your closet. It’s a waste of time buying something that you won’t wear regularly.
Research the proper methods for cleaning your jewelry. Metals, gemstones and settings all have different storage and cleaning requirements. Along the same lines, enhancing different stones and settings requires you to take different steps. When in doubt about the right way to maintain your jewelry, just ask a professional jeweler.
Whatever type of jewelry you are planning to buy, be sure to research it properly. You will now know the key to success having read this article. Keep this advice in mind to save some money and time next time you go jewelry shopping.