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. There are dozens of types of materials that are used to make different pieces of jewelry, and they each come with a different price tag. Shop around and research the value of jewelry before making any major purchases. It is easy to overpay when you do not have the proper knowledge. Read this article to get a better idea of what to buy, and what to pay for it.
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. In addition, sterling silver pieces are always stamped with silver hallmarks indicating such factors as the degree of purity, the manufacturer’s symbol, and the date of manufacture. Some of the most common hallmarks are “925, “ster,” “sterling,” and “sterling silver.” If the piece that you are looking at is not hallmarked, this is usually the sign that it is a fake.
Prevent your jewelry from tarnishing so that it keeps looking great. When you are close to water, do not wear your jewelry. If you let some metals get wet too often, they can tarnish, rust or become dull. To protect your jewelry from exposure, apply a single coat of clear nail lacquer to its surface.
Costume Jewelry
If you like to buy costume jewelry, make sure that you examine the condition carefully. Collecting costume jewelry can get expensive, but it is also an investment worth your time, so avoid any pieces that have too many flaws. A piece in good condition will be much more resourceful to you in the future.
Try out the jewelery by wearing it for a period of time, like a day, so you can see whether it’s uncomfortable or doesn’t hang as well as you hoped. You will be able to tell if it will hold up to wear and tear.
Wait until after your makeup is complete and set before putting on jewelry. The grime and dust in makeup are attracted to the jewelry, and if you put on the jewelry before the cosmetics, it can cause the pieces to look dull. It is especially important to keep this in mind when putting on earrings and necklaces.
Before you buy, ask if the gemstone has been treated, and the method for doing so. The various treatments that gems are given means that they need to be cared for differently. For example, you should avoid cleaning a gem that has been treated with a certain solution that could peel off the treatment because this could harm the gem.
Now that you know these things, you’ll have a much easier time buying rings, earrings, bracelets, watches, and other jewelry items. Keep this advice in mind to save some money and time next time you go jewelry shopping.