When you think of jewelry, what images or ideas come to mind? Perhaps you need to question your knowledge about quality pieces and the various types available. This article will give you a better understanding of jewelry. Read this article to expand your jewelry related knowledge.
Steer clear of ammonia, bleach or other strong chemical solvents when you need to clean these items. This can dull your stones and eat away their enamel.
To distinguish between real and fake, bring a magnet when you shop for sterling silver jewelry. Magnets attract non-precious metals, and you can use this fact to detect fakes. True sterling silver will also have a mark on it to indicate its quality, such as “.925” or “ster”. If the piece is not hallmarked in any way, be leery of its authenticity because oftentimes it is a sign of a fake.
When shopping for a diamond, it’s crucial that you do comparisons. View the piece you are currently considering closely and then compare it against some other pieces that are in the running. Be careful of tricks that jewelers use to make a diamond look bigger or better.
Before purchasing a piece of jewelry, be sure to ask the jeweler about insurance policies. Then, you will have peace of mind knowing it can be fixed or replaced if anything happens. Some jewelers even offer insurance for jewelry pieces that have been misplaced or stolen.
Prevent your jewelry from tarnishing so that it keeps looking great. When you are close to water, do not wear your jewelry. Many of the metals become tarnished, rusty or dull when they get exposed to the elements of water. For added protection for your jewelry, try adding a thin coating of clear nail polish.
Costume Jewelry
If you want to start a costume jewelry collection, it is important to be aware of the pieces’ condition. Well-done costume jewelry is often worth the price, but if it’s worn out or visibly damaged, it won’t be worth the effort it takes to restore it. Pieces that are in great shape will fetch you better prices down the road, should you choose to sell them.
Costume jewelry has different, specific care requirements. A fair amount of costume pieces are set with glue. Don’t let them go under water or clean them with strong chemicals, or you could dissolve the glue. Wiping your jewelry off with with a slightly dampened cloth and then wiping it dry is usually sufficient to keep it clean. This will make your costume jewelry sparkle for weeks, months, or even years.
Use these tips whenever you purchase a piece of jewelry for your personal collection or to give as a gift. You might find yourself making more stylish jewelry selections, or even saving big money by recognizing good deals. Anyone can acquire a better taste in jewelry with time and efforts.