You must know what you’re doing or do the research prior to shopping for jewelry in order to make a good purchase. Jewelry buying can be an overwhelming process for beginners.
Polishing Cloth
Polish your jewelry regularly with a jeweler’s polishing cloth. This is a very easy way to make them shine and not have to use any type of chemicals or solvents. Polish your jewelry with a two-sided polishing cloth as you might buff a lovely glass. One side is designed to polish, and the other is used to make the piece shine.
For example, you should never use bleach, turpentine, or ammonia on your jewelry. This can cause the stones to lose their luster in addition to eating away the enamel on any of the pieces.
Store your jewelry carefully. Jewelry should be stored in an organized way in a box, a jewelry holder or hung on hooks. Do not ever just throw them in a pile. This can hurt very fragile jewelry, and tangle necklaces or bracelets.
Sterling Silver
If you are looking to purchase sterling silver jewelry make sure that you have a magnet with you and a good eye. Jewelry made with non-precious metals will be attracted to the magnet, revealing any fakes. Your sterling silver jewelery should always be imprinted if it is real. The stamp may read “.925” or “ster”. If a particular piece is not stamped, you should be cautious of its authenticity.
Ask about any insurance a jeweler may offer when you are buying jewelry. Many stores offer a policy where you can bring broken or damaged jewelry back to the original jeweler for repair at little to no cost. You can even find insurance on jewelry pieces that were stolen or misplaced.
If you want to maintain the look of your jewelry, you should prevent it from becoming tarnished. Exposure to water can affect the finish, so avoid it. Many of the metals become tarnished, rusty or dull when they get exposed to the elements of water. Clear nail polish, applied in a thin coat, can give jewelry some added protection.
Test it out by wearing it yourself; you don’t want to give a piece that will be uncomfortable or awkward for the recipient. In this way, you will be able to tell if the item will withstand normal wear.
As this article helped point out, to get the pieces of jewelry that are profitable and fit your needs, it can take research and patience in order to enjoy success. We have provided you with some great tips that offer a solid starting point. Use them well and you’ll be on the way to successful purchases and sales.
