If you are searching for a valuable piece of jewelry, it adds an element of stress to the fun. There are many different types of materials used to make jewelry, and they are all worth varying amounts of money. When a shopper is lacking the knowledge to recognize the appropriate prices for the different materials, they may pay much more than necessary. Read on for some tips on becoming a jewelry shopping pro.
Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia and acetone that may permanently damage your jewelry. These chemicals can wreak havoc on your jewelry, from discoloring bands, to dulling stones, to eroding enamel or glue.
Precious Metals
Some precious metals and gems need to be kept away from moisture and humidity. A box designed especially for jewelry gives the best protection, but a cloth bag can also work. When non-precious and precious metals are expose to air and humidity, they tend to tarnish. It is possible to polish precious metals, but polishing non-precious metals will damage the coating, which makes the copper that metal was covering show.
Good jewelry will last a lifetime. When buying jewelry, only buy from dealers with good reputations, so that you don’t buy a piece that seems durable, but really isn’t. A truly high-quality piece is one that is well-constructed and of superior workmanship. The jeweler you buy it from should be providing you with a provenance on the piece. Details of where it came from, what it is made from and who made it. When you choose a piece of jewelry that is high in quality, it can become a heirloom that will last forever.
When you are shopping for diamonds, there are ways to compare the stones. View the piece you are currently considering closely and then compare it against some other pieces that are in the running. However, be mindful that there are fraudulent ways to make the diamond look better than it is.
Before purchasing a new pieces, look at the latest jewelry trends. The only thing that can make picking out a fantastic piece of jewelry better is if you get it at a discount.
When purchasing jewelry from a respected jeweler, inquire as to whether they offer an insurance policy. 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. Sometimes you can even get replacement coverage for loss or theft.
Costume Jewelry
Costume jewelry needs special care. Many of the components of costume jewelry are glued into their settings rather than held in with prongs or other more permanent methods. Do not dip your jewelery in chemicals that may harm them. Use a damp cloth, then dry it with another clean, dry cloth. This keeps costume jewelry looking its best.
Whether it is a ring, watch or a beautiful new bracelet, you can use the advice in the article above to buy your next piece of jewelry with confidence. Not only are you going to save yourself some time, but you also are going to save quite a few dollars by following the tips and tricks in this article.
