Stress can take a lot of the fun out of shopping if you are seeking to purchase a costly jewelry piece. Jewelry is an investment, and you need the right information to help you make the most of your jewelry buying, selling or wearing endeavors. A shopper who hasn’t done their homework can wind up overpaying for a piece. Find out how to make sure you get your money’s worth with the helpful advice in the article below.
Precious Metals
Some precious metals and gems need to be kept away from moisture and humidity. To protect your jewelry it is important to secure it in a small bag with a drawstring, or in a jewelry box that remains closed a majority of the time. Continued exposure to humidity extremes or air causes metals typically used in jewelry to tarnish. You will be able to polish precious metals to remove tarnish, but non-precious metals may lose their coating, showing the copper metal beneath.
A magnet is a useful tool when shopping for jewelry in sterling silver. As a precious metal, silver should never be attracted to a magnet. Sterling silver should always bear a stamp that says Sterling, Ster. or .925. Be wary of pieces that lack any silver hallmarks, as this is an indication that they’re not genuine sterling silver.
When you purchase jewelry, you are investing in an item that will last a lifetime. Always purchase pieces from reputable jewelers in order to make sure you are getting quality pieces. A valuable piece of jewelry will be well-made and feature superior craftsmanship. A credible jeweler should offer a complete history of the piece, including information about the creator and the source of the gemstones. Making sure that it is high-quality will ensure that it lasts forever.
Pay attention to the types, sizes, and colors of jewelry that the person wears. Just paying attention to what they wear now will make buying for them much easier than asking a salesperson.
When you purchase jewelry from a jeweler, ask about their insurance policy. If something happened to your jewelery, you can take it back and see if they will fix it! There are some jewelers that will also have insurance plans for pieces that get lost or stolen.
You should wear the jewelry for a few days to see how it feels and if it is comfortable. You will also find out if your creation is durable enough.
Costume Jewelry
Costume jewelry needs special care. Costume settings are often glued-in as compared to set-in. Therefore, you shouldn’t get costume jewelry wet or expose it to harsh chemicals. Simply wipe it with a damp warm cloth, followed by a soft, dry cloth. This will ensure that all of your costume jewelry looks like it did the day you bought it.
Now that you’ve come to the end of the article, you are armed with the knowledge you need when shopping for that next great piece of jewelry. If you remember this advice, you can save time and money when purchasing jewelry.