Many people think of jewelry as an expensive investment but it doesn’t have to be. A simple quality piece of jewelry such as a birthstone ring or earrings can be a very cherished gift indeed. It is the sentiment in the jewelry and not the price tag that make a piece of jewelry have the most important value, which is sentimental value.
Try not to bathe or swim in your fine jewelry. Many times the type of water (hard versus soft) can splash and wear the metal jewelry or stain the stone. There are also chemicals like chlorine found in many swimming pools that can turn stones and badly stain metal jewelry.
Many people see jewelry labeled as sterling silver plated and oftentimes think they’ve hit the jackpot when they purchase it at a very low price. In this case unfortunately, you do get what you pay for. This type of jewelry only contains a very thin coating of sterling silver on top of a cheap metal which can usually be identified as copper. The jewelry will eventually tarnish and cause the copper to show through underneath with enough wear.
If you have metal allergies, make sure to purchase nickel free jewelry. Nickel is a common alloy that is mixed in with precious metals such as sterling silver to make them more pliable. Silver itself is very liquid in its original state and therefore not substantial enough to be properly molded into jewelry. Oftentimes, another alloy such as nickel is added. Make sure you check what you are purchasing to make sure it is nickel free.
If you would like to start collecting gemstone jewelry, make sure that you do your research first. It is important that you know what to look for in spotting fakes and what to look for to identify genuine gemstones. It can also be beneficial to know what different countries and areas different gemstones are indigenous to. This can help determine if what you’re looking at is real or fake.
Don’t worry about how much your jewelry costs. What is most important is that the pieces you choose reflect your individuality. It doesn’t matter whether you paid one dollar or a thousand, if you love the piece wear it with confidence. It is also perfectly acceptable to mix high and low cost jewelry.
When cleaning crystal jewelry simply wipe the dirt away with a soft, damp cloth. Using any kind of chemicals on crystal can damage the shimmer and shine in a very short period of time. Your best bet is to stick to plain water and maybe a tiny touch of dish detergent if your jewelry gets really dirty.
When it comes to taking care of your jewelry be sure to not transfer it between a wide range of temperatures in a short amount of time. This is important so that you do not cause stress fractures in your jewelry. Metals naturally expand with temperature change, however damage can occur if the change happens quickly.
When selling jewelry, learn everything about the materials you use. When buying jewelry, you should have a good idea of the different materials being used. This will help you evaluate the value of a jewel and know how long it will last you.
Resist the temptation to pay more for jewelry because of a supposedly high-class brand. Most people won’t know where you got the piece, and you will probably pay too much because of the name on it. There are many different manufacturers, that make high quality jewelry, without the huge markup for the brand name.
If you want your jewelry to go with any outfit you’re wearing, be sure that you’re purchasing neutral-colored jewelry. Believe it or not, gold doesn’t go with everything, and the sparkle of diamonds may actually clash against some ensembles. Go neutral and keep it tame if you want wardrobe-friendly jewelry.
When cleaning your jewelry, make sure to use warm water and soap. Always dry thoroughly with a soft cloth, making sure not to leave any water behind on your jewelry. Some pieces come with special cleaning instructions, so make sure to follow those as well. It is important that you do not use any other chemicals unless specified.
When buying jewelry is it important to know what you are looking for. Before you go into the jewelry shop be sure to know the language that jewelers use. If you aren’t careful salesman will grab you and you will be buying a ring before you know it. Be sure and shop around before making a purchase!
One easy way to give old brooches a new life is to use them as buckles on everything from hats to pants to purses. While brooches worn the intended way may look outdated, a decorative brooch clipped onto a plain hat, scarf or purse makes for an eye-catching and unexpected accent.
To help find the best jewelry for the most economical price, you should visit your local pawn shop. If you do not mind that the jewelry has been previously owned, you will find some great deals. With the high price of gold, pawn shops are getting large amounts of jewelry turned in every day.
When you are shopping for antique jewelry, try to get an independent appraisal on the piece before you buy it. The seller cannot be objective in his appraisal, so a third-party appraiser is preferred for his expertise in ensuring that the piece is authentic in all of its claims, including if the gem is genuine.
As considered at the introduction of the article, sentimental value is the most important part of a piece of jewelry. Simple pieces can win the recipients heart just as well as the most pricy diamond. By putting that idea into action, you can be sure that the piece of jewelry you buy as a gift will be very valued indeed.
