Many people feel intimidated when first investing in jewelry. From silver to platinum, there are many types of material that go into a piece of jewelry, and the cost of each piece varies. An uneducated customer might pay too much. These tips can help you be more knowledgeable about all aspects of purchasing jewelry.
Harsh chemicals and solvents can damage the finish of your jewelry and should never be used to clean it. These can erode both the color and the materials of your jewelry.
Be cautious about your jewelry storage. For best results, separate different pieces into different boxes, compartments or hooks. Do not ever just throw them in a pile. Not only will your necklaces get all tangled up, you risk damaging all your fragile and fine jewelry pieces.
You need to know the type of gem that you are purchasing. Natural gems and imitation gems have been joined recently by synthetic gems, making three main categories. Synthetic stones are lab created jewels, while imitation stones are normally colored glass. The difference here, however, is that synthetic is man-made in a laboratory while natural is found buried in the earth.
Before purchasing a new pieces, look at the latest jewelry trends. You will enjoy your jewelery even more if you can get it on sale.
If you want to maintain the look of your jewelry, you should prevent it from becoming tarnished. Don’t wear jewelry near water. Water can cause some metals to lose their luster or to become tarnished or rusty. A very light coating of clear nail varnish can be applied to some jewelry, and this will add an additional line of protection against the elements.
Costume Jewelry
As a collector of costume jewelry, you should investigate the condition of the pieces that you want to add to your collection Costume jewelry, while expensive, can be a great investment. However, if a piece shows wear it will lose value. Make sure you have a piece that is in excellent condition, because this will be a lot more fruitful for you down the road.
If you are getting jewelry for someone you consider to be one-of-a-kind, think about buying a piece that’s the same: unique and specially-crafted. A unique ring, necklace or bracelet conveys respect for and appreciation of the recipient’s creativity and personality.
A brooch will accent your belt and will instantly add visual interest. Pin it to the middle of the waist or close to your hip.
See if your gem has had any treatments prior to buying, and if so, which treatments. Different treatments require different types of care. Cleaning a treated gem using the wrong chemical might damage it.
More desirable than a big piece is the cut and clarity of the diamond. In addition, consider the characteristics and traits of the recipient of this diamond.
Hit up several different stores when looking for diamond jewelry. Each diamond is unique with its own individual flaws. When you personally see the stone, some flaws can be less important. Every jeweler is able to price point differently, depending on the flaw. While shopping, first determine your budget and then locate the best diamond you can find that fits in that price range.
Don’t swim while wearing your jewelry. The chlorine in pool water is very harsh and may cause your fine jewelry to appear dull. In the same way, salt water can have the same effects to jewelry over time. Taking it off before you swim will protect your jewelry and keep it looking beautiful for years to come.
If you are saving up for an investment piece, make sure your jewelry will last as long as you would like for it to! Although more expensive jewelry is normally high quality, there are other factors to consider. A piece that is made in a popular style may not look quite so fashionable later. Therefore, you should search for an item that is classic and timeless.
The high price of gold could cause you to pass up a piece of jewelry you really want. Karat selection is a way to reduce the price of your gold jewelry. A piece of jewelry that is 75% gold is said to have 18 karats, which is high quality but still affordable; a good combination.
Onyx and crystal can be wonderful jewelry options. Be kinder to your wallet; you might find that the results are gorgeous.
It is hard to determine whether a sapphire or a ruby is natural or synthetic. The artificial stones are nearly identical both physically and chemically to their natural counterparts, and they are incredibly inexpensive comparatively. Before buying natural sapphire, have a gemologist to view its natural inclusions.
Alexandrite is a unique stone, which many often forget to consider. The stone’s color morphs from green to purple, changing based on whether you are inside a building or standing outside. Alexandrite is often set in earrings, rings, or pendants.
Take any fine jewelry you are considering selling to a gemologist or a certified appraiser. If you do so, you have a very good idea of what the piece is worth, which makes you much better prepared to evaluate offers that are made when you put it up for sale.
If the diamond wedding set you have always dreamed of is not currently within your reach, consider buying a smaller stone, then upgrading it later. Upgrading or adding to your wedding rings is a great way to commemorate an anniversary or a special occasion. There are also jewelers that offer buy backs on purchases, and give you the option to trade in as part of a purchase for a better ring.
Now that you have read this, you will know how to purchase all types of jewelry wisely. 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.