You would like to know all there is to know about jewelry so that you know what to watch out for, when you are either purchasing or selling a piece. This article will provide plenty of advice so that you can be assured that no one will have a chance of ripping you off.
Don’t spend a lot of money purchasing cheap costume jewelry. Costume jewelry does sell in more designs and cost significantly less than fine jewelry. Yet, over the course of a few months or years, costume jewelry loses its color which causes the cheap metal to show through underneath. Invest in one or two pieces of fine jewelry that are sure to last a lifetime.
When buying diamonds, do not fall for the selling ploy of deceptive jewelry lighting. Many of these have quartz or halogen bulbs. The kinds of lights they emit can really make stones appear much brighter. This is because they shine it purposelessly behind them to give them a false glow in an attempt to attract customers.
Enroll in a beading class, if you’re a fan of necklaces and bracelets. If you are buying them all of the time, this can put a dent in your budget. Instead, take a class and make some jewelry yourself. You will save a ton over buying already made products, have something unique to wear, and you can even sell some of your pieces for a profit.
When buying jewelry as a gift, buy something that can be worn every day. Diamond stud earrings are an excellent choice as they go with anything. Watches are also a very utilitarian option, just make sure it’s classy but casual enough that she could wear it to work. Neutral colors are also an excellent choice.
If you are interested in collecting costume jewelry, be sure to stay conscious of the condition. Costume jewelry can be very expensive and a great investment, but a piece that shows too much wear and tear will not be worth the money or time. Stick to pieces that are in good to excellent condition, as they are the best investments.
Know the jewelry terms. Understanding what cut, carat, color, and clarity mean can help you to make a quality purchase for the best price. A salesperson will be much more able to explain the differences in the stones you are interested in if you have a clear understanding of the terms.
Make sure that you get everything that the jeweler told you in writing before you buy a diamond. This is important in case you find out that the diamond you were sold is not what they said that it was. Your receipt will be the only proof that you have.
If you’re hard-pressed for cash and wish to sell your gold jewelry, avoid those TV companies. You’re better off going to a pawn broker. They will pay you full price for melt and won’t be too concerned with making money off of you. It’s very ironic that a pawn broker would give you the better deal, but it’s true.
If you want to buy silver jewelry, consider buying vintage pieces. The price of silver is higher now than it was in years past, and it is expected to continue to increase. This means purchasing silver jewelry is a good investment. If you focus on buying vintage pieces that were made when silver cost much less, they will be more affordable than new pieces you can buy today.
Clean gold properly. Even though gold has an advantage because it doesn’t tarnish or rust, it still needs cleaning. Harsh chemical cleaners will strip away any shine or luster, so only use a soft wet cloth for cleaning. If there are hard to reach areas, you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush dipped in warm soapy water.
Have you ever had a gold or silver chain knot up and kink? It’s difficult to get them to go back to normal, and often this requires a jeweler’s expertise. However, before you call up that jeweler, try using a little cooking or baby oil to try and get those kinks out of your necklace. It works!
When selecting gemstone rings, think about how often you plan to wear them. Certain stones may not be strong enough for every day wear. Even if you don’t think you’re tough on your jewelry, little bumps and bangs over a period of time can lead to a crack. For something you want to wear all day everyday, diamonds are a girl’s best friend.
Make sure that you understand what is meant by carat, cut, color, and clarity when it comes to diamonds. There is a grading system assigned to each and to understand the language that the jeweler will be using, you should at least understand what each of these means and the grading level that would be assigned.
To keep simple costume jewelry pieces from tarnishing, chipping or discoloring, simply coat them with a layer of clear acrylic nail polish. While you would not want to do this with real gold or silver, this simple and cost effective solution works great to protect the glossy finish of plated pieces.
In conclusion, you want to make sure that nobody is going to take advantage of you when either buying or selling jewelry. While nobody can stop a dishonest person from trying to cheat you, you can prepare yourself for the worst, by following the tips provided in this article.
