If you are in the market for acquiring a new piece of jewelry, there are a variety of factors that must be taken into consideration before, during, and after your purchase. It is important to be an educated customer when purchasing jewelry, and this article contains numerous helpful tips you can make use of.
Sterling silver jewelry makes a great investment. Pieces of jewelry made from sterling silver last for a lifetime and provide endless elegance. Sterling does tarnish, but can be quickly shined up using a polishing cloth. However, pieces of sterling silver jewelry that have specialty coating can last ages without tarnishing.
Do not purchase any jewelry from retailers in China. This country is notorious for selling fake gemstone and metal jewelry. Oftentimes, the jewelry advertised as sterling silver with real turquoise is just a piece of metal sprayed in silver and the turquoise is a fake piece of plastic. Such vendors may accept returns, but the hassle of shipping it back at your own cost, is usually not worth it. Be aware of scams like this.
There are two types of categories that jewelry falls under. Fine jewelry is jewelry made from silver, gold or platinum and is combined with any precious or semi- precious gemstones. Jewelry classified as costume is any form of jewelry made from low cost metals that contain only a silver or gold surface finish as well as synthetic or plastic “gemstones”. Both categories have their pros and cons, and it really depends on personal taste and budget that helps determine which to buy.
When storing your fine jewelry in a chest or case, wrap each piece in a small piece of velvet cloth. That way harder gemstones will not scratch softer gemstones and metals. It also helps pieces not get tangled with themselves and the velvet helps to keep the pieces safe from excess moisture.
Use a toothbrush and small bit of toothpaste to clean your precious gems. This works really well on diamonds. The toothpaste is a non-abrasive scrubber and the toothbrush is small enough to get into those little nooks and crannies. This method is safe to use as often as you like.
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, you may want to consider lab-created stones. Gems created in a lab can be just as beautiful as natural gemstones, but they are often less expensive. You may be able to buy a much larger lab-made stone for the same price as a smaller natural stone. If you have ethical concerns, lab-made is definitely the way to go.
To make sure no one can tell that you’re wearing costume jewelry, choose pieces that have a real metal setting. A gold or platinum setting can give an artificial gemstone a much more authentic look. This will make sure that you still look elegant even when you’re buying your jewelry on a budget.
Use an egg to antique your sterling silver jewelry. Just boil the egg, chop it up, and put it in a bag with your silver piece. In a few hours your jewelry will change colors and then you can polish it to a beautiful antiqued look. This is an effective method because egg contains sulfur, and sulfur causes the reaction when mixed with sterling silver.
To add the perfect amount of flair to any outfit simply add one statement piece of jewelry. Whether it be a big ring, some bold earrings, a thick bracelet, or a chunky necklace, adding a statement piece to any outfit will not only bring it out of the ordinary but will also make it more ‘you’. Furthermore, a statement piece is sure to make a great conversation starter in any occasion.
A great jewelry tip is to disguise your jewelry when you wear it to work. A lot of places won’t allow their employees to wear jewelry and they’ll reprimand you if they see you wearing any. By wearing jewelry that’s flesh toned, it’ll be harder for them to see you’re wearing any jewelry.
If you are truly desirous of an elegant piece of jewelry, high gold prices may be a hindrance to you. Karat selection is a way to reduce the price of your gold jewelry. An 18 karat piece is comprised of no less than 75 percent of pure gold, which is generally considered by many to be the most optimal combination of quality and price.
Keep it simple – starting out in the jewelry making world. Find out what essential tools you need to do the job and go out and get them. You do not need to buy top of the line tools at first. Make sure jewelry making is right for you, before you invest a lot of expense!
In conclusion, there are a variety of factors that go in to a jewelry purchase. If you are an informed customer, you will be able to make more informed decisions. Make use of the tips and advice we have provided you with in this article for your jewelry purchases now and in the future.
