Knowledge Is Power, And These Jewelry Tips Are Priceless
With gold and jewels costing so much money, purchasing, storing, and even cleaning your jewelry requires some knowledge so that you don't end up suffering any type of financial loss. It's always great to have some information at your disposal and this article will clue you in on some great jewelry-specific tips you can use.
Only purchase jewelry from well known retailers. If you are looking to purchase gold, silver or platinum make sure that the retailer has a professional set up and that their products come with a guarantee. Do not purchase from unknown vendors who claim that the jewelry they are selling at a discount price is made from real precious metals or gemstones, they are often imported fakes.
Make sure you know what to look for when buying platinum jewelry. Platinum needs to be at least 95% pure in order for it to be considered real platinum. If it's lower it is platinum alloy. Also, be aware that platinum can develop a patina, which many people feel gives jewelry a nice antique look. This jewelry also does not wear away and is hypoallergenic.
When you are going in with a mindset to buy quality jewelry it is of utmost importance that you are going to a reputable dealer of jewelry. Otherwise, you may in fact be duped and pay a lot for something that is not worth much. Make sure that the sales representatives can show they quality of the item.
To make sure your necklace matches your outfit, look for pieces that mimic your neckline. If you're wearing a v-neck top, pair it with a dramatic necklace that has angular elements. To compliment a scoop necked shirt, look for a necklace that's rounded. A boatneck top looks best with a long, dangling necklace.
Stay inside your budget. Splurging outside your budget can cause many issues, not just financially. You may end up feeling over-stressed if you realize the piece you bought is causing you to get into debt. Financially over-stretching yourself is not the best way to purchase jewelry, so stick to your budget.
When you are buying jewelry as a gift for someone else, be sure to figure out what their preferences are. Many people only like gold or silver, not both. Look at the recipients wardrobe choices and current jewelry to find what jewelry type they would be most likely to enjoy and actually wear.
To get use out of an earring after one half of a pair is lost, use it as a brooch. Many earrings can be worn just as a brooch can, and can make a great accent piece. Try pinning the earring to a scarf or attaching it to your top just below the collar bone. A more delicate earring is a great way to accent a purse or a belt.
Know what to ask your salesperson. Find out if the gemstone you are interested in is natural, synthetic or imitation. Natural gems cost the most because they have a higher cost to attain them. Synthetic gems are man-made and are easier to get, so they are cheaper. Imitations are the cheapest overall, but, of course, they are not be of the best quality.
If you buy a diamond labelled as antique, research it. You should get a certificate of authenticity with your diamond. This should be from an independent source. Antique diamonds need to be at least a hundred years old to be considered antique. The diamond should also be from a recognizable European art period.
To keep silver jewelry tarnish-free between wearings, wrap the item in a jeweler's polishing cloth and then seal the piece, cloth and all, in a plastic bag. Polishing cloths come in many sizes and are very economical. The cloth provides padded protection to even the most delicate chains and the plastic bag keeps air, which causes tarnish, from touching the jewelry. When ready to wear, give the piece a rub with the cloth for shine and you're set to go!
When making any type of jewelry purchase, first consider the amount in which you are looking to spend and then formulate the high and low end of your budgets. Once you go to a jewelry store, do not feel pressured to go over your budget regardless of how good the deal the jeweler is presenting to you. If it seems too good to be true, chances are it is.
If your jewelry has gemstones, you should not soak your jewelry when you are trying to clean it. Gemstones can absorb water and soap, causing them to lose their natural color. When you are cleaning gemstones, you should use a damp cloth to scrub it clean so you can preserve your jewelry's natural luster.
Sizing rings is a very important process in the purchase of rings, especially when purchasing engagement or wedding ring sets. An improperly sized ring can cause damage to the ring itself. If it is too large, the owner runs the risk of losing the ring. Make sure the sizing is correct, even if the ring is a surprise. It is better to be safe than sorry!
Store your jewelry in the same way you wear it. This means hanging necklaces and earrings, and storing rings on padded sticks. Not only does this protect your jewelry from becoming tangled, knotted, or damaged, it also allows you to easily see what jewelry you have and what matches well together.
Do not let a seller talk you into something you cannot afford or do not really like. Some sellers are excellent at what they do, but remember that you are the one making the decision. You should ask for advice, but keep in mind that the sellers' best interest is to see you buy something expensive.
As stated previously in the article, there's always a potential to suffer a financial loss when dealing with jewelry, whether you're buying it, selling it, cleaning it, or trying to store it. Use the tips you just read in this article to protect your jewelry and to protect your wallet.
