Whether you have inherited jewelry, received a piece as a gift or purchased a item for yourself, you might be a little confused about the details of jewelry. Where can you find quality information on this time-honored craft? This article includes tips written to make you become a better educated consumer.
If you want to buy sterling silver pieces, use a magnet and examine the jewelry very carefully. Take the magnet with you to find fake pieces of jewelery, sterling silver will not stick to the magnet. Another way to tell if a metal is sterling silver is to check for a hallmark stamp, for example .sterling, .ster, or .925. Silver jewelry that lacks a hallmark may be a fake or composed of other metals.
Know which kind of stone you make a jewelry purchase. The types of gems available are synthetic, synthetic and natural. Synthetic stones are lab created jewels, while the imitation ones are plastic that is colored. Natural stones are dug up out of the ground and synthetic ones are created in a lab.
Every piece of jewelry should last you a life-time. Choose reputable jewelry dealers when considering your next jewelry purchase. A truly high-quality piece is one that is well-constructed and of superior workmanship. The jeweler will be able to provide a complete history of the piece of jewelry, including who made it, and exactly where the stones originated. When you chose a high-quality piece, you know your jewelry will last forever.
Pay attention to the types, sizes, and any other typical jewelry that they wear. This will help you a good idea of where to start when purchasing that special item.
Do they often wear hoop earrings, or stud earrings? Do they show a preference for white or yellow gold? This way, you know where you should start when buying a gift.
Before committing yourself to a piece, do a little research on recent trends. The only thing that makes a great purchase an outstanding one is getting a bargain on it.
Put on the jewelry to see if it hangs correctly, then wear it for a few hours to test the comfort. In this way, you will be able to tell if the item will withstand normal wear.
Costume jewelry can be very expensive and a great investment, but an item that shows major signs of usage will be a poor investment of your time and money. A piece that is in excellent condition will be much more resourceful to you in the future.
Your belt will get a little pizzazz if you accent it with a brooch like this. Think about placing it near your hip or at waist level.
Consider stones whenever you buy jewelry. The gemstone you choose should work with your skin tone and make a statement about your personality.Neutral colored stones will work well with any outfit in your clothing.
Find out if your gemstone was treated before you buy it and if it was, how it was treated. Different care is required for different treatments. For example, improper cleaning with the wrong method may damage the stone by stripping the treatment.
It is important to think about the best approaches for jewelry care. A technique that is safe for one type of stone or metal may actually cause damage to another. Ask a jeweler when you know how to maintain your jewelry.
Always keep an eye on sales when you’re looking to acquire some new jewelry pieces. Finding the right sale can save you a lot of money. Sales can be found online, in store windows, or in your local newspaper. You can occasionally get fading fashion styles for a fraction of their original prices.
Costume Jewelry
This rule applies to dry saunas as well as steam ones. The high heat and humidity in these areas can significantly damage your jewelry.
You will need to take special care when you are buying costume jewelry. Many costume jewelry are only secured with glue rather than set into the piece. You will need to avoid immersing your costume jewelry. The best way to clean these pieces are to wipe with a warm damp cloth and then dry immediately with another cloth. This will assure that you costume jewelry looking sparkling clean and new.
Inspect the clasps of your necklaces and bracelets. You risk losing your necklace, and the expensive stones attached to it, if your clasp fails. Valuable bracelets and necklaces should be secured with a safety clasp. There are those that use two or three clasps to keep their jewelry safe while they wear it.
This tip especially important when it comes to earrings and necklaces.
If you are truly desirous of an elegant piece of jewelry, high gold prices may be a hindrance to you. If you must have a gold bracelet or ring, consider looking at a piece with fewer karats in order to spend less money. Many people believe that 75 percent pure gold is the most ideal ratio of price and quality. This grade is commonly referred to as 18 karats.
You can save a lot of money with the time to look for better prices. Check for the best sales in the paper, the Internet, and even storefront windows. If you buy the older fashions that are from the previous season, you can save up to 50%.
An excellent suggestion is to keep in mind that large jewelry should be combined with simple outfits. Instead of this, you should wear a classic black dress or some other solid clothing item that can clearly highlight your particular jewelry piece.
A small but well-cut diamond with high clarity may be more attractive than a bigger diamond of lower quality. You also need to think about who will be wearing the jewelry.
The key to selling jewelery in craft shows or holiday sales is to display it in a way that attracts attention to the pieces. While shopping for beads, stones and other jewelry findings, try to visualize a creative display fixture. Different types of boxes, stands, racks and baskets can all be turned into jewelry when you think outside the box.
Every diamond is unique in both its beauty and possesses particular flaws. Some flaws may not bother you.
One stone that is often forgotten about is Alexandrite, although it looks beautiful when made into a piece of jewelry. The color changes range from green to purple, dependent on whether you are inside or out. You can find it often in rings, pendants and earrings.
A clasp that will hold up is a very important to any necklace or bracelet. Without a solid clasp, your chain, chain or expensive stone is at risk for loss. You should add a safety clasp added to any existing piece that may require additional protection. You might even have more than one clasp installed on your most prized items.
A lot of people have begun to pair silver jewelry with yellow gold jewelry. You can do this by wearing a piece that includes both types of metal. This way, you are creating a stylish, pulled-together look, rather then a mismatched appearance.
You can keep your necklaces organized by length, then hang your necklaces in groups by color or length. This little display looks appealing and help you select the same time.
To avoid damaging the setting, clean only with a damp cloth, and be gentle. Then polish the entire jewelry piece with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid exposing your costume jewelry to steam cleaners or chemicals.
If you plan to invest a great deal of money in a piece of jewelry, then make sure to buy a piece that will last a very long time. Although you’ll almost always get high quality when the item is expensive, you also need to consider the style of the piece. A modern cut may be in style now but clash terribly with your timeless investment pieces several years down the line. Look into buying something that will not go out of time and trends.
Surprise your loved one with a piece of jewelry, reminding them of your love. A surprise jewelry gift is something practically every woman dreams about. You will share in her enjoyment as you watch her eyes light up when you give her the gift.
Crystal or onyx jewelry can really stand out and make bold statements. You don’t have to waste money and still get great results.
If you want to sell a piece of fine jewelry, take it to either a certified appraiser or a master gemologist. By doing this, you’ll receive an accurate, truthful quote on the value of your item. Therefore, you’ll be ready for any offers given on your piece when it is put on the market.
Now you see the wide and splendid array of jewelry that has been created. However, with careful and guided research, you can make sure that you are purchasing quality pieces and caring for them accordingly. The more you learn about jewelry, the more you’ll see what an awe-inspiring and dazzling world it can be. Get the most from your next jewelry shopping spree by following these tips.
Get an illusion setting if you wish to have a noticeable effect. Illusion settings enhance the appearance of your diamond by placing it atop a mirrored, plated setting. The mirror makes the diamond look bigger and magnifies the amount of light it reflects. Repairing illusion settings, though, can be more costly.