Whether you inherited some jewelry, bought a piece for yourself or received one as a gift, the world of jewelry can be a little confusing. Where can you look to find information on this ancient human tradition? This article has some helpful tips to help you become a better educated about jewelry.

Use a soft cloth on your jewelry clean and free from damage. This is a fairly simple way to achieve shine without chemicals and solvents. Use the dual-sided cloth to polish your jewelry just as you were cleaning glass. Use one side to shine it and the other for improving its shine.

To distinguish between real and fake, bring a magnet when you shop for sterling silver jewelry. By using the magnet you can quickly determine if the jewelry item is made of a cheaper metal and not sterling silver. Sterling silver always has some sort of stamp to indicate it is sterling. Be wary of jewelery without any kind of hallmark, as often it is fake.

Be cautious of storing all of your personal jewelry together. It is best to use holders, compartments, holders, and hooks so that everything is kept separate. Do not ever just throw them in a box. This can damage fragile jewelry, and tangle necklaces or bracelets.

Keep jewelry stored somewhere that is free from both air and humidity.Certain metals begin to tarnish when exposed to humidity or air. Precious metal jewelry can be polished to fix tarnish, but non-precious metal needs a special polish.

Before you buy any new jewelry, you should look around for the latest trends. Purchasing a new trinket to add to your collection is always delightful, especially if you find it on sale.

Sterling Silver

If you are shopping for sterling silver jewelry, then by all means bring a magnet. You can detect fake sterling silver with the magnet, as non-precious metals are attracted by the magnet. You will always find a hallmark stamp such as “.925” or “STER.” on genuine sterling, or alternately,” “ster,” or “.925.” If your silver is not marked, this is usually the sign that it is a fake.

You should try and wear the jewelery once to see if it will hang on you right. It will also allow you to test the piece’s durability.

Jewelry is something that should last generations. When choosing jewelry, you should always buy from a reputable store or dealer, well-made piece. A high-quality piece of jewelry will be well-made and feature superior craftsmanship. The jeweler should be able to give you a history on the piece, such as its manufacturer and the source of the gemstones. It is important that your pieces are high-quality jewelry if you want it to become a treasured heirloom passed down for generations.

Always ask the jeweler about an insurance policy before buying anything. If something happened to your jewelery, you can return it to the source and have it repaired. You can even find insurance in cause of theft or loss.

Consider the stones whenever you buy jewelry. The stone will look best on you if it is complementary to your skin tone, eye, and hair color. Neutral colors are very versatile, as they match well with any outfit. A piece that is hard to wear is not as useful as one that goes with everything.

Costume jewelry can be very expensive and a great investment, but also a costly one; keep in mind the pieces you wish to add to your collection don’t show too much wear. A good piece that is in excellent condition will increase in value.

You should always make an effort to properly care for each piece in your jewelry. What can be beneficial to one stone or setting may hurt another. Ask a jeweler to make sure you know how to take care of your jewelry.

Research the proper methods for cleaning your jewelry. Each kind of setting, metal, and stone has its own particular maintenance need. What works for one piece of jewelry could dull or damage another. If you’re not sure of how to properly care for your jewelry, seek advice from a reputable jeweler.

If you are buying jewelry for someone who values her individuality, try finding a special piece that is crafted specifically for them. This shows that you are both thoughtful and creative, just the kind of sentiment you want to show your special friends.

You can save huge amounts of money with the right sale. Check for the best sales in the paper, on the Internet, and in the paper for the greatest sales. If you wait to buy jewelry until that particular style is going out of fashion, you might save 50% or more off the original purchase price.

Think about ordering custom jewelery if you want to make an original gift to someone who counts for you. If you buy something that will go along with their personality it will show them you thought about them!

Plastic Wrap

Untangle your knotted messes of delicate loops. It’s easy to get frustrated with tangled necklaces, but try using some plastic wrap before you call it quits.Put the necklace on the plastic wrap and add a little baby oil. Use a straight pin to untangle the necklaces.Wash with dish soap and then pat dry.

One way to ensure that your jewelry stays clean is to put it only after you have applied your make-up and it has had time to set. Your jewelry attracts dust and particles from cosmetics; if you apply makeup after you put on your jewelry, the particles will make it look dull. It is especially important to keep this in mind when putting on earrings and necklaces.

A diamond’s cut and clarity are often times more important than its size. You also need to think of the person who is going to receive this ring.

Attach the hooks in accessible areas of your bedroom or closet, and hang groups of necklaces according to length or color. This little display looks appealing and help you select the best necklace for your outfit.

If you are trying to sell jewelry online, it is important to post ample photographs from many angles so that each piece is presented in a pleasing and accurate way. An online buyer doesn’t get the opportunity to handle the jewelry, so photos of the piece have to speak for themselves. Take professional-looking pictures of your pieces and let people know you can send more pictures upon request.

Now you see the wide and splendid array of jewelry that has been created. If you are diligent about doing your research, you’ll be able to make educated purchasing decisions and learn how to care for those purchases. Welcome to the exciting, and always changing, world of jewelry. You will be well on your way to enjoying jewelry better when you make use of these tips.