It takes a lot of homework to buy or sell. This can make you wonder where to start.

If you are in the market to buy some silver jewelry, use a magnet and examine the jewelry very carefully. If the piece you are examining is not silver and is made from non-precious metal, it is not sterling silver! Only non-precious metals can be drawn to a magnet.You will always find a hallmark stamp such as “.925” or “STER.” on genuine sterling, for example “sterling,” “ster, “STERLING”. If your silver is not marked, you might be looking at a cheap imitation.

To keep your jewelry looking attractive, polish it regularly using a cloth made especially for this purpose. It will allow you to make your jewelry look as good as new without the use of chemicals. You can use the two-sided cloth to polish your jewelry in the same way you would polish a drinking glass. Use the side that is designated for polish, and the other to make it shine.

Know the distinctions between kinds of stone you are buying with your jewelry. Gems can be natural, synthetic and natural. Natural and synthetic are both real, but imitation is just plastic colored to look like the real thing. Natural stones are dug up out of the ground and synthetic gems are grown in a lab.

Jewelry should last forever. When you look for a piece of jewelry, you should always buy from a reputable store or dealer, ensuring that the piece you choose is of high-quality. A valuable piece of jewelry will be well-made and show superior craftsmanship. A jeweler should know about each piece he sells, such as who crafted it, where it was manufactured, and where any stones in it came from. It is important that your pieces are high-quality if you want them to last a treasured heirloom passed down for generations.

Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia and acetone that may permanently damage your jewelry. These chemicals can wreak havoc on your jewelry, from discoloring bands, to dulling stones, to eroding enamel or glue.

Take a very close look at the piece you like, then put it next to other pieces you are interested in. Be careful of tricks that some dealers will use cheap tactics to make a diamond look better than it is.

Keep your jewelry from tarnishing as best appearance. Try to keep your jewelry when you are around water.Water can dull and rust some metals to lose their luster or to become tarnished or rusty.If you must take your jewelry somewhere wet, coat it thinly with clear nail polish.

Jewelry should be a purchase that truly lasts a lifetime. When choosing your next piece of jewelry, be sure to deal with a reputable dealer to ensure you attain a high-quality piece. Quality jewelry will be constructed to last, and show a fine attention to detail. The jeweler must be able to provide a history of the piece. This will tell you who made the piece, and where the components came from. This way, you can ensure you are paying a fair price. Unless you purchase jewelry that is of high-quality, the piece is not likely to last a lifetime.

Wear the jewelry around for a day or so that you can get an idea of how comfortable it is and if it hangs right. This also help you to see its durability.

You should always make an effort to properly care for your jewelry. What works well with one type of stone may actually harm another. Ask a jeweler to make sure you know how to take care of your jewelry.

Watch to see whether they usually wear necklaces or bracelets, or if they prefer dangly earrings to studs. By doing this you should have a good idea what to buy them.

Costume Jewelry

You will need to take special care of costume jewelery! Many embellishments on costume jewelry pieces are only secured with glue rather than set. Don’t immerse costume jewelry in water or clean it with harsh chemicals. The best way to clean these pieces are to wipe with a damp cloth and then dry immediately with another cloth. This will assure that you costume jewelry looking sparkling clean and new.

Before you make a final jewelry-buying decision, take a look at what’s new and trendy. Getting a great deal on beautiful bauble makes getting it even more enjoyable.

If you are presenting a gift to someone who has their own unusual style, try finding a special piece that is crafted specifically for them. A unique ring, and it shows them that you care about them enough to buy them something that they’ll wear.

Have a purpose in mind for every piece of jewelry you buy. You do not need a box full of jewelry you will never wear. Think about your most-worn wardrobe pieces when choosing different pieces.

When purchasing jewelry from a respected jeweler, inquire as to whether they offer an insurance policy. These policies dictate whether or not the jeweler will replace or fix your item of jewelry if it is damaged. Some jewelers even offer insurance for jewelry pieces that have been misplaced or stolen.

A diamond’s cut and clarity are often times more important than its size. You want the personality and preferences of the gift recipient.

Closet Door

Keep your jewelry from getting tarnished to preserve its best appearance. One of the best ways to keep your jewelry looking beautiful is to avoid wearing it in water. Metals will often tarnish or rust when in contact with water. Use a thinner coat of your clear nail polish on your jewelry for extra protection.

You can hang a whole row of these small pieces of hardware along a wall or the back of a closet door, color or material when you install a row of robe hooks on a wall or right on the inside of your closet door. This little display looks appealing and help you select the best necklace for your outfit.

Brand should not be the primary concern when buying jewelry. There are thousands of quality brands of jewelry pieces from various brands.

You should wear the jewelry for a few days to see how it feels and if it is comfortable. You will also have the knowledge that the piece is not going to fall apart the first time the receiver wears it.

If you are saving up for an investment piece, then make sure to buy a piece that will last a very long time. Although you usually get high-quality jewelry when you spend a lot of money, don’t forget to consider the style as well. A modern cut may be in style now but lose its appeal in the future. Look for pieces that will not go out of time and trends.

The increasing cost of gold can interfere with your fine jewelry purchases. An 18 karat piece is comprised of no less than 75 percent of pure gold, which has been considered the best combination of price and quality.

It is important to think about the most effective methods of jewelry care. Depending on the metals and stones used in your jewelry, along with how they are set, you will need different maintenance methods. What works well with one type of precious stone may actually harm another. If you can’t find proper treatment methods, try consulting with a professional jeweler.

You can make some extra cash from your gold jewelry without selling them. If it is real gold and you have a few chains, you can earn a couple hundred dollars with this method.

Rubies have always been known to be a very popular gemstone. While true rubies are always red, there are many different shades of this color from maroon to clear deep rose pinks. Rubies are especially hardy and withstand considerable wear and other types of damage.Their strength and beauty make them an excellent choice for most people.

Costume jewelry needs special care. Many of the costume type settings are glued-in, rather than set-in. Therefore, you shouldn’t get costume jewelry wet or expose it to harsh chemicals. Use a gentle cloth, like microfiber, to clean it. One wet, then another, dry. This method will keep your costume jewelry stunning and beautiful.

A lot of people wear gold and silver jewelry at the same time. The best way to approach this trend is with jewelry that uses both metals. If not, the look will appear tacky and not stylish.

As you read here, it takes a great deal of research, effort and work to buy or sell jewelry. By knowing and doing all of these things, it will be easier to find out how to buy or sell any piece of jewelry. Use the advice given in this article to help you as you begin venturing into the jewelry market.

To maintain the shine and finish on your jewelry, do not put it on until you’ve done your hair and makeup. All the grime and dust from your makeup attracts jewelry. Therefore, putting on jewelry beforehand can make the piece look dingy. It is especially important to follow this tip for necklaces and earrings.