No matter your reason for buying jewelry, you should understand how to responsibly buy and sell it. This article will provide you with some nifty tricks and tips for getting the maximum benefit out of any time or money you invest in jewelry.
Do not use any chemicals on your jewelery stones. This could cause the stone to change color or become dull in appearance, and it may eat away at the enamel on the piece.
Be cautious about your jewelry storage. It is best to use holders, compartments, boxes, and hooks so that everything is kept separate. Avoiding piling your nice jewelry pieces into one big heap in a box. This not only harms the fragile pieces, but it can also cause items, such as necklaces, to get badly tangled up with the other pieces of jewelry.
Your jewelry should endure an entire lifetime. Always purchase pieces from reputable jewelers in order to make sure you are getting quality pieces. High-quality jewelry is durable and displays excellent craftsmanship. The jeweler that you purchase the item from should give you the history of the piece, as far as who made it, and, if there are stones on the item, where they came from. You need to buy quality jewelry so that you can pass it down as an heirloom.
When purchasing jewelry from a respected jeweler, inquire as to whether they offer an insurance policy. Many stores offer a policy where you can bring broken or damaged jewelry back to the original jeweler for repair at little to no cost. In some instances, you can even insure your jewelry against loss or theft.
Costume Jewelry
Collecting costume jewelry is a popular pastime, but if you wish to participate, be careful of the condition of the jewelry. Well-done costume jewelry is often worth the price, but if it’s worn out or visibly damaged, it won’t be worth the effort it takes to restore it. A piece of costume jewelry that has been treated well can be a treasure for years to come.
Consider how you should best clean each piece of your jewelry. You should know that different materials require different maintenance. What is beneficial to one stone or setting may hurt another. Ask a jeweler to make sure you know how to maintain your items.
Take good care of your costume jewelry. Many pieces of costume jewelry have the stones glued on, for example. Don’t let them go under water or clean them with strong chemicals, or you could dissolve the glue. Use a gentle cloth, like microfiber, to clean it. One wet, then another, dry. This will assure that you costume jewelry will continue looking great.
For a gift that is as unique as its recipient, look for handcrafted or customized pieces. Show your affection for the person by recognizing their unique qualities; put some thought into the purchase and be creative.
One key thing to remember is to only put your jewelry on after you’ve applied your makeup. Jewelry can become dirty and dull if you put it on too early, this is because incomplete makeup routines will transfer grime to it. This method is especially helpful in caring for necklaces or earrings.
Before you buy, ask if the gemstone has been treated, and the method for doing so. Gemstone treatment can affect the type of care the piece needs. You don’t want to clean them with a type of solution that could strip the treatment or damage the gem.
Do not buy a piece of jewelery if you are not sure when you are going to wear it. You do not need a huge box of jewelry you will never wear. As you shop for jewelry, try to envision whether you can see yourself wearing a piece with your current wardrobe.
Don’t swim wearing your jewelry. Chlorine is damaging to many types of metals that jewelry is made of. Ocean salt water can similarly cause damage to any jewelry exposed to it. If you want your jewelry to remain pristine, always remember to remove it before getting into the water.
Using robe hooks will help to stop necklaces from becoming tangled. With the right space, you can incorporate a row of these and use them for organizing and hanging necklaces easily. This will keep the necklaces from turning into a balled mess in a jewelry box. The hooks are attractive as well.
If you are considering a fine piece of real gold jewelry, you should be prepared to pay a high price. Though genuine gold is pricey, remember that it can be more affordable if you consider pieces with lower karats. Many people think of 18 karats as the best compromise between quality and affordability, as a piece with this content is at least 75% pure gold.
For most people, jewelry has significant monetary and sentimental value. By educating yourself on proper jewelry care and maintenance, you can preserve the money and memories invested in your pieces. Educate yourself with the information available about caring for your jewelry and you will enjoy it for many years.
