You would like to know all there is to know about jewelry so that you know what to watch out for, when you are either purchasing or selling a piece. This article will provide plenty of advice so that you can be assured that no one will have a chance of ripping you off.
Try not put any of your jewelry on before applying your makeup. By putting your pieces on before doing this, you risk getting them covered in things like powders and deposits from your makeup. This then collects around gem settings and on metal causing them to turn and look cheap and old.
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.
If you are shopping for sterling silver jewelry, you’ll need a magnet and an eye for the real thing. If an item of jewelry is attracted by a magnet, it is not sterling silver! Only non-precious metals can be drawn to a magnet. If your silver is sterling, you will also notice a mark on the piece. This mark might state .925, sterling, or ster. If the piece you’re inspecting doesn’t carry such a mark, be careful, as it is likely a fake.
If you have a large collection of fashion jewelry, make sure to only clean them with a damp cloth. Using polishing cloths or jewelry cleaning liquids will only eat away at the top layer causing the base metal to show through. After you are finished cleaning, keep your jewelry stored away to prevent any damage or tarnish.
When purchasing a ring make sure that you’re purchasing a ring in your proper size. It can be hard to find rings in half sizes, but it is possible. Don’t purchase a size up and consider having it re-sized. Resizing is oftentimes a lot more expensive than purchasing another silver ring in your size.
To keep your rings from overpowering your hands, never wear more than two on the same finger. Rings can easily look excessive, and even a series of thinner rings can look overwhelming. If you are wearing an oversized ring, it is best to wear only a few other rings along with it.
To dress up a knit top or a T-shirt, pair it with a long necklace that has a simple style. Long necklaces will add visual interest to your top, but keeping them basic will prevent them from overpowering your look. Try wearing thin layered necklaces or a necklace with a Y-shape.
Look for sales when you want to buy some new jewelry. Finding the right sale can save you a lot of money. Go through magazines and websites to find the best deals. Buying styles that are waning in popularity is often an excellent way to save money on original jewelry.
If you are trying to sell jewelry on the Internet, make sure that you present it in an attractive way. Visuals are particularly important because customers cannot physically see or touch jewelery when they buy online. Make sure any photos of the jewelry focus on the item itself and don’t have distracting backgrounds or additional items.
Take proactive steps to minimize the number of times that you have to clean your jewelry. When getting dressed, put your jewelry on after you apply perfume and makeup. This will prevent the residue of these products from leaving a film on your jewelry. Also, remember to remove your jewelry before cleaning and doing other housework.
When making or gifting jewelry, make each piece even more meaningful by selecting stones, beads, and colors that communicate different emotions. Green gems like jade and emeralds represent growth and vitality, which makes them ideal gifts for expectant mothers, newlyweds, or perhaps friends who are especially active in eco-friendly lifestyles and initiatives.
Buying used jewelry is an option to consider, as well. Used jewelry can be found in consignment and pawn stores, art galleries, estate sales, jewelers, or in some cases, yard sales. Before you consider used jewelry, research the type of piece you think you are looking for, so that when you see it at one of these places, you will be able to determine if the item is indeed legitimate or just a reproduction.
When soldering a wedding ring and an engagement ring together, make sure the jeweler polishes the rings. Engagement rings are often worn for some time before the wedding band is and it will look like the rings do not match if they are not polished to look new.
Ask your jeweler if they have the current equipment that is used to distinguish real diamonds from those that were created in a lab. Most of the older equipment can detect cubic zirconia, but sometimes they mistake lab diamonds for real ones. Making sure your jeweler has the correct testing equipment can save you from being a victim of fraud.
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.
Make up your mind about the size, style, and price of your jewelry before entering the jewelry shop. The salespeople are professionals and they know how to push you into decisions in which you didn’t initially plan on making. After talking to a salesperson leave the shop and think over the decision before doing it.
In conclusion, you want to make sure that nobody is going to take advantage of you when either buying or selling jewelry. While nobody can stop a dishonest person from trying to cheat you, you can prepare yourself for the worst, by following the tips provided in this article.
