People have always enjoyed jewelry. Take a look at history and you will see gorgeous necklaces adorning the necks of almost every wealthy lady. Walk through a busy street and you’ll find a watch on each person’s arm. Jewelry makes us happy, and choosing the right piece of jewelry is ever so important. In this article we will provide you with some tips for picking that perfect piece.
Take a magnet and a keen eye with you when you head out to purchase any jewelry made from sterling silver. You are able to detect fake pieces of sterling jewelry with a magnet, as non-precious metals are attracted by the magnet. Sterling silver always has some sort of stamp to indicate it is sterling. If your silver is not marked, it could be because it is not real!
When trying to showcase jewelry, either for sales or for bragging rights, you need to take high-quality photographs of them. Nothing showcases their beauty like a great photo of the piece. Make sure that you use a good background and stick with darker colors; lighter colors take away from the jewelry’s shiny qualities.
When you purchase jewelry, you are investing in an item that will last a lifetime. Get jewelry from a jeweler with a good reputation to be sure that it’s of high-quality. A valuable piece of jewelry will be well-made and feature superior craftsmanship. The jeweler should be able to give you a history on the piece, like who crafted it and where the stones came from if there are any. It is important that your pieces are high-quality if you want them to last a long time.
When going shopping for diamonds, make sure to set yourself a budget and stick to it. The world of diamonds can seem overwhelming and the prices vary a great deal. By keeping a budget in mind, you can cut down the vast variety, to a much more sensible variety to choose from.
When buying jewelry, don’t worry too much about current trends. Look for classic pieces that can be worn over several years. Something that’s too current will be quickly out of date. A stylish piece that you enjoy but isn’t the latest thing can be a part of your wardrobe for years to come.
Never wear any jewelry, especially gold pieces, in a swimming pool. The chlorine and other chemicals used to keep pools clean can cause rapid deterioration of the composition of your jewelry. Make sure you remove all pieces, including earrings or other piercings that you may not remove for any other occasion.
Look for jewelry stores that are accredited members of the Gemological Institute of America, or GIA, as well as the Jewelers of America. You are assured the best quality at the lowest price by stores with these certifications. You will find these certifications held by most big chain type outfits.
If you purchase any diamond over one carat, you need to get proof. Any diamond included in jewelry that is over one carat should come with a diamond grading report. This should be done by an independent gem grader and the report should include any information that could potentially affect its value.
When it comes to showing off your personality through jewelry, most of the time you can make a larger statement with less. Choose bold, dramatic pieces, but limit yourself to wearing one or two at a time. A sophisticated pair of chandelier earrings can set off an outfit on it’s own, and sometimes a flashy cocktail ring is the only glitz you need to draw attention.
If you plan on selling jewelry online, you should make sure you know the materials. All jewelry sellers should know about the Federal Trade Commission’s Guides for both the Jewelry and Precious Metal Industries. If you don’t know all the rules, a customer could file a misrepresentation claim against you, which you do not want happening to you.
Have a use in mind for every piece of jewelry you buy. There is no need for a box of unused jewelry. As you shop for jewelry, try to envision whether you can see yourself wearing a piece with your current wardrobe.
You can safely clean your jewelry at home. Mix a small amount of mild detergent in water. Allow your dirty jewelry to soak for several minutes and then gently scrub it with a soft toothbrush. Finish the cleaning by rinsing your jewelry in clean water and allowing it to air dry.
If you have nice jewelry, chances are you will want to clean it from time to time. You will want to use a mild soap and warm water, rinse, and then use a soft cloth to polish it. Always dry your gold and silver jewelry before you store it to keep it from tarnishing and to prevent water stains.
To keep jewelry safe, avoid putting it all in a jewelry box that sits out as a decorative piece in your home. Nothing says, “Come grab me, I am filled with expensive stuff!”� to thieves quite like a displayed jewelry box. If you want more access to your jewelry than a safety deposit box allows, and a professionally installed wall safe isn’t an option, get creative and hide your jewelry within objects not likely to even be touched by thieves. Air-tight containers can be be tucked inside plant pots or diaper pails, hollow out a book to form a secret compartment, or stash a small case at the bottom of a box of tampons! You need to think like a thief to avoid being taken advantage by a thief.
Jewelry is something we have loved throughout the ages. Picking that perfect piece can be difficult though. You want something that is special, makes a statement, and shows true quality. In this article we have provided you with some of the top tips for picking that perfect gem. Use them next time you visit your favorite jewelry store and you’ll walk out with a lasting smile on your face.
