Jewelry is not only beautiful but a wise investment. When buying jewelry there are many things you must consider to ensure you are getting the right piece, as well as the best quality and value. The following tips can help you to make wise choices when it comes to the purchase and care of jewelry.
Protect yourself when purchasing diamonds by keeping written documents of your purchases as proof. This is the only way that you can prove the 4 C’s you were guaranteed when you purchased the piece or stone. Treat your sales receipts and appraisals as contracts of what you can expect from your purchase, especially if they are not up to the quality you were guaranteed.
Combine your gold and silver jewelry. What used to be “so not in fashion” is now considered modern and sleek. Gold earrings can be worn with a silver necklace, or you can even pair gold and silver rings on one hand. The color combination goes great with any outfit as well.
Make sure that you clean your jewelry on a regular basis. Although it may not seem important, when you don’t clean your jewelry, you are taking the risk of getting skin irritations. This is because dirty jewelry can hold bacteria and germs in it. Also, cleaning jewelery will make it look brand new, even if it’s old.
To wear jewelry without feeling uncomfortable, choose looser fitting pieces. While more restricting pieces like tight bracelets or chokers may look great, you won’t be able to look your best if you’re not comfortable. Light, loose necklaces are totally on trend and can be worn all day without causing you to experience discomfort.
Use an egg to antique your sterling silver jewelry. Just boil the egg, chop it up, and put it in a bag with your silver piece. In a few hours your jewelry will change colors and then you can polish it to a beautiful antiqued look. This is an effective method because egg contains sulfur, and sulfur causes the reaction when mixed with sterling silver.
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.
Make sure you give yourself adequate time when ordering a new jewelry piece. Most pieces have a turn around time of six to eight weeks. This can become a problem quickly if you need the jewelry for an important occasion. Make sure you give yourself extra time on top of the proposed time-frame.
To take care of your diamond jewelry all you need is a baby toothbrush, ammonia, water and a soft cloth. You soak your jewelry in a little bit of ammonia mixed with water and then scrub it softly with the toothbrush. This will help remove all of the grime that builds up on it. Then rinse it off with water and dry with the cloth. It will shine like new after this.
Robe hooks are a great way to keep necklaces safe and separate. These will go nicely on a closet door or wall. You can use more than one by lining them in a row, and you can hang the necklaces by length or color. If done right, this will have a nice appearance and prevent the jewelry box tangles necklaces are prone to.
Be ready to make alterations for your customers. People do not want to buy something that everybody has, or that will not fit them right. It is relatively easy to make a bracelet or necklace longer or shorter. Offer these alterations for free or at a small price and your customers will be satisfied.
Avoid storing multiple bracelets and/or multiple necklaces together, especially if they’re thin. They can easily tangle and outright tear while you’re trying to get them untangled. If you’re storing them in the same box, pick up some small bags to keep them in separately. A little time to separate could save you some big money.
Pandora beads are a very popular trend at the moment, combining all the fascination of a traditional charm bracelet, with the ease of customization associated with glass beads. While brand name Pandora beads are comparatively expensive, a number of other companies are making compatible beads with more themes and colors, at a cheaper price.
When buying jewelry is it important to know what you are looking for. Before you go into the jewelry shop be sure to know the language that jewelers use. If you aren’t careful salesman will grab you and you will be buying a ring before you know it. Be sure and shop around before making a purchase!
When you go shopping for a wedding ring, do not be afraid to try to get them to lower the price. Often if you ask, the jeweler will be happy to offer a free insurance plan or a companion ring at a discounted price, or maybe for free. Discuss these things with the salesperson, and often you will find they are happy to offer you deals to secure your business.
In the end, a jewelry purchase is a matter of personal style combined with an adherence to sensible advice. You can put the facts in this article to good use and still find (and maintain) a piece that fits in with your taste. Hopefully whatever you buy will also turn out to be a good investment.
