Jewelry is a great gift to give to a loved one or a friend, and a lot of people buy jewelry every day. But with so many different options available to choose from, it can be difficult to know which piece of jewelry is of the best quality so that you get the best. Luckily, there are ways to check the quality so that you won’t have to worry.
Sterling silver jewelry makes a great investment. Pieces of jewelry made from sterling silver last for a lifetime and provide endless elegance. Sterling does tarnish, but can be quickly shined up using a polishing cloth. However, pieces of sterling silver jewelry that have specialty coating can last ages without tarnishing.
When looking to invest in jewelry containing sapphires, opals or rubies make sure that you understand what lab created means. Lab created gemstones are grown in a laboratory using scientific means. Jewelry that you see labeled as lab created such as sapphire has never seen Mother Nature. If you are looking for natural gemstones, you may be paying a higher price and spend significant time looking for a vendor outside of your local mall.
It is sometimes hard to stand out from the crowd or find a meaningful piece of jewelry. Jewelry stores usually sell the same type of designs that prove to be a bore after a while. Go bold and purchase handmade artisan jewelry instead. Handmade jewelry will always be a success due to its one-of-a-kind nature. You will never see anyone else wearing the same thing as you and you will also be supporting an artist instead of an import company relying on low wage labor.
Stay away from cheap glass jewelry. Borosilicate and lampwork glass jewelry are a new rage. Many styles of this type of jewelry are popping up in malls all over the country. However the products labeled as high quality lampwork glass are nothing more than cheap imported glass goods. Such glass products are usually not kiln annealed which means that there is a high chance that the product can shatter, cutting your skin while you’re wearing it. Purchase glass jewelry from local artisans or reliable vendors that you know are selling quality products. If it’s too cheap, you know it is too good to be true. Good glass costs anywhere from the low forty dollar range up into the hundreds.
Try adding some industrial metals to your collection. There is more to metal jewelry than just gold and silver. Industrial metals include stainless steel, titanium, tungsten carbide and tungsten. Industrial metals provide a much nicer shine and are more durable and less susceptible to damage. Titanium is known for being more lightweight, stainless steel and can be polished until it practically glows. Tungsten carbide can resist scratches for a long time, as well as being a dark metal.
When choosing an outfit for work, think about what jewelry may or may not be appropriate. Accessories can make an outfit seem more finished, but some items may not be appropriate for your place of work. Check to make sure that all of what you’re wearing fits with your work’s dress code.
When purchasing high price jewelry, check with multiple stores and even online before buying. Comparison shopping is important because the price of jewelry can vary extensively from vendor to vendor. Comparison shopping also helps you to learn about the quality of the beautiful piece you’re hoping to purchase.
Jewelry should never be cleaned with bleach. Bleach damages soldered joints and can eat away at finishes. Jewelry should not be worn in swimming pools for two reasons. Jewelry is easily lost in swimming pools and chlorine bleach is used in the water of pools. If cleaning with bleach, remove your jewelry or wear protective gloves.
If you wear fashion jewelry you have to keep in mind that it cannot be cleaned the same as regular jewelry. You should wipe it with a damp cloth and then dry it. Soaking it in water can lead to damage since most fashion jewelry is made with jeweler’s cement.
When you are wearing pearls you have to make sure not to expose them to any harsh hair sprays, perfumes, or other chemicals. They tend to lose their luster very fast if they are exposed to these chemicals because the nacre (skin) of the pearl will start to peel off.
Avoid buying jewelry while gold and silver prices are high. Shop around and look for bargains when it is necessary to purchase a ring while gold is at an all time high. Shopping at locally owned jewelry stores and staying away from large chain stores, will help you find a quality and reasonably priced piece of jewelry.
When selling jewelry, learn everything about the materials you use. When buying jewelry, you should have a good idea of the different materials being used. This will help you evaluate the value of a jewel and know how long it will last you.
When you sell jewelry online, write a few paragraphs about who you are and your background. When people walk into your store, introduce yourself. Do not go into details, but have people feel as if they know you and can trust you. You should emphasis your experience in jewelry and perhaps even show some of your past creations.
As with most things, we all want to get the best things for the cheapest price. So, the next time you decide to buy a piece of expensive jewelry as a present for a loved one, try to use these tips so that you can make sure you are getting the best bargain and quality for the amount of money you paid.
