When you are looking for stones you should remember a few simple tips. Going into a jewelry store without knowing what to look out for can result in you getting a piece that is not worth nearly as much as what you paid for it. Follow these tips, so that you can make the right selection.
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.
Bring a magnet when shopping for sterling silver jewelery. When you do this, you become able to find fake pieces of any type of sterling jewelry. You can use the magnet because non-precious metals actually are attracted by magnets. Look for the hallmark stamped on the piece of jewelry to determine what percentage sterling silver it is. Be wary of pieces that lack any silver hallmarks, as this is an indication that they’re not genuine sterling silver.
If you have metal allergies, make sure to purchase nickel free jewelry. Nickel is a common alloy that is mixed in with precious metals such as sterling silver to make them more pliable. Silver itself is very liquid in its original state and therefore not substantial enough to be properly molded into jewelry. Oftentimes, another alloy such as nickel is added. Make sure you check what you are purchasing to make sure it is nickel free.
To keep pearl jewelry looking like new, store it separately from other jewelry. While many gemstones are hard, pearls are quite soft and can be scratched easily. Try keeping your pearls in their own container with a soft lining. If you really want your pearls with the rest of your jewelry, try placing them in a soft bag first.
When making a jewelry purchase, make sure that you educate yourself about it. It is especially important when you are buying any types of gems and especially diamonds. By educating yourself, you will be able to understand what the jeweler is telling you and you will be able to make a decision based on your knowledge and not what the jeweler tells you is best.
Some people choose to clean their fine jewelry with warm water and mild soap. For most pieces of fine jewelry, this is an acceptable means of cleaning. Just make sure you rinse the jewelry well and dry it thoroughly with a soft, clean cloth. Both silver and gold may tarnish if it is not dried well.
When stitching peyote rings for your jewelry design, try stitching around a small dowel or pencil. This will help the peyote rings keep their shape while you are working on the jewelry pieces. They are also easily removable (just slide them out!). This works great for beginners who struggle with maintaining the shape of the rings and stitching at the same time.
Save your cash and forgo the designer pieces, these add an estimated 80% more to the price tag. Local jewelers or chains offer products that are exactly comparable to luxury retailers and are more likely to give you financing offers or seasonal promotions.
As you shop for pearls, you have three options: natural, cultured, or imitation. Imitation pearls are by far the most affordable, but are also noticeably less lustrous than other choices. Natural pearls are rare and will cost you a fortune. Cultured pearls, on the other hand, are somewhat affordable, highly attractive and creamy in appearance, which makes them the best option for many buyers.
A simple string of pearls makes the most elegant jewelry gift, suitable for all ages and styles. Best of all, pearls come in such a variety of sizes, that they are affordable to anyone. A single strand of pearls, no matter the size, is a stunning addition to any woman’s jewelry wardrobe and can be worn with everything from jeans and a shirt to an evening gown.
Store your earrings on a long piece of ribbon. Tie the ends of the ribbon to each end of your mirror and then tack the earrings to the ribbon, using the backs to keep them in place. This gives you easy access to your favorite pairs, and is also a decorative feature in your bedroom or bathroom.
A great choice for jewelry is Marcasite. It has all the sparkle of cut stones, but is much cheaper than most other traditional options. It is much more durable than rhinestones and is widely found in costume jewelry and inexpensive pins. It offers a great backdrop that doesn’t outshine more expensive outfits or central stones.
When you are giving jewelry as a gift to a friend, family member or someone else for that matter, you need to make sure that the item you are giving the person is appropriate. It needs to be appropriate in price, size, style and for the reason or holiday you are giving it to the person during.
If you want to have unique, but inexpensive jewelry, give independent designers a try. These days, more and more people are designing their own jewelry and selling their work online at reasonable prices. Another benefit is that there will be no need to worry that you will have the same piece of jewelry as your friends or coworkers anymore.
When deciding to purchase gold bands ask the sales representative if the gold band was made from solid bars or assembled from many pieces. Oftentimes, gold bands made from solid bars are likely to last longer than rings from many pieces. Protect your investment and ask such questions ahead of time.
While it may seem like buying jewelry can be a long and tedious process, it is actually not as taxing as it sounds. You should have fun and enjoy browsing, but just be sure to keep an eye out for things that do not seem like they are what they should be.
