Buying jewelry for a loved one can be a stressful experience. Lessening the stress and allowing the buying experience to be a happy one can be very beneficial to both the buyer and the seller. This article gives you a multitude of methods to help you be more confident and less stressed when buying your jewelry.
A great place to purchase almost any type of jewelry in the world is Ebay. Ebay is an amazingly large marketplace that serves as a gateway to the world. You can purchase affordable vintage, fashion and fine jewelry. Ebay can help you get the best deals and even purchase jewelry that has long since been considered rare or no longer manufactured.
When you want to get diamond jewelry it is important that you know the quality of the stone you are trying to buy. Any qualified or knowledgeable jeweler will be able show you the quality of the diamond you are buying. From there, the prices are explainable; the higher the quality of the diamond the more expensive.
Never, EVER buy fake jewelry for someone you love! That means gold-plated, cubic zirconia, or gold-filled. Stick to the real stuff – you can get a bargain on real gold, silver, or even platinum if you look hard enough. Fake jewelry can turn the skin black or green, and that is the LAST thing you want to do!
Ask your jeweler before you make a purchse about what kinds of treatments were used on the gemstones in the piece. Depending on the type of treatment used, the piece will require varying types of care. Treatments can interaction with certain types of cleansing solutions, so doing your research can spare you from a chemistry mishap.
Beware of wearing hemp jewelry if you plan on swimming. Though hemp jewelry can be very beautiful and appealing when you are dry, you can quickly find yourself in dire straights. Hemp shrinks when wet and can quickly become too tight for you. Be especially wary of hemp choker style necklaces.
When you want to store your fine jewelry, you should follow the instructions that were provided with your specific piece, and follow them exactly. Generally, you do not want pieces touching each other to keep them from scratching. It is best to store your jewelry in the box or pouch it came in.
When purchasing diamond jewelry such as engagement rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets, knowing the 4 C’s of diamonds are important. The 4 C’s include: Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat. Some jewelers also like to add a fifth C which is Certificate and it is the grading report on the quality of the diamonds in your piece of jewelry. Knowing the C’s of diamonds will make you a more knowledgeable customer.
Make sure you store your pearl jewelry in breathable bags, away from other jewelry that may scratch your pearl jewelry. Pearls can easily become flawed so it is important that you keep it away from jewelry that may scratch their surface. You should never keep your pearls in a zip-lock bag.
If you have old bracelets, necklaces or rings that you like but do not wear, consider revamping them into new pieces. Gemstones can be reset by professional jewelers, and necklaces can be reworked into bracelets or combined with other necklaces to create a modern, multi-chain design. Be creative and look for ideas online for recycling those outdated pieces.
When you clean your jewelry, be sure to dry it and polish it before returning it to storage. This is especially true for gold and silver jewelry. The metal can tarnish if left damp. The stones in your jewelry will also develop water stains if they are put away with water on them.
Do not let a seller talk you into something you cannot afford or do not really like. Some sellers are excellent at what they do, but remember that you are the one making the decision. You should ask for advice, but keep in mind that the sellers’ best interest is to see you buy something expensive.
One of the disadvantages of purchasing gold jewelry is the high price. You can save some money, though. You just need to be a little flexible about the number of karats you will accept. The best deal you will usually find is a piece of 18 karat gold, which is at least 75% pure gold.
Sterling silver is a porous metal that oxidizes when it comes in contact with oxygen. To keep your silver jewelry looking clean and shiny, wipe any dirt or other substances off with a warm, damp cloth. Dry it thoroughly and polish with a polishing cloth to restore its natural luster and shine.
Labradorite makes a popular and easy to care for alternative to multicolored stones like opal. It has a similar play of color, although the primary color that reflects off of labradorite is blue, rather than all colors of the rainbow. However, you don’t have to keep it moist to prevent it from cracking.
If you have made the investment into a nice piece of jewelry, you want to keep it looking great for a lifetime. Regular cleaning and maintenance will need to be done. Many times the jeweler that you purchased the item from will perform a standard cleaning at no cost to you.
Clean your jewelry with a soft, moist cloth to prevent damage to the setting. After a gentle cleaning, take out a soft cloth and dry the piece completely. Avoid exposing your costume jewelry to steam cleaners or chemicals.
As was stated in the beginning of the article, buying jewelry can be a very stressful experience. Knowing your way around a jewelry counter can help give you the confidence and capability to make the right choice for your loved one. Apply the advice from the article and you will find yourself knowledgeable and ready to meet your jeweler.