If you are completely new to the world of buying or selling jewelry, then you are probably thinking that some tips on what you need to know about jewelry will help you immensely. Listed below are some tips to help get you started with your jewelry buying or selling endeavors.
Bring a magnet when shopping for sterling silver jewelery. You can detect fake sterling silver with the magnet, since non-precious metals are drawn to magnets. If your silver is sterling, you will also notice a mark on the piece. This mark might state .925, sterling, or ster. If the piece is not hallmarked in any way, be leery of its authenticity because oftentimes it is a sign of a fake.
If you are a seller of jewelry, make sure you include some photos of what it should look like when its worn. Jewelry tends to look much different when you actually see it in use versus just sitting on a tabletop. Try getting a photo of a mannequin wearing it or have yourself, your staff or even your customers submit “modeling” photos of the pieces in use. This provides all of your customers a view into how things look with their sizing and how things dangle.
One “old fashioned” piece of jewelry that you might want to reconsider wearing, is a watch. Younger people are used to using their cell phones or other electronics to tell time, but in certain situations, it may be more appropriate or more professional to wear a nice watch. You don’t want to be constantly checking your watch at a job interview or a formal event, but wearing one sends a certain message.
If you want to buy one of the ladies in your life a piece of jewelry, but don’t know her size, just sneak something out of her jewelry box that she already wears. That way you can have that item sized and get her the perfect jewelry in the perfect size – she’ll be totally amazed!
A fun craft for your wedding is to make your own jewelry. It really is simple and it gives you the ability to customize the items exactly as you wish. For my wedding I used various shades of purple pearls and Swarovski crystals to make all my jewelry and my daughter’s as well. It was stunning AND affordable!
To make sure no one can tell that you’re wearing costume jewelry, choose pieces that have a real metal setting. A gold or platinum setting can give an artificial gemstone a much more authentic look. This will make sure that you still look elegant even when you’re buying your jewelry on a budget.
Be highly aware when you go in a shop to buy new jewelry. The people running the shop have had years of training to guide you right into buying a diamond that has been getting dusty in their case. If you feel the least bit pressured, you should leave and try another shop, or come back later.
Avoid letting your jewelry come into contact with chemicals, such as those found in hairspray, lotion, perfume and other products. Some chemicals can stain or otherwise damage precious metals and stones. Porous stones like pearls, opal or turquoise should not be submersed in water for long, either, to prevent damage.
You should not wear your jewelry if you plan on going for a swim or if you plan on going in any other body of water that may contain harsh chemicals. These sorts of things can cause your jewelry to age much more quickly. Protect your jewelry and be conscientious.
Gifts of jewelry are often given to romantic partners. A romantic presentation is a great way to enhance a romantic piece of jewelry. Packaging and decoration can be used to make an attractive piece of jewelry look even better. Theatrical presentation also makes for a more memorable gift-giving. Jewelry given with a ceremony will remind its recipient not only of a relationship but also of a particularly romantic moment.
If you plan to stay in the sunlight for any length of time, remove your gemstones before hand. Sunlight can have a damaging effect on many gemstones, dulling them or changing their color entirely. Stones such as Quartz, Citrine, and Amethyst are especially vulnerable. Better to leave your stones at home where they will be safe.
Ensure the success and profitability of your wholesale jewelry business by doing your homework and comparing multiple potential vendors and suppliers. Comparison shopping can help you to find the best deal, even if you believe your first vendor under consideration may have the lowest prices. The lower the price, the higher your profit.
If you want to buy silver jewelry, consider buying vintage pieces. The price of silver is higher now than it was in years past, and it is expected to continue to increase. This means purchasing silver jewelry is a good investment. If you focus on buying vintage pieces that were made when silver cost much less, they will be more affordable than new pieces you can buy today.
Dress up your outfit with inexpensive cocktail rings! You can pick these up at garage sales, flea markets and discount stores for a fraction of the price of gold and silver jewelry. Rhinestones and faux pearls look just as striking, and you do not have to worry about losing or damaging an expensive piece of jewelry!
When it comes to making the most out of currently owned jewelry, consider repairing pieces that you currently own instead of buying new ones. This is beneficial not only because you may save money but also because you will once again get to wear a piece of jewelry that you have a fondness for already.
As you can see from the above list of tips, buying or selling jewelry can be quite an adventure, as there is so much to learn about before starting either process. After following these tips, you will no longer be new to buying or selling jewelry, but you will become an a bit of a jewelry expert.