While jewelry shopping is a fun experience, it can be extremely stressful, if the piece you are seeking is expensive. There are many different types of materials used to make jewelry, and they are all worth varying amounts of money. Shoppers who don’t know the jewelry industry well often end up spending more than is necessary. This article will show you how to make your jewelry purchases wisely.
Don’t clean your jewelry in harsh household chemicals like ammonia, bleach or turpentine. Chemicals can eat away the stones or enamel on your stones.
Always compare prices before purchasing any diamonds. Take a very close look at the piece you like, and then make the comparison to any others on your favorites list. Be careful of tricks that jewelers use to make a diamond look bigger or better.
Bring a magnet when shopping for sterling silver jewelery. Precious metals, like sterling silver, will not be attracted to the magnet. Also, look to make sure that silver is hallmarked and stamped with .925, sterling or ster. Be wary of pieces that lack any silver hallmarks, as this is an indication that they’re not genuine sterling silver.
Always compare prices before purchasing any diamonds. Look at what you like close up, and compare them to other pieces you have seen. Be careful of tricks that jewelers use to make a diamond look bigger or better.
To keep your jewelry looking great, take steps to prevent it from tarnish. Exposure to water can affect the finish, so avoid it. Some metals will tarnish, dull or rust when exposed to water or perspiration. You can give your jewelry an additional layer of protection by applying a thin coat of clear nail polish to it.
Consider the stones whenever you buy jewelry. The right stone will enhance your skin tone and make a statement about your personality. Pieces in neutral tones work well with any item in your wardrobe. If it isn’t a functional piece, you will not use it and it is pointless to purchase it.
The tips above have hopefully cleared up some of the questions you have about jewelry. It should help you pick out just the right piece. Reading about the various types of jewelry can make choosing the right item a lot easier.
