With so many different retailers all offering the best deals and most beautiful jewelry, shopping for the perfect piece can be quite a challenge. Fortunately, this handpicked selection of tips and suggestions is sure to leave you more enlightened when it comes to finding the best rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
Don’t use acetone, bleach, ammonia or turpentine to clean copper. You can turn your stones this way and it will eat away the enamel on the pieces.
A magnet is a useful tool when shopping for jewelry in sterling silver. To spot scams, see if the magnet attracts the piece. If it does, then shout “FAKE!” at the top of your lungs and move to the next store. Sterling silver will always be hallmarked with a stamp such as .925, ster. or sterling. If you cannot find a stamp, you might be looking at a cheap imitation.
If you’re trying to buy a diamond on a budget, look for one that has slight inclusions and is a less than perfect color of white. Often times, you cannot even see the inclusions and “off” color with the naked eye, but it can save you hundreds or thousands on the price of the stone.
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!
When buying vintage jewelry, become familiar with the different time periods associated with each piece. A Victorian era piece may interest you more than one of a different era, so knowing the differences will help you be able to quickly spot the pieces you are most interested in purchasing, rather than spending lots of time browsing.
Pay attention to the quality and type of gemstones in a piece when you’re looking at buying new jewelry. Choose a stone that goes well with your skin tone or the kind of clothes you wear and reflects your personality. Neutral colors are versatile enough to wear with any outfit in your closet. If it isn’t a functional piece, you will not use it and it is pointless to purchase it.
Keep your gems sparkling in your jewelry like they are always new. You can keep your beautiful stones looking their best by soaking them in the very same solution used to soak dentures. Denture cleansers are cost effective and widely available. Use for one night, and your jewels will look like new again.
Do not underestimate the power of pearl jewelry. Pearls are often considered a throwback to the days of old. How untrue this is. Modern pearls come in so many varieties, you can cheaply acquire them and spice up any fashion style you are trying to pull off. They come in many colors and shapes.
When you have opted to purchase a piece of jewelry for another person, always remember to consider the occasion in which you are purchasing for. This way, there is little room for interpretation of what the jewelry item signifies and both you and your loved one will be happy with the overall purchase.
When taking a dip in the pool, take off your jewelry. Chlorine can damage the life and luster of your jewelry. The salt in seawater will result in the same effect. Take off your jewelry before swimming to ensure that it lasts as long as possible before you have to replace it.
With the advice in this article, you should have no problem finding the best deals, the most reputable sellers, and the most gorgeous and valuable pieces of jewelry. Remember these tips and you are sure to come out on top with an amazing bauble that will undoubtedly wow its intended recipient.