From earrings to bangle bracelets, gold rings to silver pendants, jewelry comes in many shapes and sizes. There is more to know about each piece than just what color it is and how it fits. You must also pick an item that is of a quality that will last and then you must care for it. Here are some tips and tricks to help you to have a great jewelry collection.
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.
Only purchase jewelry from well known retailers. If you are looking to purchase gold, silver or platinum make sure that the retailer has a professional set up and that their products come with a guarantee. Do not purchase from unknown vendors who claim that the jewelry they are selling at a discount price is made from real precious metals or gemstones, they are often imported fakes.
With gold prices at an all-time high, it’s a great time to invest in gold jewelry. You may have been tempted to sell your old gold or even buy some new gold as an investment. Be smart when dealing with private jewelry sales. Investing money into a cheap gold testing kit is a wise decision to save yourself from getting duped into unintentionally buying gold plated jewelry that is essentially worthless.
If you find yourself putting off wearing a bracelet because you wear a watch, buy a bracelet that matches your watch in style and color, and wear it on your other wrist. Bracelets are fun and are one of the only pieces of jewelry that you can see on yourself when you’re wearing them. Wear one on your wrist without a watch, or simply get rid of your watch altogether.
Keep your plastic wristwatch clean and shiny. Just because you didn’t spend a lot on your jewelry doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take good care of it. A simple and cheap way to keep your watch looking great is to put toothpaste on a dry cloth and rub. Your plastic watch will look brand new.
When buying turquoise jewelry, make sure you’re getting the real thing. Some of the things you can check for are that the color is uniform throughout and that the stone tends more toward opaque than clear. Also, the presence of veins or splotches, ranging from white to black, are a good indication of a real turquoise rather than a fake one. Most important, buy from a reputable dealer and ask for written authentication of the value. Unfortunately, with all the enhancements done to fake turquoise stones, sometimes it’s hard to tell the real thing from an imitation.
Consider purchasing pearl jewelry. Pearl jewelry provides a sophisticated look, and it is relatively inexpensive. Do not buy natural pearls, which do carry a high price tag. Search for cultured pearls; you want to find ones that look shiny and are not dull or murky looking. Consider going to a jeweler so that you are less likely to be sold a fake item.
Sizing rings is a very important process in the purchase of rings, especially when purchasing engagement or wedding ring sets. An improperly sized ring can cause damage to the ring itself. If it is too large, the owner runs the risk of losing the ring. Make sure the sizing is correct, even if the ring is a surprise. It is better to be safe than sorry!
Learning about jewelry is an important part of ownership, so take pride in the fact that you are seeking knowledge to better yourself. It will allow you to have gorgeous pieces, which will stand the test of time, allowing you to adorn yourself with only the best. A diamond IS forever!
