Shopping for jewelry can be lots of fun; however, this can also be extremely stressful if you’re aiming to purchase an expensive jewelry piece. There are many different types of materials used to make jewelry, and they are all worth varying amounts of money. When a shopper is lacking the knowledge to recognize the appropriate prices for the different materials, they may pay much more than necessary. This article will show you how to make your jewelry purchases wisely.

Make sure to store your jewelry away from humidity and air. Keep them stored safely in a closed, dark area, like a jewelry box or drawstring bag. Humidity and air tends to cause precious and non-precious metals to tarnish. While precious metals can be polished back to their original luster, non-precious metals are only coated in which case polishing causes the copper metal underneath to show through.

Sterling Silver

When shopping for sterling silver jewelry, it is a good idea to bring a small magnet along with you. Precious metals, like sterling silver, will not be attracted to the magnet. Another way to tell if a metal is sterling silver is to check for a hallmark stamp, for example .sterling, .ster, or .925. Be wary of jewelery without any kind of hallmark, as often it is fake.

Know which kind of stone you are buying with your jewelry. Gemstones come in three different varieties: natural, imitation and synthetic. Imitation gems are made out of glass or plastic; natural and synthetic gems both consist of real gemstone. The only difference between natural and imitation gemstones is where they are made. Natural occur naturally, while synthetic stones are grown in labs.

Do they often wear hoop earrings, or stud earrings? Do they show a preference for white or yellow gold? This is a great place to start when picking out that special item.

Take the steps to inhibit its tarnishing. One of the best ways to keep your jewelry looking beautiful is to avoid wearing it in water. Water exposure can cause different metals to become tarnished, dull or rusted. Painting a thin layer of clear-colored nail polish on your metal jewelry can add a protective barrier to it.

Costume Jewelry

If you like to buy costume jewelry, make sure that you examine the condition carefully. Even though it is not as expensive as its precious counterpart, costume jewelry represents a significant investment, one that can be lost if the pieces are allowed to get worn and broken. A piece of costume jewelry that has been treated well can be a treasure for years to come.

Having an ornate piece at your waist will naturally draw eyes by adding interest. Pin the brooch on your belt in the center, or offset to one side.

Before buying jewelry or a fine stone, find out if it was treated in any way. If it was, find out how. Different treatments require different types of care. Applying the wrong chemical when cleaning a gemstone can cause the protective treatment to dissolve, and damage the appearance of the gem.

Resist the common notion that size matters; concentrate instead on quality and clarity. It’s also important to consider the personality of whomever is to receive the diamond.

This means steam saunas and dry saunas. Many types of jewelry will suffer damage if they are exposed to extreme heat and humidity.

Jewelry Sets

Jewelry sets make excellent gifts for loved ones. Many jewelers offer deals on jewelry sets. You can easily make that one purchase into two gifts for different occasions by breaking the set up and presenting it to them on the different days. It is a great way to make sure that you always have a present for someone and that it is something they will love.

When buying an expensive jewelry piece, you want it to last for many years. While expensive normally equates to great quality, bear in mind that styles will change in the future. Although the piece might be in style right now, it might be considered passe in just a few years. Try and find classic items that never go out of fashion.

You can earn a little cash from your solid gold necklaces and bracelet without selling them. If you feel they are a little too long, just trim them a bit and sell the scraps. Then you will still have your jewelry and a little extra cash. You could make hundreds by shortening the chains of your necklaces, provided they are made of real gold.

Remember to combine large and very ornate jewelry with simple outfits. Try wearing something simple or solid color to bring attention to jewelery.

It is important to stick to your designated budget when you are out jewelry shopping. There is no reason to take on debt because of a shiny ring or fancy necklace. If you’re young and buying a wedding ring, consider buying a less expensive one at first. Then, you can always upgrade at a later time when your finances are much better.

When cleaning your costume jewelry, avoid damaging the setting by using a damp cloth to wipe the surface the jewelry. Gently dry the piece with a soft cloth. Don’t ever use steam cleaners or any kind of harsh chemicals on costume or fashion jewelry.

Taking your fine jewelry to a gemologist or certified appraiser before selling it can really be in your best interest. If you do so, you have a very good idea of what the piece is worth, which makes you much better prepared to evaluate offers that are made when you put it up for sale.

Never clean jewelry in a sink without double-checking that you’ve plugged the drain first. More often than you would like, a very important piece of jewelry could very easily be slipped off when you have soapy hands. Get in the habit of plugging the drain when you wash your hands to prevent jewelry from ending up in your drain pipe.

Whether it is a ring, watch or a beautiful new bracelet, you can use the advice in the article above to buy your next piece of jewelry with confidence. Keep this information in mind as you begin to invest your time and money throughout the buying process.