When you are looking for stones you should remember a few simple tips. Going into a jewelry store without knowing what to look out for can result in you getting a piece that is not worth nearly as much as what you paid for it. Follow these tips, so that you can make the right selection.
If you have metal allergies, make sure to purchase nickel free jewelry. Nickel is a common alloy that is mixed in with precious metals such as sterling silver to make them more pliable. Silver itself is very liquid in its original state and therefore not substantial enough to be properly molded into jewelry. Oftentimes, another alloy such as nickel is added. Make sure you check what you are purchasing to make sure it is nickel free.
Try adding some industrial metals to your collection. There is more to metal jewelry than just gold and silver. Industrial metals include stainless steel, titanium, tungsten carbide and tungsten. Industrial metals provide a much nicer shine and are more durable and less susceptible to damage. Titanium is known for being more lightweight, stainless steel and can be polished until it practically glows. Tungsten carbide can resist scratches for a long time, as well as being a dark metal.
When going shopping for diamonds, make sure to set yourself a budget and stick to it. The world of diamonds can seem overwhelming and the prices vary a great deal. By keeping a budget in mind, you can cut down the vast variety, to a much more sensible variety to choose from.
If you don’t know the ring size of the person you’re buying jewelry for, just get the size they have in stock – DON’T resize it based on your guess! You don’t want to be messing with a ring over and over again or you could affect it’s hardiness. When you give the ring to the recipient, let them know you will pay to have it resized.
Find a reputable seller. Ask your friends, family, and acquaintances where they believe you should attempt to find your jewelry. Finding a jeweler that is recommended by trusted individuals can give you an advantage to shopping around. You will know in advance what experiences others may have had, and be able to prepare better.
Use a cloth dampened with a solution of water and a few drops of dish-washing liquid to clean your pearls. Lightly rub each pearl with the cloth, and allow them to air-dry. Never soak pearls, as doing so can cause massive damage to the integrity of the gem. Keeping your pearls clean ensures a long life for them.
Clean your diamonds at home between jeweler cleanings. You can simply, and cheaply, keep your diamonds sparkling as bright as ever. All you need to do is get a small amount of toothpaste and put it on a dry cloth. Rub the stone completely. Rinse and enjoy the return of the sparkle.
You do not have to spend a mint on your jewelry. Don’t underestimate a classy piece of costume jewelry as a perfect accent for your best outfit. There is a large variety of great stones that are inexpensive. If you keep your eyes open you can acquire gems at crystal prices.
Purchasing jewelry can be expensive. You don’t want to spend a lot of money on something that you are not totally in love with. Spend the time and do the research to find something that you will truly enjoy for many years to come. Waiting for the right piece to come along will make you very happy when you finally get it.
When it comes to taking care of your jewelry, be sure that you always remove it before using any sort of powerful chemicals. This is important because when using cleaning chemicals, it is possible that they could come into contact with your jewelry and either ruin it, or temporarily disfigure it.
If you have old bracelets, necklaces or rings that you like but do not wear, consider revamping them into new pieces. Gemstones can be reset by professional jewelers, and necklaces can be reworked into bracelets or combined with other necklaces to create a modern, multi-chain design. Be creative and look for ideas online for recycling those outdated pieces.
When cleaning your gold jewelry, it is important to remember you should never clean it with abrasive chemical cleaners. These products will strip gold of its natural shine and luster. If you need to remove grime from hard-to-reach locations on your gold jewelry, try using a soft-bristled toothbrush, mild soap and warm water for cleaning.
If you are not used to buying jewelry, you should probably go visit a few jewelry stores first. This will give you an idea of prices, and you can ask sellers for advice. Once you know more, you can start browsing online and be able to recognize quality jewelry right away.
If you are trying to sell your jewelry products online, the best way to do this is know what you are selling. The better you know the jewelry you are selling, the more trust and confidence you will build with your customers. Always present your items as accurately as possible.
When shopping for gemstone rings, choose a stone that is appropriately sized for the finger you plan to wear it on. For instance, if you are buying a pinky ring, opt for a small, delicate stone. If, on the other hand, you are buying a ring for your middle or index finger, choose a larger, more substantial stone.
While it may seem like buying jewelry can be a long and tedious process, it is actually not as taxing as it sounds. You should have fun and enjoy browsing, but just be sure to keep an eye out for things that do not seem like they are what they should be.