Yes, it’s true and it can be quite unnerving and overwhelming, to start looking into buying or selling jewelry. This, of course, is because it involves thinking about losing money. Still, it’s important to know what information you need about jewelry to be better prepared to avoid scams. That’s what the tips below are for.
Don’t spend a lot of money purchasing cheap costume jewelry. Costume jewelry does sell in more designs and cost significantly less than fine jewelry. Yet, over the course of a few months or years, costume jewelry loses its color which causes the cheap metal to show through underneath. Invest in one or two pieces of fine jewelry that are sure to last a lifetime.
Many people see jewelry labeled as sterling silver plated and oftentimes think they’ve hit the jackpot when they purchase it at a very low price. In this case unfortunately, you do get what you pay for. This type of jewelry only contains a very thin coating of sterling silver on top of a cheap metal which can usually be identified as copper. The jewelry will eventually tarnish and cause the copper to show through underneath with enough wear.
Wearing less jewelry can actually make a bigger statement than overloading yourself with many smaller pieces of bright gold and shiny stones. Large pieces are trendy right now, so when stepping out, pick one or two pieces of jewelry that are bold and dramatic. Try pairing a large, colorful ring with dangling earrings.
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!
Think about what stones you would want before you purchase a new piece of jewelry. Choose stones that complement your complexion and that best reflect your personality. Think about how the stones will work with your style, and pick neutral colors that go with everything in your wardrobe. There is no point in buying something that is not functional.
When buying jewelry for a loved one, you can buy a size that may be too big for them. Just about every piece of jewelry can be sized which means that it can be made to fit your loved one. It is important to keep your receipt after purchasing the jewelry so that you can take it back to where you bought it so that you can have it sized.
To make eye-catching jewelry, don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors. If you have difficulty thinking of a palette, look around you and take your inspiration from things found in nature. Contrasting, complimentary, traditional, or monochromatic color schemes can make quite the statement when integrated into a jewelry piece.
Soak diamonds for twenty minutes in a solution made of four parts water and one part ammonia for a sparkling shine. Scrub them with a soft dampened toothbrush allows cleaning of hard to reach places, such as under the gem or around the prongs. Dry it with a soft cloth to keep it shining and looking new.
View the gemstones in correct lighting, with the right background. Diamonds or other gems should never be viewed on a black background. Black backgrounds alter your perception of a gems real shine and color, so you may make a purchase and later realize that the stone is not as clear and perfect as you originally assumed.
Look for creative ways to add value to your handmade jewelry. Instead of using a cardboard earring holder, you can offer earrings that are mounted on a handmade birthday or Mother’s Day card, or a necklace that is packaged in a vintage seed packet. Finding ways to encourage gifting of your wares, can make all the difference in the world for your cash flow.
When making or gifting jewelry, make each piece even more meaningful by selecting stones, beads, and colors that communicate different emotions. Green gems like jade and emeralds represent growth and vitality, which makes them ideal gifts for expectant mothers, newlyweds, or perhaps friends who are especially active in eco-friendly lifestyles and initiatives.
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.
When storing your jewelry, follow any specific advice which is provided by the manufacturer. Different gem stones have different sets of rules for safe storage. Try to keep your pieces of jewelry from touching each other while being stored, since this can lead to scratching each other. If a piece of jewelry has its own box or pouch, use it for better protection of your valuable assets.
You should learn how to use the jeweler’s magnifier (loupe) so that you can see the inside of the stone and check to see if there are damages or chips on the inside of it. If there are any chips or damages that will greatly reduce the value of the stone.
If you get dirt inside of all of the little areas on a piece of jewelry they can be very hard to clean. The best thing to do is to heat it in a glass dish of soap and water on the stove and then brush it clean with a toothbrush. Make sure you do not let the soapy mixture come to a boil because it can cause damage.
See, it wasn’t nearly as bad as you thought it would be. There are a lot of people in the jewelry market that wish to take your money and leave you with something of low-quality or to try to buy what you’re selling for less. Do yourself a favor and follow these tips.
