You could have tons of fun shopping for jewelry, but stressful if you want to buy expensive jewelry. There are lots of different things used when making jewelry, which are all worth different amounts of money. The uneducated shopper can easily end up paying over the odds. Use these following tips to help you purchase jewelry wisely.
Make sure to regularly polish your metal jewelry. Over time it begins to collect dirt, oil and dust and that affects its sheen and overall appearance. This makes the jewelry look worn and old. Go ahead and refresh those pieces using some simple polish to make them look like brand new again.
Store your jewelry in felt. It is always annoying when a piece of your favorite jewelry starts to tarnish. To keep it from tarnishing, just make sure you store it properly. Use a felt bag or even a jewelry box lined with felt. It will help to keep the jewelry from tarnishing.
When you go jewelry shopping, make sure that it is with people you know and trust that can help you find what it is that you need. There should ideally be at least two people to help you with your shopping experience. The first should be an experienced and trustworthy jeweler. The other should be a loved one or good friend.
Jewelry consignment stores are a great place to sell your jewelry. Consignment stores will sell your jewelry for whatever you think is a fair price, and they take a certain percentage of the sales when the item sells. They will usually display it for about 3 months and then you have the option of either picking it up or selling it to the store. Occasionally the store will keep it on display for longer if you ask.
To keep your jewelry from overpowering you, select pieces that compliment your body type. If you’re petite, it’s best to stick to smaller pieces with more simplistic shapes. Tall or larger women may want to choose a powerful statement necklace to create a striking visual look. Whenever you choose a new piece of jewelry, think about your proportions and how well that piece will work with them.
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.
As you shop for pearls, you have three options: natural, cultured, or imitation. Imitation pearls are by far the most affordable, but are also noticeably less lustrous than other choices. Natural pearls are rare and will cost you a fortune. Cultured pearls, on the other hand, are somewhat affordable, highly attractive and creamy in appearance, which makes them the best option for many buyers.
Whether you’re a man or woman shopping for jewelry, avoid asking store clerks how things look when you try them on. To make a sale, people are obviously going to be very flattering with you. A false sense of confidence here can result in a really bad purchase that you’ll end up regretting later.
Remove rings and bracelets before using bleach products. Bleach can damage jewelry, causing irreparable damage. This includes washing powder, liquid detergent, and even bathing in a chlorine treated hot tub or swimming pool. If you happen to get any kind of bleach product on your jewelry, wash it immediately using clear warm water, and dry with a soft cloth.
Matching your jewelry to your personal style helps you maintain a unique, yet tasteful look. There are a lot of jewelry makers on the market that are making unique and progressive designs. These pieces range in price making them affordable for every budget. Take the time to shop around for pieces that appeal to you in style and price.
Before you step out for the day take one last look at your jewelry. It is important to edit your look, whether it means taking pieces off or adding a few. Accessories are key to a put together look for both men and women but too many accessories, especially jewelry, can create a gaudy look. On the other hand, some clothing can look undone without the appropriate jewelry.
Jewelry represents such a pricey purchase that the wise buyer will safeguard his or her investment by thoroughly investigating return policies before buying. This is even more important with jewelry intended as a gift, as no one can be entirely certain their gift will suit the recipient. Buying pieces with a return policy can prevent long-term regrets over ill-considered jewelry purchases.
Emeralds, while extremely durable on the outer surface, require a small degree of maintenance and care to preserve their internal qualities. They can be cleaned with cool water and may even be soaked very briefly, but should never be exposed to harsh jewelry cleaners or extremely hot water or steam.
If you have a penchant for vintage jewelry, and authenticity is important to you, then knowing where to shop can make all the difference. Many manufacturers today make new versions of old styles, making it difficult to know whether the pieces you are holding in your hand are genuinely from the flower-power sixties or the the swinging seventies. Find vintage stores in larger cities that separate clothing and jewelry into decades, and inquire ahead of time if they sell any items that are new. Most authentic vintage stores do not.
One easy way to give old brooches a new life is to use them as buckles on everything from hats to pants to purses. While brooches worn the intended way may look outdated, a decorative brooch clipped onto a plain hat, scarf or purse makes for an eye-catching and unexpected accent.
Having read this, you should now know some tips to use when you are going to buy watches, necklaces, cuff links, etc. Keep these tips in mind when at the jewelers to save both time and money.
