Making an investment in jewelry in many cases is a substantial one. You will find many tips about all kinds of things regarding jewelry inside this article. You will learn anything that you may need to know to take better care, store and many other helpful tips that will help protect your jewelry.
There are two types of categories that jewelry falls under. Fine jewelry is jewelry made from silver, gold or platinum and is combined with any precious or semi- precious gemstones. Jewelry classified as costume is any form of jewelry made from low cost metals that contain only a silver or gold surface finish as well as synthetic or plastic “gemstones”. Both categories have their pros and cons, and it really depends on personal taste and budget that helps determine which to buy.
Ask about a jeweler’s insurance policy before buying anything. If your jewelry becomes damaged, you can return it to the source and have it repaired. Sometimes you can even get replacement coverage for loss or theft.
Always keep your receipt. Making sure that you have a means of returning the item in question is one of the most important things to do in jewelry shopping. You never know if the person you are purchasing for may not like the piece, or if you may find a better deal elsewhere.
To create a fashion forward look on a budget, try shopping for vintage jewelry. Jewelry trends are cyclical and stylish jewelry can often be found for cheap at thrift stores. Take the time to sort through the old jewelry at your local thrift stores and flea markets. You’re likely to find some great pieces at a low cost.
If you’re looking for a good piece of jewelry on a budget have you ever considered a pawn shop? Often times people in hard financial times pawn their jewelry, even brand new and in pristine condition. This affords you the opportunity to get a fine piece of jewelry at a fraction of the price!
If you have your jewelry insured, be sure to take good pictures of it. This will help when dealing with the insurance company in case something should happen to your jewelry. It can really help speed the process up and help you get through the insurance red tape. It also helps document what you have in case your home gets broken into.
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.
When buying jewelry, make sure that you know the difference between the different types of silver available. Be aware that nickel silver and German silver do not actually contain any silver and they are only called silver because of the color. Sterling silver is the only real silver there is.
When buying jewelry, you should not buy something only because of the brand. Most people will not really know where you discovered the piece. Sellers try to get you to buy brand name jewelry just because it is more expensive. You’ll be able to find high-quality jewelry from any number of brands.
To get cheaper rates on your jewelry-making supplies, try to take advantage of discounts and sales. Several chain hobby and craft stores sell basic supplies that you can use when making jewelry (such as thread, pliers, beads, etc), and these frequently can go on sale, sometimes up to 50% off. If you need to purchase items that are not sold in local stores, do research online before settling on a place to purchase from.
When cleaning your jewelry, make sure to use warm water and soap. Always dry thoroughly with a soft cloth, making sure not to leave any water behind on your jewelry. Some pieces come with special cleaning instructions, so make sure to follow those as well. It is important that you do not use any other chemicals unless specified.
When it comes to purchasing jewelry, try to look for pieces that can be worn in multiple ways. This will maximize the usability of your investment. Many jewelry items can be used for different styles, depending on how it is worn or what is used to compliment it.
It is not easy to find truly flawless sapphires and rubies, which historically has made these stones quite expensive, particularly in the lighter shades, which makes the flaws easier to see. Fortunately, modern technology has made it possible to produce artificial stones that are identical in every way except for the flaws, and are much cheaper. Jewelry made from these stones is just as beautiful.
Following these tips are the first steps to protecting your investment. If you take the information included in this article and apply it to your everyday life, you are sure to reap the benefits of the knowledge that was put into writing it for you. Enjoy your jewelry for your lifetime.