You may be in the market for a piece of fine jewelry for yourself, your mother, betrothed, or best friend. You may also find delight in a handmade piece made by that special someone. No doubt you value and want to care for what you have. This article will provide some tips and tricks to help you make the most it.
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.
If you are a seller of jewelry, make sure you include some photos of what it should look like when its worn. Jewelry tends to look much different when you actually see it in use versus just sitting on a tabletop. Try getting a photo of a mannequin wearing it or have yourself, your staff or even your customers submit “modeling” photos of the pieces in use. This provides all of your customers a view into how things look with their sizing and how things dangle.
When choosing jewelry for an outfit, think about not only what color or colors your clothes are, but also what color your jewelry is. If you’re wearing a necklace on a silver chain, try to pair it with a silver ring or earrings with silver findings. Try to avoid mixing different colored metals unless you have a single piece, such as a watch, that combines both.
When buying jewelry on eBay, it helps to know exactly what you’re looking for. There can be thousands of listings for a single type of jewelry. Avoid frustration by knowing the style and color you want before you begin looking. Unlike a brick and mortar store, it can take hours to browse through everything online.
Don’t buy novelty jewelry unless you know for sure that the person you’re buying it for will like it. If your wife is a fan of Sleeping Beauty, then a dwarf pendant is an appropriate gift. Don’t just buy an item of jewelry because it’s cute, make sure it’s appropriate, too.
When buying jewelry, you may want to consider semi-precious stones. Semi-precious stones can be found in a wide variety of colors, cuts, and price-ranges. Not only will you be able to get more for less, but, since many people choose precious stones, your semi-precious gemstone jewelry may seem ever rarer than diamonds!
Keep your plastic wristwatch clean and shiny. Just because you didn’t spend a lot on your jewelry doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take good care of it. A simple and cheap way to keep your watch looking great is to put toothpaste on a dry cloth and rub. Your plastic watch will look brand new.
If you have gold jewelry, it is important that you do not use harsh chemicals when you try to clean them. Harsh chemicals can make your gold jewelry dull and cause it to lose its natural luster. You should clean your gold jewelry with mild cleansers and warm water.
Be sure to ask the person you are dealing with at the jewelry store if the gem you are trying to purchase has been treated in any way. A lot of times they are treated to make them look better and last longer, but that decreases the value of the gem.
Be ready to make alterations for your customers. People do not want to buy something that everybody has, or that will not fit them right. It is relatively easy to make a bracelet or necklace longer or shorter. Offer these alterations for free or at a small price and your customers will be satisfied.
Before you go out and purchase a diamond from any location, make sure you research the subject a little bit. Not knowing what to look for or the price range of diamonds might leave you paying a lot more than you should. A lot of jewelers just love uneducated buyers, so don’t fall into that trap.
Avoid storing multiple bracelets and/or multiple necklaces together, especially if they’re thin. They can easily tangle and outright tear while you’re trying to get them untangled. If you’re storing them in the same box, pick up some small bags to keep them in separately. A little time to separate could save you some big money.
Wear original jewelery that attracts attention when you have a simple outfit on. Allow it to stand out on its own against the backdrop of a dark, patternless dress or blouse.
If you’re looking for a strand of pearls, consider cultured pearls. They are a beautiful option, and come in many different colors. They are also a fraction of the cost of natural pearls. Natural pearls are extremely rare and so, extremely expensive. Cultured pearls are easier to find and easier to afford too.
With some consumer purchases, warranties and extended care plans are not worth the money. This is not the case with jewelry! Jewelry can last a lifetime – or longer – if it is well-maintained. Purchasing a service plan along with a piece of jewelry is a wise investment, as repair work, resizing and resetting can extend a piece’s life significantly.
Alright, now you are in business! Whether you are in the market for a piece of fine jewelry or find delight in something handmade, take care of it so that it lasts. Use the tips and tricks in the above article to help you enjoy your choices for a long time!
