A piece of jewelry can be very beautiful, and so can the entire concept itself. Jewelry not only reminds us of our important relationships, it also helps memorialize those special occasions. When you know more about jewelry and its ability to preserve memories, you will find that even the act of buying and selling can be more enjoyable.
Jewelry should be stored in an air-tight and humid free area. It’s best to store it in a closed box, like a jewelry box, or a drawstring bag. Both air and humidity can lead to tarnished metal. While precious metals can be polished back to their original luster, non-precious metals are only coated in which case polishing causes the copper metal underneath to show through.
When shopping for diamonds, it’s best to comparison shop. Take a close look at a truly top notch diamond, and then hold everything else you consider to that standard. There are ways to hide some of a diamond’s imperfections, so be very particular about each one you view.
You should ensure the quality of the pieces of costume jewelry that you purchase for your collection. Even though it is not as expensive as its precious counterpart, costume jewelry represents a significant investment, one that can be lost if the pieces are allowed to get worn and broken. Costume pieces kept in great condition will enhance your collection much more over time.
When you go shopping for sterling silver jewelry pieces, take with you a magnet and a monocle. You are able to detect fake pieces of sterling jewelry with a magnet, as non-precious metals are attracted by the magnet. In addition, sterling silver pieces are always stamped with silver hallmarks indicating such factors as the degree of purity, the manufacturer’s symbol, and the date of manufacture. Some of the most common hallmarks are “925, “ster,” “sterling,” and “sterling silver.” If a particular piece is not stamped, you should be cautious of its authenticity.
If you want to start a costume jewelry collection, it is important to be aware of the pieces’ condition. Costume jewelry, while expensive, can be a great investment. However, if a piece shows wear it will lose value. A piece of costume jewelry that has been treated well can be a treasure for years to come.
Now that you’ve reached the end of this article, you are better equipped to select the perfect gemstones, beads or fine metals in jewelry. Enjoy your jewelry buying, selling or wearing experience a little more now that you have the right information.
