Anyone who has ever had to navigate the endless number of jewelers and retailers, in search of the perfect piece of jewelry, can tell you how difficult it can be. Save yourself the hassle of making an unwise purchase by brushing up on these tips for shopping for jewelry.
When going shopping for diamonds, make sure to set yourself a budget and stick to it. The world of diamonds can seem overwhelming and the prices vary a great deal. By keeping a budget in mind, you can cut down the vast variety, to a much more sensible variety to choose from.
Don’t purchase used earrings without disinfecting the posts or ear hooks. Other people have been wearing them, especially true for vintage pieces, and there are plenty of germs lying around. Take some lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide, squeeze some onto a cotton swab and run it over the ear pieces of the earrings. This will kill the germs, making it safe to wear the earrings.
If you’re making your own earrings, go to a welding supply store to purchase aluminum wire. You can purchase the wire there in a spool, which is far less expensive than buying it in smaller quantities. Some aluminum wire is also hypoallergenic, making it the perfect choice for individuals with sensitive ears.
When buying gold, be sure that your receipt is clearly marked with the karat weight, as well as the manufacturer. These are things you need to know in case you later want to appraise or sell the piece, or perhaps have it re-sized. The information included is also necessary for any returns processes you may have to go through.
When soldering a wedding ring and an engagement ring together, make sure the jeweler polishes the rings. Engagement rings are often worn for some time before the wedding band is and it will look like the rings do not match if they are not polished to look new.
Always store your pearls flat, and in a silk pouch. Pearls scratch very easily and so, soft silk is the safest material to store them in. Hanging pearls is a bad option because it can stretch the knotted string over time and ruin your precious investment.
If you have old bracelets, necklaces or rings that you like but do not wear, consider revamping them into new pieces. Gemstones can be reset by professional jewelers, and necklaces can be reworked into bracelets or combined with other necklaces to create a modern, multi-chain design. Be creative and look for ideas online for recycling those outdated pieces.
Don’t wash your hands while wearing inexpensive or costume jewelry, this can damage the finish. Even though these pieces may not have much monetary value, they can be highly sentimental and should be cared for with the same respect as precious jewelry. Place it in a pocket or in your purse before you wash your hands, so that you don’t leave them behind.
Do not let a seller talk you into something you cannot afford or do not really like. Some sellers are excellent at what they do, but remember that you are the one making the decision. You should ask for advice, but keep in mind that the sellers’ best interest is to see you buy something expensive.
When buying an expensive jewelry piece, you want it to last for many years. While the price tag does frequently denote the quality of a piece, you should also consider whether a piece is crafted in a timeless style. A piece that is made in a popular style may not look quite so fashionable later. Choose a classic, timeless piece.
When it comes to purchasing jewelry, listen to your gut feeling if you are having trouble making decisions. This is important because you may regret not going with that first item that jumped out at you – there is definitely a reason that it caught your eye in the first place.
If you are purchasing jewelry for a significant other, keep in mind the status of your relationship. A gift of jewelry may signify a change in the seriousness of your relationship that you are not ready for yet. Purchase a piece that is indicative of your current status with your boyfriend or girlfriend.
Gently cleaning with a soft damp cloth is the best way to avoid disturbing the setting. Then pat the piece with a soft clothe to dry the piece adequately. Don’t ever use a steam cleaner or any harsh chemicals on fashion and costume pieces.
If you like to wear several rings on your fingers and on both hands, it would be a great idea to keep your hands in good shape. Try trimming and buffing or getting regular manicures to make sure your nice hands complement your jewelry.
If you have opted for a custom ring, an easy way to have your jeweler create something that will meet your expectations is to have them make a wax mold or silver replica first. This way you can be sure that this is what you really want, and it’s worth paying a bit more for this kind of approach. It’s so much beeter than looking at a picture or some other kind of diagram.
When ordering jewelry online, make sure that you keep all paperwork associated with your order such as: receipts, webpage printouts and order confirmations. You’ll most likely be required to keep these in order to return the item for a full refund if not satisfied. If saving these on your computer, make sure you make a backup or save them on a USB device as well.
Now that you have learned some of the best and brightest tips for finding the perfect necklace, brooch, or bracelet, you are sure to make more informed decisions regarding your next jewelry purchase. This advice is sure to help you put a smile on someone’s face as you give them the perfect gift, even if it’s a gift for yourself.
