Have you been thinking about venturing into the world of jewelry? If perhaps you would like to get a present for a loved one, you will enjoy the information provided it this article.
To distinguish between real and fake, bring a magnet when you shop for sterling silver jewelry. If an item of jewelry is attracted by a magnet, it is not sterling silver! Only non-precious metals can be drawn to a magnet. Sterling silver should always bear a stamp that says Sterling, Ster. or .925. If you don’t see such a mark, you might want to reconsider the purchase. This is usually an indication that the piece is fake.
Know the distinctions between kinds of gems before you make a jewelry purchase. The types of gems available are synthetic, imitation and natural. Natural stones and synthetic gems are both real, but imitation gems are probably just colored glass or plastic. Synthetic gems come from a lab and natural ones are found in the ground.
When you go diamond shopping, make sure that you do shopping comparisons. Take a very close look at the piece you like, and then make the comparison to any others on your favorites list. Don’t fall for any of the tricks used by shady dealers. They employ these tactics to make a diamond look better than it really is.
Make careful note of the condition of costume jewelry you wish to collect. Costume jewelry is pricey and can retain its value in many cases, but pieces that are damaged aren’t worth much and aren’t worth the time to restore. Pieces that are in great shape will fetch you better prices down the road, should you choose to sell them.
As a collector of costume jewelry, you should investigate the condition of the pieces that you want to add to your collection Costume jewelry can prove to be a good investment, but also a costly one; keep in mind the pieces you wish to add to your collection don’t show too much wear. A piece that is free of any defects or wear not only looks better, but is also a better investment.
The price, style, color, material, occasion – there is so much to think about when selecting jewelry that it can easily become overwhelming. With any luck, this article can help with your jewelry questions.
