Does your sense of style need an update with some new jewelry? Perhaps you’re looking to add a splash of color to a drab outfit. If the former question isn’t true, then are you wanting to purchase a gift for someone special in your life? If any of these questions apply to you, you’re certain to discover useful tips in the below article.

Take care to store your jewelry safely. It is recommended to separate the items stored by using compartments, boxes, holders and hooks. Throwing the jewelry together into the jewelry box is a no-no. Storing them improperly can damage the fragile pieces, and necklaces can get tangled with other pieces.

The metals in jewelry can tarnish if exposed to humid air, so you will want to store them in a way that protects them. A jewelry box or drawstring bag out of a humid area is ideal. Certain metals will be tarnished when exposed to humidity or air. Precious metal jewelry can be polished to fix tarnish, but non-precious metals coated with a finish will never get back to their previous state.

Sterling Silver Pieces

If you want to buy sterling silver pieces, use a magnet and examine the jewelry very carefully. Metals that aren’t precious will connect to the magnet, signaling that it is fake. 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 you don’t see such a mark, you might want to reconsider the purchase. This is usually an indication that the piece is fake.

Knowing what type of jewel you are buying when you purchase jewelry is very important. The three different types of stones are natural, imitation and synthetic. Synthetic and natural are real stones, while the imitation ones are plastic that is colored. Natural stones are found in the earth and are mined out, while synthetic ones are grown in laboratories.

Quality Piece

When you purchase jewelry, you are investing in an item that will last a lifetime. To ensure you are buying a quality piece, refuse to deal with anybody but the most reputable of jewelers. The best jewelry is well-designed and well-made with close attention to detail. The jeweler should be able to give you a history on the piece, like who crafted it and where the stones came from if there are any. Choosing a high-quality piece of jewelry is important, so that it will last forever.

When you go diamond shopping, make sure that you do shopping comparisons. Take a look at the diamonds up close, then put it next to other pieces you are interested in. 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.

Taking proper care of your jewelry requires careful consideration. Different cleaning techniques are required for different types of jewelry. Along the same lines, enhancing different stones and settings requires you to take different steps. Talk with a professional if you aren’t sure what sort of care each jewel requires.

Costume Jewelry

You will need to take special care when you are buying costume jewelery! Stones in costume jewelry are usually held in place with glue instead of a physical setting. Don’t submerge costume jewelry in water or clean it with abrasives. Wiping it down with a damp, warm cloth and then drying it with another cloth is the best care for it. This keeps costume jewelry looking its best.

Consider unique pieces of jewelry for unique individuals. If you buy something that will go along with their personality it will show them you thought about them!

Investigate your gemstone to determine if it has been treated before you purchase it, and what type of treatment it had. Depending on the type of treatment used, the piece will require varying types of care. For example, improper cleaning with the wrong method may damage the stone by stripping the treatment.

Untangle knotted necklaces with delicate loops. Instead of giving up a knotted chain as hopeless, try using plastic wrap and some clear oil. Place the chain in on the plastic wrap and add a few drops of baby oil onto the knots. Try using needles to start untangling it. Use a mild liquid soap to remove the oil and then pat dry with a towel.

With the advice you’ve learned here, you should be better prepared to select, appraise and care for any kind of jewelry. Whether you buy it, give it, receive it or inherit it, a fine piece of well-cared-for jewelry is something you can enjoy for many years to come.