Are you buying or selling jewelry for the first time? You probably don’t even know where to start. It’s no secret that buying or selling jewelry for the first time can be a bit overwhelming. Below are some tips that can help to make getting either process a tad bit easier for you.
A great place to purchase almost any type of jewelry in the world is Ebay. Ebay is an amazingly large marketplace that serves as a gateway to the world. You can purchase affordable vintage, fashion and fine jewelry. Ebay can help you get the best deals and even purchase jewelry that has long since been considered rare or no longer manufactured.
Make sure you know what to look for when buying platinum jewelry. Platinum needs to be at least 95% pure in order for it to be considered real platinum. If it’s lower it is platinum alloy. Also, be aware that platinum can develop a patina, which many people feel gives jewelry a nice antique look. This jewelry also does not wear away and is hypoallergenic.
If you are not too fond of wearing a wedding or engagement ring on your finger, you can always put it on a chain. This is a safe way to ensure your ring will not fall off. Also, by putting your ring on a chain, it will not be in the way of your daily activities.
Check for wear and damage in every piece you buy. Spending money on jewelry can be a worthy investment, but if the item you invest in is not in good condition, you will be wasting your money. Thoroughly examine each piece to be sure your investments are truly worth the money.
Take proactive steps to minimize the number of times that you have to clean your jewelry. When getting dressed, put your jewelry on after you apply perfume and makeup. This will prevent the residue of these products from leaving a film on your jewelry. Also, remember to remove your jewelry before cleaning and doing other housework.
Once you have decided that you are going to purchase a piece of jewelry and are ready to start shopping, consider taking a friend or family member with you. This way, you have someone else to bounce ideas off of and another viewpoint for the items you are considering.
If you have some fine jewelry or heirloom jewelry whose value you want to protect through insurance, it is wise to take excellent pictures of these pieces and to have an appraisal done by a professional. Make sure that the pictures you take are good, quality ones. Using a flash when taking these pictures will not lead to good pictures of your jewelry. It is best to capture a picture of your precious jewelry under soft, diffused fluorescent bulbs.
If you are purchasing jewelry as a gift try to be sneaky. Use a friend, or snoop around when they aren’t looking to find their jewelry size. You wouldn’t want to spend all the time and effort on jewelry for that person and then come to find out it doesn’t even fit them.
Clean gold properly. Even though gold has an advantage because it doesn’t tarnish or rust, it still needs cleaning. Harsh chemical cleaners will strip away any shine or luster, so only use a soft wet cloth for cleaning. If there are hard to reach areas, you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush dipped in warm soapy water.
When considering jewelry for your wedding, make sure that the gown and jewelry compliment each other. This is important because you need to make sure that you have purchased a gown before even starting to look for the jewelry. You will notice how much the design on the dress will influence your jewelry design decision.
If you love making jewelry, don’t neglect “found” items in your designs! You can use all kinds of interesting tidbits to add flair and originality to your creations. For example, vintage buttons can make some very nice earrings! If you’re into kitch, a collectible soda pop cap can make a cute pin! Be open-minded and creative to craft handmade treasures that will really stand out!
Carnelian is a beautiful semiprecious stone very popular for use in jewelry. The fiery orange, yellow and red swirls are often spectacularly carved into ornate shapes that catch the light in dangling pieces like pendants or dangling earrings, but can also be found in such pieces as rings and bracelets.
Collecting many long necklaces and chains can present unique storage problems; so try storing necklaces the same way you wear them by hanging them vertically. Whether you make your own or buy one, a hanging storage system will simplify your dressing routine. Necklaces will be easier to see and the tangling that occurs from improper storage will be eliminated.
Jewelry is something that has been, and can continue to be passed down from generation to generation. In order to make this happen you have to take care of your pieces and make sure that they are maintained by a professional jeweler. Clean your pieces each time you wear them and put them away in a safe place, completely dry and free of any dirt or residue.
If the clasps on your jewelry stick or don’t glide smoothly, use a bit of mineral or baby oil to lubricate them. You can gently rub the oil all over the clasp, then wipe the excess over the rest of the piece to keep it shiny and free from grime.
As you have seen, buying or selling jewelry is not as intimidating as they may appear at first. Just think of all of the benefits you now have by knowing more about jewelry in general. You can now make smarter decisions when you buy or sell to avoid losing money.
