Regardless of how you come into the jewelry pieces you own, it is important to know the right ways to properly care for it. This article has most of the tips you need to learn how to keep your jewelry looking brand new.

Do not use harsh chemicals such as ammonia, bleach, turpentine or acetone to clean them. This can cause the stones to lose their luster in addition to eating away the enamel on any of the pieces.

Arm yourself with a magnet and a magnifying glass when shopping for sterling silver jewelry. To spot scams, see if the magnet attracts the piece. If it does, then shout “FAKE!” at the top of your lungs and move to the next store. Your sterling silver jewelery should always be imprinted if it is real. The stamp may read “.925” or “ster”. If the piece is not hallmarked in any way, be leery of its authenticity because oftentimes it is a sign of a fake.

A good piece of jewelery can last you your whole life. When purchasing your next jewelry item, focus on buying a quality, well-made piece. A valuable piece of jewelry will be well-made and feature superior craftsmanship. The jeweler will be able to provide a complete history of the piece of jewelry, including who made it, and exactly where the stones originated. It is essential to purchase high-quality jewelry if you want it to become a treasured heirloom passed down for generations.

It is a good idea to determine the best approaches for jewelry care. Take into account that different types of material takes different types of care, like stones and metals. Along the same lines, enhancing different stones and settings requires you to take different steps. Ask a jeweler when you do not know how to take care of your jewelry.

Costume Jewelry

Costume jewelry needs special care. Costume jewelry is generally bound by glue rather than settings and is therefore, a lot more fragile. Don’t submerge costume jewelry in water or clean it with harsh chemicals. It is best to have two cloths ready, one warm with water and one dry, to use to wipe your jewelry. This will keep your costume jewelry clean and shiny.

For those creative, quirky people in your life, shop for handcrafted original pieces. If you buy something that will go along with their personality it will show them you thought about them!

A brooch will add an interesting aspect to the belt. Think about placing it near your hip or at waist level.

Putting on jewelry only after you have put on makeup and fixed your hair will keep it from being exposed to chemicals that could tarnish it. Dirt and oil accumulate in the small crevices of jewelry, and can make it look dull and shabby. In particular, this hint is aimed towards your necklaces and earrings.

This includes both dry and steam saunas. The moisture and high temperatures in saunas can do real damage to your jewelry.

When taking a dip in the pool, take off your jewelry. Chlorine can damage your valuable pieces because it’s such a strong chemical. Saltwater is equally damaging to your precious jewels. Taking these off before swimming will protect their beauty and extend their life.

Avoid the debacle of twisted and tangled necklaces by utilizing decorative hooks like those used for hanging robes. Install a series of hooks on a piece of furniture, a door or a wall and arrange your necklaces artfully. Hanging your necklaces will keep them looking nice, keep them from becoming tangled together and can work as a beautiful display as well.

Think of expensive jewelery as an investment for the years to come. A pricey piece is usually of good quality, but don’t overlook the importance of styling. A precious stone tiara may be a great addition to your New Year’s Eve outfit this year, but maybe an elegant diamond tennis bracelet will make you feel like a queen for years to come. Be on the lookout for something timeless and classic.

If you really want real gold pieces, high gold prices might be one of the only things to worry about. If nothing else but gold will do, then you can save a little by buying fewer karats. Gold that is deemed 18 karats contains at least 75 percent pure gold, and many consider this to be the best quality and value for the price.

There are a few easy ways to benefit financially from your valuable jewelry without relinquishing it. Instead, you can just trim off some excess chain and sell it, and keep the important part to wear. Ensure that your items are real gold before doing this and, if you have enough, you can acquire a significant amount of cash from a reputable dealer.

Onyx and crystal jewelry looks beautiful and can make a statement. Be kinder to your wallet; you might find that the results are gorgeous.

Mixing gold and silver pieces has become a very popular look for wearing jewelry. To pull this off, you need to buy a jewelry piece that contains both metals at once. You might look mismatched if you do not have this element.

If you want to use childhood necklaces, layer them with modern pieces. This way, they won’t look immature or dated. A single heart or cross pendant, adds a personal touch to a cluster of necklaces whether they share a similar theme, complementary colors, a similar construction material or nothing at all.

Jewelry that is well looked-after will always retain its investment cost, as well as providing you with strong sentimental value in the years ahead. Protecting your jewelry investment can be as simple as learning proper care methods. In addition to the information above, there is more information available all over the Internet. Continue to educate yourself to get the most out of your jewelry.