Things You Must Know When Shopping For Jewelry

It's impossible to know too much about beautiful jewelry! If you make just the wrong mistake,

you could lose a great deal of money! What follows are some common sense jewelry tips that

will help prevent you from making these costly mistakes. This information can guide you in

selecting and caring for jewelry pieces, and help you avoid some common pitfalls.

When you are shopping for jewelry in sterling silver, be sure to examine the piece closely,

and take along a magnet for metal testing. Metals that aren't precious will connect to the

magnet, signaling that it is fake. Another way to tell if a metal is sterling silver is to check for a

hallmark stamp, for example .sterling, .ster, or .925. Be wary of pieces that lack any silver

hallmarks, as this is an indication that they're not genuine sterling silver.

Steer clear of ammonia, bleach or other strong chemical solvents when you need to clean

these items. Doing so can damage the shine and luster of the stones on your favorite pieces.

To help maintain its appearance, take good care of it to keep it from getting tarnished. Don't

wear jewelry near water. Water can dull and rust some types of metal if it is exposed to it too

often. Apply clear nail polish to your jewelery as an added protection.

If you own costume jewelry, it is important to properly care for it. Well-done costume jewelry

is often worth the price, but if it's worn out or visibly damaged, it won't be worth the effort it

takes to restore it. Costume pieces kept in great condition will enhance your collection much

more over time.

Give the jewelry a little test drive and wear it for a little bit to see if it is comfortable and lays

right. This can also help you see whether the piece is durable enough to last.

Costume jewelry should be treated differently than your other jewelry. These pieces are often

put together with glue, which does not last as long as other methods. Never immerse your

costume jewelry or use harsh chemicals on it. It's most beneficial to use a damp warm cloth

to gently wipe, then use another cloth to dry. This will make your costume jewelry sparkle for

weeks, months, or even years.

Your belt will get a little pizzazz if you accent it with a brooch like this. Pin it in the center of

your waist or towards your hip.

Know what you want to do with jewelry prior to purchasing it. There is no need to spend your

money on a bauble that you cannot see yourself wearing. Think of the outfits that you own,

and use those to help you choose your jewelry.

If you want to purchase new jewelry, watch for discounts or sales. You can save a lot of

money with the right sale. Locate the best prices online, in newspapers and in stores. If you

buy the older fashions that are from the previous season, you can save a lot of money.

Glenn Spiro