From watches to rings to necklaces and brooches, millions of people are currently looking for practical advice on how to buy and sell different types of jewelry. Although some people use toothpaste to clean their gold, silver or gemstones, jewelers do not recommend this practice. The abrasives in toothpaste can scratch the surface of precious metals and stones. To restore jewelry to its original, non-scratched condition, it should be polished and refinished by a professional jeweler.
Water is usually sufficient to clean most types of jewelry and gemstones. Simply use a damp cloth and wipe off any residue or dirt from the jewel. If there are more stubborn problems, you can use a very light cleaning detergent to remove them.
To get the most value for your money when buying silver jewelry, know what each designation means. For example, silver with the "925" hallmark is 92.5% silver. On the other hand, jewelry marked "fine silver" contains 99.9% silver. The higher the silver content, the more likely it is that your jewelry will retain its value.
A good tip is to disguise your jewelry when you wear it to work. Many places don't allow their employees to wear jewelry and they will reprimand you if they see you wearing it. Wearing flesh-coloured jewelry will make it harder for them to see you wearing it.
Deep green jade is an essential part of oriental rings, earrings and necklaces and requires a delicate touch when cleaning and caring for the stones. Never soak the stone in water as this can damage the surface. Instead, wipe the stones with a soft, damp cloth. Finally, use a second dry cloth to remove excess moisture.
If you are looking for an ideal gift, easily customizable, very personal and particularly varied, consider buying a piece of jewelry that incorporates the birthstone of the gift recipient. These jewels are richly colored and available in all price ranges. Opt for birthstone pendants, rings, earrings or bracelets.
If you don't know the retailer where you see a diamond, ask to see the stone in a more natural light. Fluorescent lighting can make diamonds (real and imitation) much brighter. Strong UV light can also have a whitening effect on stones, which can make less light-colored stones appear a little whiter.
Gemstones are more affordable and more colorful than diamonds, but they are often overlooked. There are three options for the buyer: natural, synthetic or imitation. Synthetic emeralds, rubies, sapphires and amethysts are the best option. They are comparable in quality to natural stones, the only difference being that they are created in a laboratory.
Getting to know jewelry is to make sure you always make the best possible decision. Whether you're looking to buy, sell or clean it, advice like these can help you make informed decisions. Put these tips into practice to protect your jewelry and your investment.