The meaning behind individual pieces of jewelry can be as beautiful as the actual appearance of the jewelry. A well-chosen piece of jewelry preserves a memory of an important occasion or serves as a perpetual symbol of a special relationship. When you know more about jewelry and its ability to preserve memories, you will find that even the act of buying and selling can be more enjoyable.
Cleaning jewelry is as important as storing your valuable pieces properly. Prior to cleaning, inspect your jewelry carefully for signs of damage, such as loose stones, broken clasps or damaged chains. Rather than risk it, take your jewelry to a respected jeweler for cleaning.
If you have a good piece of jewelry that you wish to sell, think about taking it to an appraiser or a gemologist. This way, you will get an accurate and truthful quote on what the item is worth, so you will be prepared for offers on your piece once you are putting it on the market.
Make sure there is a good drain strainer in the sink before you start cleaning jewelry there. Jewelry can quickly fall out of your soapy hands. To be safe, plug the drain to avoid losing your jewelry.
To maintain the shine and finish on your jewelry, do not put it on until you’ve done your hair and makeup. Putting jewelry on prior to applying makeup or hairspray allows gunk and grime from your beauty products to settle on the jewelry, leaving it dull and potentially harming the finish. Earrings and necklaces are especially prone to this kind of contamination.
Don’t do dishes or laundry with your rings on if they fit loosely. You do not want to run the risk of having the items slide off when they come in contact with the soapy water and then slide down the drain without you noticing.
Before purchasing a gemstone, find out if it has been treated, and if so, how. Different treatments require different types of care. Knowing the proper care techniques for your gemstone will prevent you from accidentally damaging it by stripping it of its protective treatment.
Any piece of jewelry that wraps around and attaches, such as a necklace or a bracelet, absolutely must have a quality clasp. If a clasp is not solid, you might end up losing your jewelry. If you have expensive or heirloom items, invest in a safety clasp. With the most expensive items of jewelry, some people will use two or three clasps for extra security.
Owning, purchasing and selling jewelry encompasses investing in an item that is almost priceless because of the memories it provides. Jewelry provides hope and joy to buyers and owners. Family heirlooms remind their owners of happy times in their own or their family’s past, while engagement rings provide people with hope for the future.