You need have a basic knowledge of jewelry before you engage in the purchase or sale of precious pieces. You may be uncertain where to start.

Don’t go overboard with jewelry. Wear one or two statement pieces with each of your outfits. Meanwhile it can be tempting to show off your collection, remember that everything should have a focal point, including your outfit. Choose a small pair of stud earrings with a matching delicate necklace for a conservative and casual everyday look or go bold with dangling earrings and a matching chunky bracelet. This creates a focal point in a positive way without overwhelming the eye.

If you are stuck on what gift to buy for a female, jewelry always works. Make sure you know what size the intended person wears in rings and necklaces before making your purchase. There is nothing worse than purchasing a nice piece of jewelry that doesn’t fit the intended recipient. Do your research before making your purchase.

Jewelry is a nice accessory to any outfit. Jeans and a t-shirt can look so ordinary, but paired with a cute chunky bracelet, or a fun pair of earrings, even the dullest outfit can look unique. A colorful choker necklace can brighten up any look, and a uniquely beaded ankle bracelet can accompany any old skirt. Mix and match traditional looks with nontraditional jewelry pieces to create one-of-a-kind looks you’ll love.

Men are very picky about the jewelry they wear, especially when they are gifted some that may seem feminine. When selecting jewelry for a man, make sure it something that goes with the way that they dress. Also, when selecting what you will get for him make sure that it is subtle and not flashy.

When choosing an outfit for work, think about what jewelry may or may not be appropriate. Accessories can make an outfit seem more finished, but some items may not be appropriate for your place of work. Check to make sure that all of what you’re wearing fits with your work’s dress code.

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.

Remember that even costume jewelry needs careful attention. Many of the stones and embellishments are just glued in instead of set in a professional setting. For this reason, costume jewelry should never touch water, and you should avoid using detergents on it. The best way to maintain your costume jewelry is to use a moist, warm cloth first, then dry it off with another cloth. This will assure that you costume jewelry will continue looking great.

To remove tarnish from your silver jewelry without harsh chemicals, line the inside of a pot with aluminum foil, and add four cups of water and an eighth of a cup each of baking soda, salt and dish soap. Gently place all of your pieces into the liquid, counting them as you go. Bring the mixture up to a simmer for a couple of minutes, then turn off the burner and allow it to soak. Pour everything gently through a colander, then place the pieces on a towel to dry, counting them as you go.

If you buy a diamond labelled as antique, research it. You should get a certificate of authenticity with your diamond. This should be from an independent source. Antique diamonds need to be at least a hundred years old to be considered antique. The diamond should also be from a recognizable European art period.

When soldering a wedding ring and an engagement ring together, make sure the jeweler polishes the rings. Engagement rings are often worn for some time before the wedding band is and it will look like the rings do not match if they are not polished to look new.

Gold is too soft and needs to be mixed with other metals so that it can be hard and last longer. When you see the carat weight of gold that signifies how much gold is actually in the piece as opposed to other substances. Ten karat is the lowest that is available legally, and that is just 42% gold.

While jewelry makes a great surprise gift, you should avoid presenting jewelry at off-the-cuff moments. A really beloved piece of jewelry is one that reminds its owner of a particularly memorable occasion. If there is not a common or personal holiday associated with your gift, make an effort to turn the presentation itself into an experience to remember.

As you begin to shop for diamond jewelry, you will notice that most pieces are presented against a black velvet background. Viewing a diamonds in front of a black surface can actually alter your perception of the clarity and cut of the diamond. Instead, ask to view the piece against a lighter-colored surface and under magnification. This gives you a more accurate visualization.

When shopping for a ring, necklace, or bracelet, consult all available sources before making a purchase for your wife or girlfriend. Do not hesitate to consult her mother, sister, or best friend. They may be able to provide more detailed insight into her preferences regarding metal, gems, and details.

When it comes to making the most out of currently owned jewelry, consider repairing pieces that you currently own instead of buying new ones. This is beneficial not only because you may save money but also because you will once again get to wear a piece of jewelry that you have a fondness for already.

Opals are beautiful stones, and not only naturally contain a myriad of colors, but also their base matrix can be any of a number of gorgeous colors, including the classic white and black, but also including beautiful blue or vivid orange matrixes. Just don’t let them dry out; wipe them down with water regularly to avoid cracking.

Through work, effort, and research you can be a success at buying and selling jewelry. We have provided you with some great tips that offer a solid starting point. Use them well and you’ll be on the way to successful purchases and sales.