Shopping for jewelry can be very exciting. It can also be very expensive. It is best to take some time to learn terms that are used in the jewelry industry in order to make an educated decision. A little research can help you best asses the quality and value of the jewelry you are shopping for regardless of whether you are shopping online, in a catalog or at a store.

Many people see jewelry labeled as sterling silver plated and oftentimes think they’ve hit the jackpot when they purchase it at a very low price. In this case unfortunately, you do get what you pay for. This type of jewelry only contains a very thin coating of sterling silver on top of a cheap metal which can usually be identified as copper. The jewelry will eventually tarnish and cause the copper to show through underneath with enough wear.

The best tool for any jewelry hunter, whether searching for personal treasure or for the profit in reclaiming gold or silver, is a jeweler’s loupe. Jeweler’s loupes are small, but powerful magnifying instruments designed specially for use in examining jewelry at very close range. Some jeweler’s loupes also have a built-in, battery-powered light which can be very handy if examining pieces in a dimly lit area. Most jeweler’s loupes are extremely economical in cost and can help you make the most of your jewelry-buying dollar, especially when buying from second-hand sources.

To assure your jewelry accentuates your best features, choose pieces that work with your face shape. For a heart shaped face, try chokers and dangly earrings. Round and square face types look great in teardrop earrings, and long necklaces are also an excellent pick. Those with rectangular faces should choose short necklaces and round earrings. If you have an oval shaped face, you can pull off any type of necklace, but angular earrings are best.

If you’re planning a traditional wedding, then you can’t go wrong with pearls! You can have them on your tiara, wear them as stud or dangle earrings, have a gorgeous „Y“ necklace adorned with them, or even a pearl and Swarovski crystal bracelet. Blue pearls are an excellent way to get really traditional, or borrow your Mother’s or Grandmother’s single strand necklace.

To add more personality to your look, choose jewelry in colors that contrast with the rest of your clothing. Not only will this give you a stylish and sophisticated look, but it will also make your entire outfit look more bold. Try looking for jewelry in shades of blue or striking metallic.

Know what you are looking for, when you first get to the store. If you are well-prepared for your visit to the jeweler, you will be less likely to make impulse purchases should the opportunity arise. Have a plan and stick to it, to make sure you stay in budget and on track.

In order to save money on the purchase of jewelry you should consider looking at local antique shops. Many people sell their antique jewelry to the shops when they are in need of money or if they have inherited it and just don’t want it. There is no reason to pay the high markups that come with jewelry.

Be sure to clean your silver jewelry using professional cleaning products. Using home methods may be effective, but using cleaners specifically meant for silver can help to prolong the life of your silver jewelry. In addition, under no circumstances scrub, your silver. Instead, opt for using denture cleaners to scrub the silver without causing brush marks or other damage.

To convey a sense of physical prowess, energy, passion, and love, look for pieces that incorporate deep red stones like rubies and red garnets. Red is an especially powerful color that is best suited to bold rings and necklaces that allow the stone to take center stage. Rubies are also popularly known as the birthstone for the month of July.

If you want to create jewelry yourself, subscribe to magazines or newsletter on this topic. Many people have this hobby, and the most talented artisans out there are always happy to share their secrets. Make sure you learn from the best and share your tips once you become more comfortable.

When shopping for jewelry for your wife or girlfriend, consider her lifestyle and hobbies. If she tends to dress conservatively and enjoys traditional and classic styles, opt for diamond studs, simple chains, or tennis bracelets. If she constantly changes up her look, consider jewelry with interchangeable pendants, stones, or beads.

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.

The only time you should take your jewelry to a professional is to have it repaired. If you need your jewelry cleaned, this is something you should learn to do yourself. But if it has become damaged, you never want to try to fix it yourself. Make sure you take it straight to the pros.

Dress up your outfit with inexpensive cocktail rings! You can pick these up at garage sales, flea markets and discount stores for a fraction of the price of gold and silver jewelry. Rhinestones and faux pearls look just as striking, and you do not have to worry about losing or damaging an expensive piece of jewelry!

If you are looking to buy an expensive piece of jewelry, try to buy during an off period. Because demand is higher around holidays, especially Valentines Day, avoid buying at these times. By buying during off periods, you can save yourself quite a lot of money, or even use it as an investment and sell it in a time of high demand, at an increased price.

Understanding the terms used to describe jewelry and the processes involved in jewelry making can be invaluable when shopping for jewelry for you or for others. With a little time and research you can become an educated savvy shopper who can identify quality and value when looking for good jewelry pieces.