Buying jewelry can be a special moment in a person's life. With so many options to choose from, it is important that you have the knowledge you need to pick the right piece of jewelry. Read this article for lots of suggestions and advice for choosing jewelry that you will enjoy for a long time.
Be ready to make alterations for your customers. People do not want to buy something that everybody has, or that will not fit them right. It is relatively easy to make a bracelet or necklace longer or shorter. Offer these alterations for free or at a small price and your customers will be satisfied.
When shopping for diamonds, you should never agree to a jeweler's suggestion that you leave a deposit while you take the stone for an appraisal. Nine out of ten times, this is part of an elaborate scam intended to part you from your money. If you feel that the jeweler is reputable, you should at least verify that the deposit is in fact refundable.
When purchasing precious gemstones, be sure to ask whether they are genuine, natural stones, if this is important to you. The distinction between natural gemstones and "created" or synthetic ones is not always apparent, and some jewelers will not necessarily point it out to you. Created and synthetic stones are not fakes, but they are created in a laboratory rather than pulled from deep within the earth.
Use extra care when cleaning pearls. Pearls have a soft, organic surface which can be easily scratched or chipped. The surface can be dulled by chemicals or alcohol. You only need to clean pearl jewelry with water and very mild soap. A pearl necklace should be professionally rest-rung about every two years if you wear it frequently.
Look for jewelry stores that are accredited members of the Gemological Institute of America, or GIA, as well as the Jewelers of America. You are assured the best quality at the lowest price by stores with these certifications. You will find these certifications held by most big chain type outfits.
If you are buying jewelry as a gift for someone and you are not sure what they would like, consider asking the jewelry retailer if they sell gift cards. By giving a jewelry gift card as a present instead, the recipient can visit the jewelry retailer themselves and select the exact piece that they want.
Whatever the occasion, buying a new jewelry can be a lot of fun. Keep the ideas and suggestions from this article in mind every time you decide to go a buy a new piece of jewelry and enjoy wearing your new purchase.
