Buying or selling jewelry can be very intimidating to someone who has never done it before. It can easily lead to a bit of information overload because of all the resources available to those new to jewelry practices. Below are some tips to assist you in getting all of this information organized to where you can start buying and selling jewelry much smarter.
If you have metal allergies, make sure to purchase nickel free jewelry. Nickel is a common alloy that is mixed in with precious metals such as sterling silver to make them more pliable. Silver itself is very liquid in its original state and therefore not substantial enough to be properly molded into jewelry. Oftentimes, another alloy such as nickel is added. Make sure you check what you are purchasing to make sure it is nickel free.
Jewelry consignment stores are a great place to sell your jewelry. Consignment stores will sell your jewelry for whatever you think is a fair price, and they take a certain percentage of the sales when the item sells. They will usually display it for about 3 months and then you have the option of either picking it up or selling it to the store. Occasionally the store will keep it on display for longer if you ask.
If you are buying your jewelry from a pawn shop, check their qualifications. Find out if they have experience with jewels, certifications, or if they work with gemologists. A pawn shop that works with these items on a regular basis should be qualified to appraise and sell jewelry at proper costs.
Find out what the ideal methods are for maintaining each piece of jewelry you own. Each type of stone, metal, and setting requires different type of care. What can be beneficial to one type of stone can actually cause harm to another. Consult with a jeweler if you are unsure exactly how to care for your own jewels.
Metal allergies can make wearing any type of jewelry, most especially wrist watches, itchy and painful. A simple way to alleviate the itch that some non-precious metals (common in many watch cases) can cause, change your watch band to one made of leather or cloth and then apply a coat of clear nail polish to the back of your watch. The nail polish, while not permanent, can easily be reapplied when needed and protects your skin from being in direct contact with the metal case of the watch. If the buckle of that new watch band is metal, don’t forget to give it a coating of nail polish as well. Even that tiny bit of metal can cause some serious discomfort to those with sensitivities.
To help jewelry maintain its maximum possible value you should aim to keep it in a pristine condition. Not only will it look better on you but it will also fetch a higher asking price should you ever decide to sell it. Semi annual trips to jewelry store for regular cleanings will help accomplish this.
You can safely clean your jewelry at home. Mix a small amount of mild detergent in water. Allow your dirty jewelry to soak for several minutes and then gently scrub it with a soft toothbrush. Finish the cleaning by rinsing your jewelry in clean water and allowing it to air dry.
If you choose to make and sell jewelry at craft bazaars or flea markets, take time to ensure that each piece has a clearly marked price tag that cannot be tampered with, yet can be removed without damaging the merchandise. Although nobody likes to think that theft can happen to them, it is best to protect your investment of time and money.
Use jewelry in a bold, unexpected color to pick up an accent color in your outfit. If you are wearing a skirt with a floral, plaid or striped print, match your necklace, earrings or bracelets to a color used in the design. This is a great way to add more color to an otherwise subdued outfit, and it can pull your look together nicely.
While jewelry is a fun fashion accessory, it may be causing an allergic reaction. Certain metals that are added to strengthen the piece cause this. In order to avoid this reaction, you can limit the amount of time the jewelry is worn. Also, make sure your jewelry isn’t too tight, which will allow the skin to breathe, limiting the irritation.
If you are buying a piece of jewelry for a woman, be sure to take the time to make note of the style of jewelry she wears on a daily basis. Once you have a better idea of what her jewelry style is, you will be able to narrow down the styles and types of jewelry items and find one that will be sure to wow her.
When photographing jewelry to sell it on an auction site or post your newly purchased or gifted jewelry to a social media site, try to use as much natural or day lighting as possible. Using a tripod is also recommended as you will avoid blurring the picture. Jewelry is temperamental when trying to get a good picture because it typically reflects light in ways that will give you poor quality photographs.
You don’t have to buy expensive cleaning solutions to clean your jewelry. Warm water and a few drops of dish-washing liquid is sufficient for cleaning gold, diamonds, and most gemstones. Harsh chemicals can damage the finish of your jewelry.
Hopefully, these tips have provided you with some very valuable information, as well as given you a way to organize all the thoughts and information you may have already had on buying or selling jewelry. Keeping these tips in mind when you start buying or selling can help you in the jewelry world.