While it can be fun to shop for jewelry, things can get stressful when you are in the market for an expensive item of jewelry. Jewelry is an investment, and you need the right information to help you make the most of your jewelry buying, selling or wearing endeavors. People who are uneducated with shopping for jewelry can pay more than they need to for a piece. Read this article to get a better idea of what to buy, and what to pay for it.

Don’t use things that contain harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, acetone or turpentine, to clean your jewelry. Using them may result in damage to your jewelry, may cause dulling of gemstones, and may erode enamel work.

Make sure you know what kind of gem you are getting when you are buying jewelry. There are three different types: natural, synthetic and imitation. “Real” can mean natural or synthetic, and an imitation stone could be glass or plastic. Natural stones are mined, and synthetic stones are created in a laboratory.

What color gold do they seem to favor – white or yellow? Do they normally wear a bracelet? What type of earrings do they prefer – drop and dangle or studs? Take a mental note of this important information. This information will allow you to purchase that special piece that they will treasure for life.

Ask about insurance from your jeweler before purchasing a new piece. This is to avoid any future complications. If anything were to happen you have yourself covered and to avoid complications with that jeweler in the future, they can replace or fix it for you if you run into problems. Some jewelers have insurance policies that cover lost of stolen jewelry, also.

For jewelry to stay shiny and new-looking, it is important to keep it from tarnishing. Never wear your jewelry when you are going to be near water. Many types of jewelry become dulled or tarnished when they are exposed to water. Painting a thin layer of clear-colored nail polish on your metal jewelry can add a protective barrier to it.

Costume jewelry requires specific care. Costume settings are often glued-in as compared to set-in. Don’t let them go under water or clean them with strong chemicals, or you could dissolve the glue. Use a damp cloth, then dry it with another clean, dry cloth. This will ensure that your costume jewelry looks perfect.

Hopefully you can take this advice and use it to make your next jewelry purchase a memorable one. Keep these tips in mind when at the jewelers to save both time and money.