How to Evaluate Jewelry

While we all know that diamonds are a girl's best friend, there are times when you may want something other than a diamond. You may want a large jewel to accent a special outfit or just to wear casually on a daily basis. Before making this type of purchase, you should evaluate your jewelry options to make sure that you select the piece that is right for your. You need to factor in a variety of considerations in order to be sure that you get the best value for your money while making a purchase that you will enjoy for years to come. If you are planning a major investment, such as an engagement ring or just a significant purchase, then you should always consult a trusted and licensed appraiser or gemologist before buying to ensure that you are getting as much, or more, than what you are paying for.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Magnifying glass
• Good light

1. Costume jewelry can be purchased for $5 to $10 and is flashy and fun. If the pieces look good to you, then you generally can feel secure enough to go ahead and buy them. Set your budget.To some extent, the amount of money you plan on spending will determine how carefully you need to evaluate the jewelry you are buying. While you should always make an effort to buy quality pieces, if you plan to spend $5 on a pair of earrings, then the extent to which you take your evaluation process will be much less than if you are planning on spending $5,000. If your budget is under $20, you do not need to bring the jewelry to an expert, but can simply conduct the following procedures on your own. However, any purchase that involves enough money that a problem will merit a return to the store, should be more carefully evaluated on your part and, potentially, by an outside, qualified party.
2. Examine any stones.If the stones are glass or "grown" gemstones, then make sure that there are no nicks or scratches in their surfaces. Handling at jewelry counters can be hard on inexpensive jewelry and make the pieces look cheap even if they are good quality. If you are in the market for diamonds, or other natural gemstones, then you should ask to view their inclusions and to have a licensed gemologist or jewelry appraiser explain the nature of any flaws.
3. Some insurance policies do not cover lost stones if the setting can be proved to have been loose, so make sure that you check this aspect of your jewelry very carefully. Check the settings.A loose setting can be a serious problem, since a rattling ring--or worse an empty one--will do your wardrobe little good in the long run. Tap the top of the stone to see if it moves, and if the store will let you try on any rings, wiggle your fingers as if you were waving to see if you can feel any vibrations that might indicate a loose setting. It is important to check the setting on all types of jewelry containing precious stones--not just rings.
4. Evaluate the metal.If the jewelry is plated, then it will probably not be a good choice for everyday wear because the back of the piece will soon wear away and expose the base metal, which often will turn your skin green.
5. Check the warranty.Moderately extensive, and extremely expensive, pieces of jewelry often come with an optional warranty that covers accidental loss, theft and potential problems that you may encounter with your jewelry. Before you buy, find out what kind of guarantee is included in your purchase and how long the warranty is good. If you feel that the warranty is a necessary expense, then be sure it will provide you with solid protection.
6. Factor in where you want to wear the piece.