الأربعاء، 11 أبريل 2018

Tips For Buying Sterling Silver 925 Instead Of A Cheaper Substitute

By Scott Fisher


If you love jewelry, you are probably always on the lookout for a great piece. Necklaces, bracelets, and rings don't have to be expensive to appear striking and impressive. If you go into a discount store and purchase a piece of jewelry for a few dollars, you shouldn't expect it to be fine jewelry. When you pay a significant amount for a genuine sterling silver 925 piece however, you have a right to expect it to be real.

If the piece you are looking at is stamped with a . 925, 92.5, or 925 hallmark, that is a good indication that you have real sterling silver. This is only true however, if it is an American piece. The stamp indicates the presence of ninety-two and a half percent silver. The remaining percentage is some other metal, usually copper, to strengthen the piece.

Another way to determine the quality of a piece is to look for the word plated. When you see this on the description or price tag, you should not expect to pay very much for it, if you choose to purchase it at all. Plated means that the piece has a covering of a precious metal instead of actually being made of it. It has been produced using something cheaper like nickel or copper.

Even if you're not spending a lot of money, it's a good idea to check the quality of necklace or bracelet clasps and chains. Clasps should feel secure when closed and open without difficulty. Chains should not have bends or kinks. You can check that by laying them on a solid surface to see if they will lay flat. New metallic jewelry is shiny. Vintage jewelry often is not.

Most experts suggest buyers avoid departments sales, or at least be aware that they often substantially mark up their merchandise. This may be why they are able to offer frequent and deep discounts on the items they sell. Independent jewelers don't mark up their jewelry as much, but they also don't offer much in the way of sales.

If you like vintage jewelry thrift and second hand stores, flea markets and antique shops are great places to find it. You may have to sift through the assortments, but you can sometimes find pieces that are quite striking and unusual for much less than you would pay for brand new jewelry. When you notice someone wearing something interesting, ask how they came by it.

You can find anything online, but you have to be smart about what you purchase, especially if you are looking at expensive metallic pieces. You have to depend on the photos and descriptions, which can be deceptive. The seller should be willing to discuss the pieces you are interested in and have a reasonable return policy.

When you are buying trendy jewelry, choosing less expensive pieces is usually a good idea. If you want a classic piece you will wear for years, you should look for signs of authenticity and quality. Otherwise, you are just wasting your money.




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