Whether you prefer sterling or pure silver jewellery, you are sure to add a dash of style and sophistication to any outfit you pair with the piece of jewellery. It will never go out style thanks to its simplicity and elegance.
When choosing designer jewellery, you need to consider certain factors to ensure you get the perfect piece. Silver can be gotten and crafted into numerous designs and shapes, making it a highly versatile metal. It is always ideal to do your research beforehand to be able to determine exactly what you need.
Here are timely tips you can use when choosing designer jewellery in 2020.
Familiarize yourself with the prices of the best jewellery
Silver is a precious metal, and this reflects in its price. One of the easiest ways to know if you are getting the best designer silver jewellery is to compare the price from different sellers. Start by looking at the current market rates for sterling silver jewellery to get a baseline of what to work with. Most of the time, very low prices are an indication that the jewellery piece is not made from the best sterling quality.
Also, be wary of very high discounts or shops selling bulk silver pieces. Ensure you also ask about refund or exchange policies.
Look for specific hallmarks or grade specifications.
Real silver pieces come with quality markings that help to distinguish them from low-grade pieces. These quality markings are usually placed discreetly on the jewellery pieces. Therefore, you need to check carefully to find them. Sometimes, you may need a magnifier to identify these markings. Usually, sterling silver comes with a .925 or a STERLING marking. These markings are indications that these are high-grade silver pieces.
Generally, the best silver pieces are made of at least 92.5% of pure silver and 7.5% metal alloy for durability purposes.
Ask the hard questions.
Very rarely with designer jewellery stores take advantage of buyers who seem to have their homework done on it. You must do the necessary research and ask the hard questions to the sellers. Ask about the silver grade they use and what metal alloys are used in their sterling silver. Also, ask about the polish used on the jewellery piece. Having enough knowledge of jewellery pieces will ensure you only get the best designer pieces in the market.
Perform physical tests
Performing minor physical tests is one of the sure ways of gauging whether the piece you are about to get is high-quality.
For the first test, you will need a magnet to see if the silver attracts to it. Silver is not magnetic and thus should not latch onto the magnet stone. If it does that, it is probably fake. You will need a strong magnetic stone for this test to be a success.
The other test requires you to rub the piece with a piece of white cloth. Real silver will leave black marks onto the fabric. This is caused by oxidization that occurs when it is exposed to air. The other test involves tapping the jewellery piece with an object. Real produces vibrations and a high pitch ring.
Get an appraisal
If you still have doubts about the jewellery piece you want to purchase, you can always get it appraised. An expert appraiser will tell you the exact quality of your jewellery. Remember that you will need to pay the appraiser to get the piece assessed. However, it is a small price to pay to ensure you only get the best designer jewellery.
Finding the perfect designer piece is not impossible. With the tips and tests above, you are sure to only purchase the best sterling silver pieces in the market.