Beginner Jewelry Tips: How to Buy, Check & Care for Your New Pieces

If you’re just starting out, the world of jewellery can feel overwhelming. Gold, silver, gemstones, hallmarks – all those terms sound fancy, but you don’t need a degree to make smart choices. Below are practical tips you can use right away, whether you’re shopping online, at a market, or cleaning a favorite piece.

How to Spot Fake Jewelry

First thing’s first: make sure what you buy is real. The easiest way is to look for official stamps. In India, a gold piece marked 875 means 21‑carat gold – that’s 87.5% pure gold. If you see 833, it’s a silver piece with 83.3% purity. Always match the stamp with the BIS hallmark (the three‑digit code and the BIS logo).

Next, try a magnet test. Pure gold and silver are not magnetic, so a strong magnet that sticks is a red flag for cheap plating. You can also do a simple weight check: real gold feels heavier than a similarly sized fake. If you have doubts, ask the seller for a certification or a recent test report – reputable dealers will have no problem sharing it.

For gemstones, look for uniform color and clarity. Fake stones often have bubbles or uneven sparkle. A quick crush test (gently tapping the stone with a nail) can reveal if it cracks easily – real diamonds and high‑quality gems won’t.

Caring for Your New Pieces

Once you’ve bought authentic jewellery, keep it shining. Store gold and silver separately in soft pouches to avoid scratches. Black bangles or beads in a mangalsutra can oxidize faster, so wipe them with a dry cloth after each wear.

When cleaning, avoid harsh chemicals. A mild soap solution and a soft brush work for most pieces. For gold, a few drops of dishwashing liquid mixed with warm water will do; for silver, a gentle polishing cloth helps prevent dullness.

If you love colour combos, pair gold jewellery with cool tones like navy, emerald or purple – they make the metal pop. Nail polish in nude or deep reds also highlights gold without clashing.

Lastly, keep an eye on seasonal trends. Some months, like October, often see lower gold prices in India. If you’re buying as an investment, timing your purchase can save you money.

With these basics – checking hallmarks, testing magnetism, storing properly, and matching colours – you’ll feel confident no matter what you pick up. Jewellery is meant to be enjoyed, so make sure you get the real deal and keep it looking great for years to come.