Did you know at HWGA, we consign jewelry? In the past we weren’t big on consigning jewelry for a variety of reasons but that changed over the years and it has become one of our best sellers. You can find anything from Tiffany’s to sterling silver to fun costume jewelry- there’s a little something for everybody. As a jewelry fanatic, going through jewelry consignments was one of my favorite things to do. And let me tell you, my collection has grown immensely because of it.
Here’s some ideas of pieces to bring in that we usually do best with:
▪️ Sterling Silver
▪️ Eclectic Rings
▪️ Mexican Silver
▪️ Tiffany’s
▪️ Lois Hill
▪️ David Yurman
▪️ 14k Gold
▪️ Waterproof Jewelry
Another pro tip is to make sure your pieces are in ready-to-sell condition. That means clean, organized, and shiny! This helps expedite the intake process and items that are ready to go can be put out on the floor quicker leading to a faster sale.
Cleaning jewelry can be a lot of work, but the pay off makes it worth it. If you are unsure how to clean something or are scared to ruin it, have no fear. Below is a mini guide on how to safely clean your jewels.
General Care Tips
▪️ All perfumes and lotions must be absorbed into the skin before putting on jewelry. This also goes for hair products.
▪️ Don’t swim with your jewelry unless it’s totally waterproof.
▪️ Get yourself a polish cloth, especially for gold and silver pieces.
▪️ If your necklaces get tangled here are a few ways to untangle them: 1. Apply baby oil to loosen the knot 2. Insert a pin into the knot to pull apart the strands 3. Sprinkle baby powder to make the chains more slippery. 4. And a lot of patience.
Below are more specific tips for different types of jewelry:
Diamonds
Gently scrub the stone with a soft bristle brush with warm water and mild soap. Use an ammonia based cleaner to brighten the shine.
Gold
Mix 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid and 1 cup warm water. Dip in solution and use a soft bristle brush to remove any marks or residue. Rinse with clean water and pat dry with a microfiber towel.
Sterling Silver
Line a small bowl with aluminum foil, add 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of salt, slowly add boiling water and mix, let sit for 5-10 minutes. Rinse and pat dry.
Brass
Mix flour, salt, distilled white vinegar into a paste and cover the brass completely in the paste. Allow to sit for ~10 minutes and then rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly. This mixture doesn’t smell the best but it works great.
Stones
Use a soft brush, gently clean with a mixture of mild soap and warm water. Rinse and pat dry.
Pearls, Opals, & Turquoise
These are porous stones so don’t immerse them in water. Use a soft, dry cloth to polish. Clean setting with a soft brush (a toothbrush is great for this).
Costume Jewelry
Be gentle with these. Mix one drop of baby shampoo and cold water. Use a soft toothbrush or q-tip and clean those hard to reach spots. Rinse off with cool water and dry with a clean, soft microfiber or hand towel. Use a hairdryer on the cool setting to make sure each piece is totally dry to prevent rusting. Make sure not to use anything acidic like vinegar or baking soda.
And that about rounds it up! The next time you are cleaning out your jewelry box, give your pieces a nice clean and see how they shine.
Until next time friends,
Dre