LEARN TO VALUE JEWELLERY JUST BY LOOKING AT IT

It is easy to value jewellery

The skill of being able to judge the value of jewellery simply by looking at it is easy to pick up once you understand the basics

Picking up a new item of jewellery can be a wonderful thing as it gives you the opportunity to wear something beautiful each day or have a special way of marking an important event in your life.

But sometimes when you go out to select a new piece of jewellery you can be left wondering if the product in your hand is a good purchase and if it is really worth the money you are paying for it.

In order to understand more about jewellery a few simple tips are all that is needed so you are never left wondering again if you have the real deal or have paid more than something is worth.

Offering her tips from her years of experience working as UK and Europe director at Bonhams auction house, Jean Ghika told Wired.co.uk that there are a couple of things to look out for.

She explained that hallmarks are a straightforward indicator, with the 375 mark indicating 375 parts of gold per 1,000, stating nine carat gold.

When buying diamonds they should come with a certificate assessing the clarity and colour of the gems.

"It's important to have a gemological certificate stating that a stone comes from a particular region and it doesn't have any enhancement," Ms Ghika explained to the publication.

For those who are planning to get jewellery for investment purposes, she advised looking towards 20th century design rather than Victorian pieces.

At present, there is a strong trend for selecting items in art deco designs and pieces of 1940s and 1950s cocktail jewellery.

Some people may be planning to get jewellery to mark special occasions this year, with companies announcing they are making items to celebrate Valentine's Day and the Queen's diamond jubilee in June. 

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