Buyers Warned Against 'wasting Money'

Published on 22/12/08

Consumers buying jewellery this Christmas should avoid expensive cleaning products, it has been claimed.

Meg Massie, writing for Walletpop.com, commented those acting against this advice would be wasting their money.

She stated buyers should research the 4 Cs – colour, carat, clarity and cut – before buying pieces such as gold diamond rings and diamond bracelets, in order to ensure they know exactly what they are paying for and whether they are getting a fair deal.

However, she goes on to say some outlets will attempt to sell small bottles of cleaning fluid, when an alternative may be waiting for the buyer at home.

Ms Massie suggested: "A little watered-down Windex will safely clean almost any jewellery. There are some gemstones that you don't want to clean with any chemicals, though, because the stones are too delicate."

For these items the author recommends warm soapy water and a toothbrush in order to get pieces sparkling as if they were brand new once again.

In other glittering gemstone news, the Antwerp World Diamond Centre revealed the finalists in its jewellery designing competition, with 39 entrants being picked.