8 Tips for Buying Jewelry

8 Tips for Buying Jewelry

Buying jewelry good quality jewelry that will look great on you can be a challenging process. Check out these 8 tips to make your choices easier.

Keyword(s): buying jewelry

Buying jewelry isn't always as easy as it may seem. It can be spontaneous, well-researched, or to commemorate a special occasion. The right piece of jewelry can make an anniversary or birthday so much more special. Of course, the holidays are when the jewelry buying goes into overdrive!

Those of us out there who really struggle with choosing jewelry that says "I love you," "happy anniversary," or "Merry Christmas" may need some help. There's just so much selection - from rings, earrings, necklaces, and even charms and pendants. Your jewelry purchase says a lot about you and the person you're giving it to.

To learn how to buy the perfect jewelry, we've gathered the eight most practical and affordable tips.

1. Brand Loyalty

We know some of the biggest brands in jewelry are also some of the most sought-after but are they really worth the premium?

Are Swarovski crystals really that much better than the no-name variety? Well, yes. Are plastic beads with a brand name attached to them better than any other plastic beads? Probably not.

If you can't find any specific details in craftsmanship besides a name stamp, then you might be overpaying.

The traditional luxury brands do not often discount their jewelry, which makes them poor choices for holiday gift-giving. Knowing when and where to buy jewelry can save you hundreds of dollars on gift-giving.

2. Silver Is Timeless

Sometimes our love for all things gold can overshadow exquisite pieces of silver jewelry. Gold can often overpower certain gemstones and make it hard to define certain cuts. Silver provides a stronger contrast to topaz, ruby, pearls, amber, marcasite, and many others.

Sterling silver is also lower maintenance and very strong. Compare two identical rings, one of 24k gold and one of sterling silver. The price difference is obvious, but the beauty may favor silver.

3. Pearls Are Girls' Best Friends

Diamonds are nice, of course, but pearls give you way more options. If it's not in your budget to buy your loved one a diamond necklace, consider pearls. They are an iconic compliment to all styles and beauty.

Pearls are split into three grades: natural, cultured, and imitation. Natural is going to a fruitless endeavor, these are the rarest and often counterfeited pearls. Natural pearls are hard to find in the wild, especially in the size and luster we often see pearls as.

On the other end of the spectrum, imitation pearls are usually plastic and resemble nothing of the real thing. Cultured pearls are farmed and cultivated to produce the widest range of pearls on the market. You can find cultured pearls just about anywhere.

You can tell when you're looking at a nice strand of pearls by its luster, sheen, and smoothness of the surface. Cheaper pearls will have more transparent bodies, while the most expensive ones will shine like glass with a faint iridescence.

4. Gemstones/Birthstones

A good jewelry gift idea is to get something that has the person's birthstone. Now, obviously, if you're looking at only ruby, sapphire, or emerald, you might be set back by the price. We recommend semi-precious stones for their uncommon and unique presence.

Moonstones, amber, peridot, garnet, opal, amethyst, and many more stones out there that will impress and surprise your loved one. Watch for synthetic gemstones, these can be a great alternative, just don't be tempted to lie about their authenticity. The truth is, synthetic gemstones are just as impressive as natural ones.

5. Ask a Jeweler

If you need help with buying jewelry, then it only makes sense to ask someone who makes their living making it. The best sources of unbiased advice would be smaller shops, online, or from a place you aren't buying from. Your buying decisions shouldn't be shaped by the same person selling to you.

Considering that 75% of buyer purchases are influenced by Instagram, this is one category you should leave to the experts.

6. Get a Second Opinion

If you're struggling to decide what type of jewelry your loved one may like, don't be afraid to ask a friend or family member. Taste is all subjective, so even though you might find a piece that is rare or expertly crafted, they may not see it. Just make sure you find someone who can hold a secret!

7. Complete the Look

Have you purchased a piece of jewelry as a gift previously? Find something that complements or builds on that! Matching earrings or a bracelet for the necklace you gifted previously makes for a meaningful and practical addition. Most of the pieces sold by costumeiscounters have matching necklaces, bracelets, earrings and even pendants that make gift giving a snap!

8. Consider Repairs or Revamps

When it's hard to find a new piece for anniversaries, it can be hard to find something that compliments your previous gifts. In this case, it might be wise to get an old piece repaired or added onto. This can save you a lot of money and time deciding on something brand new.

If they wear said piece every day, it may be worth "spoiling" the gift if the transformation is drastic. It will still technically be a surprise, as they might be thinking you're just taking the easy way out. Once they see the new level of shine or added gemstones, for example, they'll be speechless.

Bonus: Consider Layaway

An often overlooked, but budget-friendly solution to get the perfect gift. Layaway is not just for those who literally have no money for anything nice. This is smart budgeting, especially if you already have the gift planned out in advance.

You are in a way forced to budget your money to buy that special gift--no room for procrastinating. Eliminating a meal at a restaurant each month is not a big sacrifice when you finally get that amazing piece of jewelry in your hands.

Best Places for Buying Jewelry

Now that you have a good idea as to how to get that perfect jewelry gift, the search is on. Finding a reputable jewelry store that isn't trying to price gouge you is not as simple as driving to the mall. The best deals are found online, of course.

If you're not one for being sold or pressured into getting jewelry just because it is a "hot seller" then you should avoid malls. Take a look at these great selections that are on clearance right now.

Buying jewelry can be affordable and obtainable if you know where to look.