Jewelry is a great gift for a loved one or yourself. It also keeps its value. Because of that, it can be expensive to purchase jewelry. It can also be difficult to find the type of jewelry that you enjoy. Here are a few tips on how to save money and time when buying jewelry.
There's a good reason why you should avoid large chain jewelry stores. They often mark up their selections by 700% or 800%. That's a substantial amount for no reason. A better option is to focus on local dealers. Their prices are usually cheaper and you'll often find that the quality is better. That's because chain stores have to balance between supply and quality. They see a lot of demand and don't always have the quality of products to show for it. That's why they'll often offer mid-value items mixed in with their items. They need to spread their supply out.
Local stores don't have this problem. They see fewer customers and are able to provide high-quality jewelry consistently. You can also form close relationships with local dealers. Once they become a good friend, they may even be willing to give you a few special discounts or deals.
You can't expect this treatment at a national chain.
You can save a lot of time by searching online. Simply type in the type of jewelry that you're interested in and start searching. You can also filter your selections based on your budget. That way you're only seeing jewelry pieces that you can actually afford.
When you shop at online marketplaces, it's important to look for certifications in the store in question. Too often, people will sell fake jewelry pieces online. Or they may post an image of the real piece but send you a fake.
Take the time to research the store. See what past buyers are saying about it. You can also check to see if they have a rating on the BBB to determine their legitimacy.
If the online marketplace is done through small-time jewelers or those who are just selling their own jewelry, then it can be more difficult to find information on them. They've not established businesses. In this case, try and find reviews about past transactions that they've made.
It's also a good idea to purchase the jewelry through Paypal. If the product doesn't end up being what you bought, then you can use their Claims service to get your money back. It's faster than going through your own credit card company or bank.
To ensure you're spending the right kind of money, you should take the specs of the gem to an appraiser. You can do this by asking the jeweler to write down the specs on the gem, itself, and the metal. Then take that information to an appraiser. They'll inform you whether or not it's worth the amount that they're selling it for.
Based on their information, you may be able to haggle the price down. It can also help you ensure that you're not paying for a fake or wasting your time with a crooked jeweler.
Once you buy it, you should also have it certified by the American Gem Society. If you ever intend on selling the gem in the future, then you have the certification to back it up. This is another step that can also help validate that the gem is worth the value that you paid.
One way to save money is to choose silver as your metal instead of gold. The price of gold has been steadily climbing. Any jewelry piece you buy with gold metal is going to be higher than silver. Unless color really matters that much to you, silver is going to suffice just as well as gold.
It can easily save you a lot of money.
Another way to save money is to forego diamonds for other gems. Diamonds are extremely expensive. They're also plain. If you want stunning color and unique jewelry, then you want to try something like sapphires or emeralds. They're less expensive and have the potential to create extremely unique jewelry pieces.
The money that you save by foregoing diamonds could net you with more jewelry pieces overall.
One way to save time is to understand what kind of jewelry type you enjoy the most. Time can be wasted when you're unsure of what you want or what looks good on you. Practice with your existing jewelry pieces or just have a frank conversation with yourself. What jewelry types do you enjoy the most?
Perhaps you enjoy wearing necklaces the most. When you go shopping, only focus on the necklaces available. Avoid anything else. This will ensure you get exactly what you want and not end up going home with something extra.
By visiting local dealers, understanding your favorite jewelry type, and opting for alternatives, you can save money and time when you go jewelry shopping. Consider these tips to make your jewelry shopping as inexpensive and time-friendly as possible.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.