How to Buy Jewelry: The Art of Finding Your Perfect Piece (at a Value You’ll Love!)
Buying jewelry may seem pretty straightforward. After all, there’s a jewelry store on every corner, whether you want to shop with one of the big-box brands or go local. All you have to do is walk through the doors, browse the jewelry cases, and then make your jewelry purchase… right?
Well, yes — you could do exactly this. However, you may find that choosing jewelry on a whim, without properly learning how to buy jewelry first, can result in you not getting the perfect piece of jewelry you thought you were. You may even find that you didn’t get that great a deal, despite any brand loyalty you might hold for certain, frequently advertised retailers.
So, what do you need to know before shopping for that next piece to add to your growing jewelry collection? Keep reading for our guide to buying jewelry and top tips on how to shop for jewelry, whether you’re on the hunt for a great gift for a special occasion, browsing engagement rings, or just searching for something for yourself.
What You Will Learn
Tip #1: Understand What You’re Buying
Before you head to the register, make sure you understand what you’re buying. This is where a little pre-shopping research can come in handy. While, yes, it’s not as fun as simply stepping into the store, seeing what gorgeous piece catches your eye, and then walking out with it, a little research goes a long way to ensure you buy a piece that’s ideal for either your own personal style or the needs of your gift recipient.
For example, do you know the differences in precious metals? Beyond price, there are differences in care requirements and durability, as well as purity and hypoallergenic properties.
To help you decide which precious metal you should shop for, we’ve put together handy guides covering the most popular options. Check out our guides to:
- Sterling silver vs. regular silver
- Silver jewelry vs. white gold jewelry
- What is white gold?
- Hypoallergenic metals
- Strongest metals for rings
The same idea stands for gemstones. Certain gemstones are more expensive, but some are more durable, require special care, can be manufactured in a lab, are more sustainable and eco-friendlier than others, and so on.
To decide what gemstones to shop for, read our guides to:
- Colored gemstones
- Diamonds vs. lab-grown diamonds
- How carat weight, clarity, color, and cut impact your purchase
And, lastly, if you’re shopping for pearl earrings or a pearl necklace, you’ll need to understand the differences between natural pearls and cultured pearls.
Tip #2: When in Doubt, Go for the Classics
Maybe you’re shopping for jewelry as a gift, looking for that perfect gift to wow a family member during certain special occasions. Maybe you’re shopping for yourself, but you’re not terribly sure of your own jewelry tastes and preferences just yet.
Whenever you’re in doubt while shopping for jewelry, it’s always best to go for the classics, versus following fleeting jewelry trends. The same type of jewelry that’s all the rage now likely won’t be in a few months. Yes, permanent jewelry is popular this year, but do you really want to wear that matching jewelry alongside your mother for months, with no way to take it off? Or do you really think that choker will still be in style for the next ten years?
Safe, classic jewelry options that are always in style include:
- Diamond studs
- Pearl earrings, bracelets, rings, or necklaces
- Tennis bracelets
- Chains
- A birthstone or colored gemstone ring
Tip #3: Consider Fine Jewelry as an Investment
If you’re more specifically wondering how to buy fine jewelry, there are additional things to consider, beyond just what precious metals and gemstones are best for you or your thoughtful gift recipient.
First, understand what fine jewelry is. Fine jewelry includes exquisite pieces made from 100% real precious metals and real gemstones, and the category includes sought after creations from top designers.
High jewelry and couture jewelry are extensions of fine jewelry, and are even more expensive, featuring exclusive designs and materials. The average shopper won’t be buying high or couture jewelry, as these pieces are typically reserved for the very wealthy, celebrities, and royalty. However, it is highly likely that you have room in your budget for fine jewelry.
Because of fine jewelry’s price tag, consider it an investment as you shop. Often, these pieces can be resold later, as needed, for a profit, or they can be passed down through a family as heirloom pieces. With this in mind, look for fine jewelry that not only meets your personal style expectations, but that also will retain its value long-term. Here’s how.
Approach Buying Estate Jewelry and Buying Antique Jewelry with Care
If you have a preference for vintage styles or an appreciation for historic items, you might be wondering how to buy estate jewelry or antique jewelry, and where to buy jewelry that’s vintage or historic. Shopping for antique jewelry pieces requires even more research and care, as you’ll not typically find this type of jewelry in a big-box store. You’ll have to track it down via other routes.
The best place to buy estate jewelry will vary depending on what exactly you’re shopping for, but, in general, you can find these pieces sold online, at estate auctions, and via private sales. Wherever you buy this jewelry, though, be sure each piece has been verified authentic and appropriately appraised for its value. You may also request the piece be inspected by a jeweler to confirm it’s in good condition. Are there any loose stones? Have any of the diamond accents been replaced?
Tip #5: Always Protect Your Jewelry
The best way to buy jewelry, hands-down? With a lot of research under your belt, a clear idea of what exactly it is you want to purchase, and a plan for protecting that jewelry once you take it home.
No matter where you buy your jewelry or what type of jewelry you purchase, choose jewelry insurance to keep those pieces protected from a variety of life’s mishaps. You don’t want to drop a large sum on a beautiful piece, just to accidentally lose it on your next vacation or realize that you’ve scratched the gemstones or metal.
Without insurance, you simply won’t have your perfect piece back unless you pay for replacement or repairs out of pocket; with insurance, though, those replacements and repairs are covered, so you can get back to wearing that piece without a worry.
Learn more about BriteCo’s comprehensive jewelry insurance and coverage, and get your free and fast quote now.
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