Top Tips for Buying Jewelry

Buying jewelry can be a tricky feat when considering how much the items cost and how long you’ll be in possession of them for. You want to make certain that you’re not wasting your money on cheaply made goods and nor do you want to splash the cash on something that you won’t like a couple of years down the line. Whether it’s luxury leather bracelets or stunning diamond earrings, jewelry is one of those items that requires more contemplation than any other. Make sure you know what you’re entering into with your jewelry purchase by following the below top tips.

Select Your Brand Wisely

There are plenty of jewelry brands out there, but the question remains whether a more expensive brand results in a better piece of jewelry. To be quite honest, this very much depends. For instance, Swarovski crystals are better quality than a no-name variety; however, a branded plastic bracelet is likely no better than an unbranded plastic bracelet. Therefore, it’s not about choosing the most expensive brand, but rather being selective about your brands. If there are no clear signs of unique craftmanship, it’s likely that you’re paying for the brand name, as opposed to the quality of the piece.

If in Doubt, Go for Silver or Moissanite

Gold is arguably the most popular tone to go for when it comes to purchasing jewelry; however, this could end up being a mistake. Silver is so often overshadowed by gold that people forget it goes with everything and it never goes out of style. Not only does silver complement every gemstone, but it also works well alongside any skin tone. The same can’t be said for gold, as it typically washes out paler complexions. In addition to this, silver requires minimal maintenance, which might make it the more favorable option for someone who wants an everyday piece.

Another great option is moissanite jewelry. It is an excellent alternative to traditional gold and diamond jewelry. It’s affordable, stunning, and environmentally friendly, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality piece of jewelry without the high price tag.

Pearls for Girls

The old saying is that “diamonds are a girl’s best friend”, meaning that pearls often get overlooked. Despite this, pearls are much more affordable and present you with an array of styling options. There are three grades of pearls, including imitation, cultured, and natural. As the name suggests, imitation pearls are nothing more than plastic fabrications of the real thing, cultured pearls are farmed and cultivated, whilst natural pearls are the rarest kinds that are found in the wild. You can often identify the grade of a pearl by its appearance; for example, cheap pearls have transparent bodies, whilst expensive pearls have a slight iridescence that shines like glass.

Birthstones

If you’re shopping for a gift for someone, birthstones are a great way to go. It can be difficult to gauge someone’s tastes when it comes to jewelry, making birthstones ideal, as they already have a personal connection to the gemstone. Just bear in mind, if your recipient’s birthstone is an emerald, sapphire, or ruby, the price of such precious stones will be through the roof. In this case, there’s nothing wrong with purchasing a synthetic stone, just don’t try and mask the authenticity of such. The real value will come from the thought that you’ve put into the gift.

Consult a Jeweler

As with anything, a professional will be able to guide you in the right direction if you’re ever unsure. Despite this, you should consult a source who is different from the person selling to you, as they will gain nothing from stretching the truth. Always remember the person from whom you’re making the purchase may simply be telling you what you want to hear. Small independent stores will typically provide you with the most unbiased advice.