14 Things To Remember When Buying Jewelry
Your fashion choices and style are a great way to boost self-confidence and help you learn more about who you are and what you want.
You can buy clothes that reflect your personality and mix and match outfits to suit the occasion while still maintaining the essence of yourself. Wearing jewelry is often the icing on the cake for any outfit and can turn even the drabbest look (such as a work uniform) into something that makes you feel good and grabs everyone’s attention.
Throughout your life, you’ve probably been given jewelry or bought it yourself. You may even have a few pieces you love and wear daily. But as you get older, you may want to buy more jewelry to give you options and mix it up. You may even be looking for a gift for someone else, making your decision even more stressful. Wouldn’t it be nice to know how to buy jewelry?
Who Are You Buying Jewelry For?
The first question you need to ask yourself is who are you buying the jewelry for? If you are buying it for yourself, you already know what you want or need. You could need rings or bracelets. Or maybe you’re attending a fancy occasion, such as a wedding, and want a necklace to accessorize with your dress.
But what about buying for someone else? While many pieces look great on everyone, remember that tastes vary from person to person. Some pieces can be an excellent memento, especially for birthdays or graduations, so consider why you’re buying the jewelry to help you decide what to purchase.
The Size
Jewelry size is also something important you just consider. The most common size issue to remember is the ring size. If you’re buying an engagement ring, you don’t want to ruin the surprise by buying a ring your partner can’t wear, so using a ring size measurement chart could be the answer.
You could also guess, but this isn’t recommended, especially if you want them to wear the ring immediately. If you can’t measure their ring size easily, opt for a standard size at the recommendation of your jeweler.
The Metal or Material
The beauty of jewelry is that it comes in many forms. You can find elegant gold bracelets and bangles. You can purchase bejeweled bracelets. There are even products that don’t use any metal or gemstones, which are typically linked to older civilizations with techniques passed down through generations to preserve cultural heritage.
When picking a piece of jewelry, think about which metal or material looks best. Consider the vibe you or the recipient want to achieve. If you’re looking for something functional for everyday wear, gold and silver are always ideal. However, if you want a statement piece, try something that stands out.
Possible Allergies
However, you also need to be cautious about certain materials. Some jewelry can come with nickel traces, which can be an issue if you or the giftee have a nickel allergy that ranges from irritating to downright uncomfortable.
The best way to avoid this is to check and double-check any pieces you’re buying to ensure they do not contain nickel as a coating or alloy. You might not even know you have a nickel allergy, so it’s always best to be on the safe side.
Silver Is Always Stylish
If you’re unsure about what metal or color to purchase, it’s always best to stick with what’s stylish. While gold jewelry has a certain regal quality to it, you can never go wrong with silver. Unlike gold, it works with any outfit and is as suitable for everyday wear as it is for dressing up an outfit for a special occasion.
However, silver is not as durable as white gold, so it can scratch and bend more easily if you don’t take good care of it. Still, it is durable enough to wear daily if you want a permanent accessory.
Where Was It Sourced From?
They say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but while they are stunning and can enhance any jewelry, there is also a dark cloud hanging over them. Conflict diamonds are sourced through unethical means, and buying diamonds from these sources (even if you’re unaware) perpetuates a never-ending cycle. So, how can you know where your diamonds come from? Researching conflict-free stones and the Kimberley Process helps you identify reputable sources.
Comparing Prices
While you want to purchase the most beautiful jewelry, you don’t want to bankrupt yourself. You can still find fantastic and stylish pieces from affordable stores, whether you’re looking for bracelets, rings, necklaces, or something else. It helps to compare prices and consider the difference between the price and overall quality. Some differences will be marginal, but remember you don’t have to break the bank and disrupt your budget just because you’re desperate for a specific style.
Style
It’s always important to understand your favorite jewelry styles because this makes it easier to narrow down your options and pick a piece that suits you. The same applies when you’re buying for someone else. You know what they like or what they need, so you can easily find something in a similar style they can mix or match with their current collection.
Go Out Your Comfort Zone
But what if you’re tired of what you usually wear or remember a friend or relative commenting on a bold piece of jewelry you’d never think they would like? It’s okay–and even encouraged–to go out of your comfort zone now and then. Not only does this help you find new styles that look as good as your typical choices, but it also gives you plenty of variety. You don’t feel like you’re always wearing the same thing and you can explore different outfits or looks that you’ve always wanted to try. It’s always a good idea to have the option of variety even if you don’t go through with it, so try something different, like pearls or natural jewelry.
What Brands Do You Love?
If you’ve bought lots of jewelry already, you probably have a specific brand you know and love. This is often the best place to start when shopping for jewelry, as you know the cost, the quality, and the shipping times. This approach also lets you compare with other brands easily if you’re looking for something specific.
As for buying a gift, purchasing something from your favorite brand adds a personal and sentimental touch. They know you love something, so sharing this love with them means so much more than buying jewelry from a random company.
Try Not to Buy Blind
Online shopping has made it easy to get something you love quickly. You can’t beat the convenience, but it can end worse than expected. You might be able to see the jewelry through product pictures, but you don’t know what it looks like while you’re wearing it.
This is why it’s so vital to visit the store in person if possible. This is not always so simple, as the store could be a small workshop on the other side of the country. However, if you’re buying from a well-known brand, visiting the store (with a friend for a second opinion) ensures you purchase something you know looks good.
Genuine Gems
Gems can add color and boldness to any jewelry, but you need to be careful about which products use genuine gems. You might wonder why it matters, especially if the gems (or so-called gems) are small, anyway. Genuine gems are more robust and they promise a more dazzling sparkle and shine. Although there are some situations where fake gems can work, it’s always better to go for the real thing if you want to make a statement.
A Reputable Jeweler
Buying jewelry can be stressful, especially if you spend hundreds (or even thousands) on a piece for yourself, your partner, or a friend. The best way to ensure you get something that looks good and will last is by knowing you’ve found a trustworthy jeweler to purchase from. Many jewelers lack the necessary knowledge and qualifications, meaning there’s a chance they sell substandard or even fake products. If you want to ensure you’re buying something legitimate, your jewelers’ qualifications and get any existing jewelry purchases appraised.
The Fine Print
Hopefully, you never have any problems with your jewelry, but accidents can happen. So, it’s always worth reading the small print before any purchase. You need to know if the jewelry is returnable (or at least exchangeable) if you change your mind. A good jeweler will also offer a warranty that ranges from a year to ten years. Some may even offer lifetime warranty or repairs, especially for rings you may need to adjust as you get older or gift to other family members.
Sparkle
Whether you’re buying jewelry for yourself, a loved one, or a co-worker, these points should help you choose the perfect piece. While you can always rely on something bright and sparkly, different people have varying preferences. Some like it bold, others prefer understated and elegant. No matter what you or someone else prefers, you can buy with confidence every time.
