Jewelry Buying Tips

When buying jewelry and comparing 2 (or more) pieces, what criteria do you use to choose? If you like the pieces about the same, perhaps taking into consideration the intrinsic value will help you buy jewelry that maintains its value better. Use these jewelry buying tips to help you get the most value for the money.

Materials Used

Buying jewelry with pure metals (platinum, 18/14/10 Kt gold, or sterling silver) will generally keep its value more as you always have the value of the metal itself. Of course, this is assuming you are buying the pure metal not plated or filled. Always check the markings on a piece of jewelry (and read the FULL description) to know what you are getting. The weight of a piece combined with the type of metal will let you know the metal value of a piece (assuming no gemstones or the like).

Tips on Gemstones

Buying gemstone jewelry can be confusing. Here are some simple guidelines that can help:

Natural gemstones are worth more than lab created stones.
Treated stones generally are worth less than untreated stones of the same type.
Bigger, clear, bright colored stones generally are worth more (though read about the individual stone directly).
One larger stone is usually worth more than 2 smaller stones of half the larger stones weight.
Though quality also comes into consideration, it is harder to judge gemstone quality from simple pictures.
When there are certifications (as there are for diamonds), quality is much easier to compare.

Workmanship

Better made jewelry lasts longer. Often people buy “designer” accessories because the quality is known. No name brands can be high quality but it is often unknown. If you are buying from a site with ratings, read the reviews. Customers will tell you whether something is well made or packaged in a way that store sellers often won’t.

Uniqueness

Often how unique a piece is will help a piece keep its value. A limited edition or rare gemstone will often keep its value better than something that is easy to find. Of course, the design needs to be a design that is desired as well.

Base Price

There is a large markup on jewelry due to the need to keep inventory in stock. Compare similar items when possible to see if the price is comparable to other stores. If you can wait for your favorite to be on sale, that is direct money in your pocket! That is one of the main reasons we highlight jewelry that is on sale — it is often a better value.

Caution With Fads

Classic designs often maintain their value much better as it stays in style. If you love the fad jewelry, buy it for enjoyment – but not as an investment. It won’t keep it’s value as well in most cases. The metal/gemstone value stays, but due to the design going out of fashion, the rest will not. On the other hand, if you love the design, enjoying it in the moment is great.

Jewelry can last decades and more when well made. When made of valuable materials it can even go up in value. Buy wisely!

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