Jewelry shopping is always an exciting experience, whether you’re buying it for yourself or as a gift. Provided, of course, you know what to look for.
If you’re not into jewelry, the shopping experience can look very different. You may spend too much, misread the fine print, or buy the wrong piece. You’re also opening yourself up to the retailer taking advantage of you.
Want to make sure your shopping trip goes well? If so, do your best to avoid these seven mistakes with picking jewelry.
1. Not Setting a Budget
Contrary to popular opinion, the quality of jewelry isn’t all about the price. These days, you can get lovely pieces for less than $100.
While shopping for jewelry, don’t let the prices give you tunnel vision. Expensive diamonds are great, but are they the right fit for you? The salesperson may try to convince you they are, but you’re the one in charge.
To ensure you don’t spend more than you want to, set a realistic budget. As long as you keep your options open, you’ll never break the bank. That said, you also need to know where to look, which leads us to…
2. Not Doing Research
Whatever you do, don’t go into the jewelry store unprepared. It’s a lot like diving in the middle of the ocean—you don’t know what you’re in for.
Before you go to the store (or an online shop), do your research. Learn more about the four C’s: cut, color, clarity, and carats. Doing so will help you figure out if the types of jewelry you’re looking at are worth their price.
For example, if you’re buying gemstone jewelry, you’ll want to know its carat weight. Similarly, the cut and clarity can do a lot to enhance the shine of the gem. A good gemstone will have the right balance of size and appearance.
When it comes to colors, white diamonds get most of the press. That said, colors like pink, blue, and yellow can also look great when cut well. Look into as many options as you can to find the best fit.
3. Buying From the Wrong Retailer
There are plenty of jewelry retailers out there, but not all of them are worth your time. You’re looking for one that’s reputable and trustworthy.
You can confirm a retailer’s trustworthiness by looking at their money-back guarantees. If they don’t stand behind their products, chances are they sell fake stuff. In fact, they may not even be able to tell the difference!
To ensure you’re buying from a reputable source, find a list of certified jewelers. The American Gem Society is a good place to start your search, but don’t forget to check out online customer reviews as well.
4. Guessing on Ring Size
If you’re getting a ring for someone else, determine their ring size first. Sure, you can resize a ring later, but it’s much easier to get it right the first time.
The simplest way to get someone’s ring size is to get a ring they’re not wearing at the moment. You’d also need to make sure they’re wearing that ring on the same finger as the one you’re shopping for.
Once you have that ring, match it to a ring-sizing chart. Alternatively, trace around the ring on some paper and bring that to a jeweler. You can also bring the ring itself, but that may require a bit more sleuthing.
5. Choosing the Wrong Style
Any piece of jewelry you buy should reflect your style. Wearing something that looks good on you is a great way to get a confidence boost.
If you don’t think you have a style, consider conservative or casual pieces. Basic hoop earrings and diamond link chains work well for this purpose. For a slightly edgier look, check out this Viking necklace collection.
Versatility isn’t a bad feature to aim for, either. There are many necklaces that can go with any outfit you wear while still fitting your style. Of course, this will also depend on your neckline and similar factors.
6. Not Reading the Fine Print
Despite your best efforts, the piece you buy may get damaged. If a stone falls out or a clasp breaks, will you be able to get your money back?
If you’re buying jewelry online, this is something you’ll need to watch out for. Before signing on the dotted line, check the store’s return and refund policies. The jewelry store website should display this information prominently.
Keep in mind that some jewelers will try to sell you an extended warranty. They tend to come at a high price, so getting it isn’t a foregone conclusion. Consider the likelihood of needing it versus the cost of investing in it.
If you opt to get the extended warranty, see if your credit card offers some sort of coverage for it. Many cards do, so this would be a simple way to avoid having to fork over more money than you have to.
7. Doing Everything Yourself
If you’re not a jewelry expert, ask one for advice before you buy anything. It can be a retailer, jeweler, knowledgeable friend—anyone who can help.
If you try to do everything alone, you may find out some things about a piece after your purchase. For instance, did you ask if you can wear a gold ring in the shower? If you haven’t, you could be in for a nasty surprise.
Don’t be afraid of sounding silly while asking an expert for help. As the adage says: there are no stupid questions, only stupid answers. Be particularly inquisitive about the quality of the piece you’re interested in.
Avoid These Mistakes With Picking Jewelry
At the end of the day, most people make at least a few mistakes with picking jewelry. The key: don’t make any big ones! If you need help preparing for your next jewelry shopping trip, the above list is a good start.
Want to know more about comparing jewelry prices? Interested in the latest jewelry trends? Keep checking out our Fashion section!