Luxury Jewelry Buying Guide: Avoid These Mistakes When Buying Jewelry
Buying your first piece of fine jewelry can be thrilling and intimidating at the same time. You're looking down at the jewelry counter staring at dozens of sparkling rings and necklaces...but you have no idea what questions to ask or what a fair price looks like. With endless designs and materials at your disposal, it helps to have a few bits of advice up your sleeve so you can shop with confidence.
Our team at Shana Gulati Jewelry has created a jewelry buying guide explaining the common mistakes to avoid when purchasing fine jewelry so you get the most out of your budget and style preferences.
Mistake 1: Choosing Trendy
Jewellery is a form of self-expression, but it's important to strike a balance between fashion-forward choices and timeless classic jewelry. Chances are you'll want to wear the pieces past next season. While it's tempting to follow the latest jewelry trends, consider what truly resonates with your style and persona.
Your favorite necklace or pair of earrings should be something you cherish for years to come, not just during a fleeting fashion season. Your style should outshine any passing trend.
As a side note, some styles and rare gems remain valuable over time, similar to a vintage bag. Keep your eye on innovative styles - it might just pay off.
Mistake 2: Not Vetting the Vendor
When buying jewelry, always take the time to vet the jeweler. Research their reputation, customer reviews, warranties, and return policies. Trusted jewelry brands have a history of delivering quality and authentic products.
In the world of luxury jewelry, the source matters. Established jewelers have a reputation to uphold. They should offer a fair return policy so customers have peace of mind in case the piece doesn't meet expectations.
Mistake 3: Ignoring Gemstones
Gemstones draw the eye in a way that simple silver and gold metals don’t. They make people do a double-take, taking the piece in more completely.
Gemstones add more than a pop of color. They can also be incredibly symbolic, reflecting your personality or conveying a special sentiment. A birthstone ring or pendant can be a deeply personal piece of jewelry. Because of their many interpretations, gemstone jewelry makes for a great jewelry gift idea.
Mistake 4: Never Mixing Metals
Owning both silver and gold pieces increases your outfit pairing and jewelry styling options. With the two tones at your disposal, you can easily mix and match to suit any look or mood. Mixing metals is no faux pas - when done right, it can add a creative, modern twist to your ensemble.
Silver and gold also complement different gemstones in different ways. Pearls, for example, give a totally new feel when inlaid in silver or gold metal.
On the same tune, familiarize yourself with your options. Are you shopping for gold vermeil, gold plated, or solid gold? Is the metal sterling silver or platinum? Check the product details for material information, and factor this in when comparing pricing.
Mistake 5: Forgetting to Ask the Source
Buying sustainable and ethically sourced jewelry is something many modern shoppers consider a social responsibility. When you buy ethically sourced jewelry, you know that the people involved in its production are treated and paid fairly. It corroborates that child labor wasn't employed and miners' rights weren't compromised. "Conflict-free" means the materials weren't financed by violence or military operations. Remember, your sense of style shouldn't compromise peace or humanity.
Mistake 6: Name Brand Loyalty
There's a common misconception that 'big-name' = 'best-value'. Yes, hallmark brands like Tiffany and Cartier hold their charm and allure. But the truth is, their sterling silver is no more valuable than any other sterling silver on the market. You're essentially paying for the brand name itself, not just the item.
This automatic brand bias can lead to an over-inflated price for something that you could find elsewhere for the same quality at a significantly lower cost. Jewelry, at its core, is about personal expression and not a label. You can easily find pieces that suit you better in terms of price, style, and quality from smaller labels and individual artisans. The best way to buy jewelry is to chase the look that calls you, not the one everyone else has.
Buying Jewelry with Confidence: Shana Gulati Jewelry
Hopefully, this jewelry buying guide makes you feel more confident in your search. At Shana Gulati Jewelry, we understand the importance of authenticity, craftsmanship, and style. Using upcycled diamonds and artisan Indian jewelry-making techniques, each piece is one-of-a-kind. Our fine jewelry collections include gold vermeil and oxidized silver pieces adorned with authentic, sustainably sourced gems and diamonds.
Shop Handcrafted Luxury Jewelry