4 key tips for buying jewelry
Buying jewelry requires considering a lot of factors. The purchase decision could be well-researched or spontaneous and a personal addition or a gift for a loved one. Picking the right piece is crucial to making an occasion or event special. The decision also involves choosing the right accessories: pendants, rings, necklaces, earrings, or charms. Those trying to find the best jewelry set that conveys the right message can consider the following tips.
Tips for buying jewelry
Consider the recipient
When buying jewelry as a gift, you must think about what the recipient would enjoy. This will make the choice more meaningful. So, before shopping for jewelry, here are some aspects to consider:
- Personal style: Observe the recipient’s wardrobe and see if they have a distinctive style. This will help you pick jewelry sets that align with their preferences and the clothing they already have.
- Size: Rings and necklaces are the best pieces of jewelry for men and women. But when shopping for these items, it is vital to get the size right for the recipient to ensure you do not spend more money resizing.
- Birthstone: Consider your loved one’s birthstone if you want to add sentimental value to your chosen jewelry.
- Lifestyle: What do they like doing? Do they have an active lifestyle? If yes, avoid jewelry with intricate details or one that tarnishes easily.
- Allergies: It can be disappointing to know that a beautiful piece of jewelry you gift to your loved one triggers an allergic reaction. So, before shopping, inquire if they are dealing with any metal allergies. It is best to avoid jewelry pieces that contain nickel, a common alloy used to make jewelry. Many can develop skin irritations from it.
Think about the message
- Rings: Rings are not necessarily engagement or wedding rings. Different ring types can hold specific meanings depending on your relationship with the recipient. For instance, a promise ring can be a good piece of jewelry for women, so if you wish to commit to someone, this would be the right call.
- Expensive jewelry: If you do not want your gift to indicate a serious intent or commitment, you should opt for a less expensive piece as a gift.
- Charm bracelet: Jewelry can also be a great gift for a friend. So, let your friend know how much you mean to them with jewelry that matches their personality or hobbies. A charm bracelet can be an excellent choice of jewelry for a friend to show them you care.
Jewelry can also be great gifts for family members. So you can consider giving your mother a ring or a necklace with a unique design engraved on it or embedded with a family birthstone. At times, jewelry might not be the right gift and can be misinterpreted to imply you seek a romantic or a more serious relationship. For some relationships, gifting jewelry is a strict no, for instance, your coworkers.
Research gems
When shopping for jewelry for women and men for the first time, you must learn a little about gemstones like diamonds to understand the cost, styles, differences, and best cuts. You would never invest in an expensive mobile or TV without conducting thorough research, and the same holds true for valuable gems.
Check the quality stamp
Before buying jewelry, carefully read the information on the quality stamp. The stamp indicates the metal type used in the piece and its quality. For jewelry made in the country, a quality stamp can be seen along with the trademark or maker’s mark as per Federal Trade Commission regulations. For instance, on a silver or gold piece, you will see a mark indicating whether the jewelry contains 925 silver or 14K gold. Sometimes, to not mess with the aesthetic appeal, a stamp may be placed in a hidden portion of the piece, like the back of the brooch’s backside or on the inner side of the ring’s band. European-made jewelry has hallmarks that contain the same information. These indicate the manufacturer’s country, metal type, and fineness.
So, consider the above-mentioned tips for buying jewelry to invest in a thoughtful gift for your loved one. What’s more? You can consider making jewelry at home if you are looking for a more personalized gifting option. This will not just be cheaper, it will be more thoughtful. You can consider joining an online jewelry design course, get all the jewelry-making supplies, and begin making a piece of your choice. Using your own jewelry-making supplies can save you a lot of money, and the recipient will admire and adore the time and effort you spend making it. A jewelry design course can also be a great activity to enjoy with a loved one.