Some purchases have emotional significance such as buying a home, first car, or jewelry for a loved one. All these purchases involve a substantial investment which means your due diligence is required. Unlike some purchases like buying a new car, it doesn’t matter which showroom you choose. All showrooms will sell you the same car manufactured by the company for a fixed price. But this isn’t the case when buying precious jewelry. The price of fine jewelry depends on factors like quality, style, marking, and more. It means that only a trained eye can identify the quality and value of a true piece. Whether you’re looking for a precious stone or yellow metal, the seller you choose makes a lot of difference.
Buying Fine Jewelry
Most of us only consider buying fine jewelry only a few times in our lives. It means that most people lack the knowledge to identify a genuine diamond from a poorly cut stone. So, before you start shopping around, make sure you know the basics of the specific stone or metal you’re planning to buy. Whether you’re interested in buying a diamond ring, gold chain, or platinum bracelet, educate yourself about basics like the market value of the metal, the 4Cs of diamonds, and more. Once you’re done with some preliminary research, it’s time to start looking for a genuine jeweler. Choosing a reliable jeweler ensures that you get what you paid for. In this post, we’ve listed some tips to help you choose the right jewelry store to avoid getting duped.
1. Search Online
Earlier visiting jewelry shops was the only option to shop for fine jewelry. But now things have changed and you can find some renowned and genuine online jewelry websites. Buying online is getting popular because it provides better rates due to lower overheads. You can easily browse the site and compare the products of different sellers. However, not all online stores are selling genuine products. Make sure the site you visit is secure because you’ll be using your credit card or providing your bank account information. You should also ensure that the store address mentioned on the site actually exists. In addition to this, check their online reviews and rating to verify their authenticity.
2. Credentials & Experience
Reliable jewelers take pride in sharing the years of experience they have in the industry. It is safe to choose a seller who has been in the business for more than 5 years. The credibility of the jeweler is the most important factor. If a jeweler has certifications and licensing it gives a sense of assurance and helps you trust them. Pay attention to details such as the professionalism of their staff, design options, cost of products, etc. to get an idea of their credibility.
3. Services Offered
Established jewelry stores offer much more than simply selling products. They provide services such as jewelry customization and appraisal. You can ask if they have an in-house gemologist or designer to create a unique piece for you. Jewelers also buy fine jewelry and can even repair your old or damaged pieces.