To buy or not to buy? That is the question. Jewellery will always be an attractive purchase option as they are beautiful, sparkling objects. However, they are usually a considerable investment, meaning it is important to make the right choices for your budget and taste. Below are five considerations to think about when making your jewellery purchase.
Just like the fashion industry, there is a wide range of jewellery styles on offer to buyers. Are you looking for a timeless traditional piece or something more on-trend and contemporary? A gold necklace can come in thousands of different shapes and styles, so it is essential to do your research, find examples that you like, and, importantly, suit you. If you're purchasing jewellery to wear regularly, consider if the style will work in multiple situations (such as work or social occasions) and if it will date quickly.
Jewellery comes in most materials, from leather and plastic to precious metals like silver and gold. Precious metals can come in various grades and prices depending on the percentage of the metal in the item. For example, 18-carat gold contains 75% pure gold, with the rest made up of other alloys. The higher the gold content, the softer and more expensive the metal. If you buy everyday gold jewellery, one with a lower carat may be more sensible as it is less susceptible to bumps and scratches.
Gemstones also vary in price depending on their grading. Gemstones may be graded differently depending on the type of gem it is, but most are tested for clarity, colour, cut and carat size.
A gold ruby necklace may look beautiful in the shop, but it will be a disappointing purchase if it doesn't suit the intended wearer. Although most people look great wearing any precious metal - whether it be the cool tones of silver and platinum or the warm tones of gold - for some, this is not the case. It is important to understand what metals and gemstones suit your skin tone to make sure you are happy with your purchase.
The best way to discover if a piece of jewellery will suit your skin tone is to try it on, ideally in both artificial and natural light. However, fair skin tones tend to suit cooler precious metals and gemstones, while dark skin tones better suit the warmer tones of gold and darker gems.
Is the piece of jewellery for a one-off event, or will you wear it more than once? When cared for properly, good quality jewellery can last generations, so it is crucial to think about when and where you are likely to wear the item. Special occasion pieces are a welcome addition to a collection, but is it a wise purchase if it gathers dust in your jewellery box for the next twenty years?
Occasionally a one-off event piece is a worthwhile investment (say, for your wedding day), but consider where else the jewellery may be worn and with what outfits. A versatile piece will bring far more pleasure and value for money than those purchased for a single event.
Have you purchased a timeless piece or one that will be out of style before the season is over? Fashions are constantly involving, so buying jewellery on-trend may mean it lacks longevity. If you're wanting to invest in an item of jewellery that you'll keep and cherish for years to come, consider going for a more timeless piece that will not date quickly.
Budget is arguably the most important consideration when purchasing jewellery. Everyone will have a price in mind when looking for their next purchase, and everyone likes to think they've got value for money. Jewellery prices vary wildly, and several factors determine the cost, from the quality of the raw materials and production to the provenance and where it is being purchased. You must do your homework, making sure that what you are buying is worth the money. A good NAJ member will always explain the reasons for price differences when purchasing jewellery.
Check for certifications of gemstones and the quality of the precious metals that make up the jewellery. A diamond ring can vary in price from a couple of hundred pounds to tens of millions, so it is important to understand why costs are so different.
There are many factors to consider when looking to buy a new piece of jewellery. To make sure you are making the most informed purchasing decision, you need to consider more than just budget and the aesthetic beauty of the jewellery. It is important to understand the precious metals and gemstones that make up the jewellery item and what to look out for so that you are buying an item of quality and value.
Most jewellery is made from precious metal, be it gold, silver or rarer metals such as platinum. Each metal has its unique characteristics, appearance and value. The most common metals for making jewellery remain gold and silver.
Gold - Pure gold is yellow, but the precious metal can come in many different shades. For example, rose gold is increasingly popular, giving the gold a warm pinkish hue. Rose gold is created by increasing copper in the alloy. In contrast, white gold can be produced by alloying gold with silver or palladium.
Carat is the measurement of purity of the gold. The higher the carat, the purer the gold with less evidence of other metals in the alloy.
Handcrafted JewelrySilver - Silver is a reasonably hardwearing metal with a bright shine and perfect for almost all types of jewellery. Most silver jewellery is silver combined with other metals as an alloy. This makes it more suitable for general use.
Hallmarking dates back over 700 years and assures the purity and provenance of the precious metal. It is the oldest form of consumer protection in the UK. Since 1998 three mandatory marks make up a hallmark. These include the company that produced the jewellery, a number identifying the fineness of the metal and the assay office that tested the metal. In addition, on jewellery made before 1998, it was compulsory to include the year the item was tested.
Gemstones of all shades and colours continue to grow in popularity. Once people sought the diamond's crystal clear beauty, now consumers explore a more comprehensive range of gemstones.
Gemstone is a broad category encompassing both mineral crystals that are cut and polished into dazzling stones, as well as organic gemstones such as pearls, opal and amber. Only crystals that can be cut and are hardwearing tend to be used in jewellery production.
When purchasing gemstones, it is essential to do your research. Gemstones are often graded based on their colour, cut, clarity and carat size (although this can vary depending on the type of gemstone). The better the rating, the higher the quality and value. It is common for gemstones to be enhanced. Sometimes these treatments are perfectly standard within the industry, such as heat-treating gems to deepen their colour. However, be aware that care may be needed when wearing or cleaning the gemstones if they have been artificially treated.
Whether buying a diamond engagement ring or a gift for yourself, diamond jewellery is often one of the most important purchases you will make. It can also be amongst the most expensive, meaning you want to make the right choice when choosing your jewellery. Fortunately for you, we have a detailed guide on everything you need to know about diamond buying so you can make your purchase with confidence.
Diamonds are rated using the 4C grading system. Each gemstone is graded based on the cut, clarity, colour and carat size of the diamond.
Cut - Arguably the most critical characteristic of a diamond as it has the most influence over the gemstone's sparkle. A stone that reflects the maximum light between facets will command a higher price.
Clarity - Natural diamonds contain imperfections and inclusions due to the immense heat and pressure they undergo during their creation. Therefore, a diamond with fewer and less visible blemishes will command a better price.
Colour - Diamonds are graded on their colour, or, more accurately, their absence of colour. The closer the diamond is to near colourless, the greater the value.
Carat size - Carat refers to the diamond's weight rather than its physical size. The larger the carat, the more expensive the diamond.
Sustainability and where diamonds have come from is becoming increasingly important for the industry and consumers alike. Below is a handy video explaining the terms to look out for when making that all important purchase.
Just like fashion, jewellery trends are constantly evolving. Led by The Jeweller editor, Belinda Morris, our trendspot blog offers you inspiration and up to date news on all things jewellery related. Direct from the NAJ membership, we give you access to the trends that will be exciting the market.
Now, more than ever, consumers want to be sure that the items they buy are ethically sourced and produced. The jewellery industry continues to make great strides in protecting the environment and its workforce, with numerous initiatives worldwide to improve best practices and eradicate older, less ethical production methods.
You can learn more about conflict diamonds, dirty gold and how the NAJ and broader industry is combating these unscrupulous practices, in our jewellery ethics guide.
Choosing the right jeweller is as crucial as picking the correct item of jewellery. Whether you purchase on the high street or online, buying from a reputable and knowledgable jeweller will give you peace of mind and protection.
Buying jewellery from an independent jeweller or nationwide high street shop gives you the chance to inspect the item in person, making sure you are happy with the quality and fit before making the purchase. Comparing jewellery next to each other and in a different light will help make sure you make the right choice for yourself. Having knowledgeable staff to answer your questions will make sure you are making an informed purchase.
Buying online offers greater convenience and occasionally lower prices, but it can come with risks. Firstly, you are relying on photographs and descriptions of jewellery to help inform your purchase. The physical item may not match the images when you receive it resulting in disappointment and perhaps returning the piece of jewellery. Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations, you have 14 days from the day you receive your goods to cancel a contract for goods ordered by telephone, mail order, email or fax. This does not include goods that are made to order.
When your jewellery arrives, you have the right to return or cancel your order for any reason. If you don't like the goods or have changed your mind, you can cancel the order. This is typically within a fourteen-day 'cooling-off' period. To cancel your order, you must tell the seller in writing - by letter, fax or email, but not by telephone. Make sure to send the letter by Royal Mail Special Delivery to prove that you sent it and track its progress.
