The world of jewelry is vast and can be intimidating, given the pressure, pretension, and price tags that are commonplace in the industry.
You want your jewelry buying experience to be enjoyable rather than stressful, and come away knowing you got the absolute best value for your money.
Today we’re discussing nine things to look for the next time you buy jewelry, so you can easily avoid pitfalls and be 100% confident in your purchase.
1. Top Quality Materials
The first factor to consider with any jewelry purchase is the material of the piece itself.
Precious metals and gems are assessed with strict standards by organizations such as ISO and FTC, whose guidelines must be followed by every manufacturer.
It’s important that you buy jewelry from companies with a clear commitment to these rules and who do not cut any corners or costs in their production processes.
Here are a few materials you should know about when buying jewelry:
Sterling Silver
Also known as .925 sterling silver alloy, this material is durable, easy on the skin, and looks great forever with some simple maintenance. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container at night to avoid tarnishing from pollutants and oxygen.
14kt Solid Gold
Made with a ratio of 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metals, this material looks fantastic on all skin tones and lasts forever without any tarnishing.
It is super durable and can be cleaned up easily with just a squirt of lemon juice and baking soda. Far more affordable than 24kt gold, but still fit for royalty.
Gold-Plating (Gold Vermeil)
Starting with a base layer of sterling silver, a layer of pure gold is electroplated on top to give that distinctive golden glow at a fraction of the cost.
With proper maintenance, it can last up to 10 years in good condition before the gold starts to fade—still, a very affordable and attractive option for your next buy.
The best jewelry brands use these materials exclusively and avoid stuff like nickel, which is lower quality and can cause contact dermatitis for some of us.
Pick a brand that gives you top-notch materials and doesn’t hide behind cheap stuff!
2. Tons of Variety
Rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings—you want a little bit of everything, and it’s great to have a one-stop shop that does it all.
Many jewelry producers are known for specializing in only one or two categories, and while it’s fun to mix and match different designers, there’s something to be said for consistency.
We all have brand loyalty for our favorite clothes, perfumes, and cosmetics, so why not take the same approach to jewelry?
Once you have a preferred brand, stick with them for the long haul and try out everything they have to offer, especially if the price and quality are great.
Also, be sure to sign up for their email newsletters and follow on social media, so you never miss an announcement, sale, or new product introduction.
3. Direct to Customer
It’s a joy to walk into a premium retailer and get the celebrity treatment or browse department store jewelry sections searching for the perfect piece.
This has been the traditional approach to jewelry buying for centuries, but the truth is that you end up paying a major markup on every purchase when you take the brick-and-mortar route.
Think about it – retailers have to pay rent, employ staff, and ensure that each item they sell turns a profit. Margins are tight, and all those extra costs are passed along to you, the buyer.
The direct-to-consumer trend popularized in recent years has been a huge blessing for jewelry lovers, who now have access to a world of high-end products at far more affordable prices.
By circumventing the middleman, you get a ton of big benefits as a customer.
Not only do you save money by doing direct, but you also interact with the brand itself and get full transparency on their practices, rather than a third-party opinion.
Customer service is typically stronger, and you rarely see items go out of stock. It’s a win-win for everyone involved. Well, maybe not the department store.
4. Made in the USA
Jewelry has always been an international affair, and in recent years many American manufacturers have outsourced production overseas to cut costs.
While this may have saved everyone some money in the short term, we end up spending more as a result of questionable production, bigger shipping costs, taxes, and long wait times.
Now, we see a resurgence of jewelry here in the States, and it’s having a positive impact on the entire industry – for brands and customers alike.
Stricter regulations mean higher-quality goods and shorter lead times in the product life cycle. That’s important when buying anything custom-made.
American-made products ensure healthier working conditions for people in our own country (higher labor standards) and are considered to be better for the environment.
Rather than being shipped across oceans, jewelry made here does not have to travel far.
You don’t have to be a red-blooded patriot to see the benefits of jewelry made in the USA, since you get a stronger, personalized product shipped to your door faster than ever before.
5. Fully Customizable
Whether you’re giving a gift or treating yourself, customization is key! You have a vision of the perfect pendant, necklace, or bracelet, and the best jewelry brands will bring it to life.
There’s nothing wrong with selecting a ready-made piece from the retail case, but a personal touch goes a long way, especially when gifting jewelry.
The next time you buy custom jewelry, make sure that your chosen brand inscribes the name, date, message, or symbols that meet your exact specifications – nothing less.
Engravings and inscriptions must be high-quality and meant to last a lifetime, using the best instruments available and expert craftsmanship.
You should also be able to choose your materials and be sure that the fit is perfect for you or the lucky person who will receive the gift.
The more thought you put into the customization, the more they’ll feel the love!
Give them something that they’ll always wear and remember you by, instead of just another piece for their collection.
6. Ethically Sourced
The jewelry industry has a bit of a checkered past when it comes to sourcing materials. To do your part in the battles against global injustice, you need to pick a brand committed to ethical sourcing practices.
According to the Jewelers of America Code of Professional Practices, there are numerous guidelines and protocols that brands must follow to ensure responsible, conflict-free supply chains. The best producers make it clear that they adhere to these standards.
While progress has been made over the years, you still need to keep expectations high when selecting a brand to buy from.
Do your research, don’t hesitate to ask questions about sourcing, and be certain that it’s coming from a good place when you purchase a new piece.
7. Cash-Saving Bonuses
If you’re used to buying jewelry in retail environments, it’s probably rare that you see many sales, discounts, or special offers. In other words, you’re paying full price every time.
Loyalty matters, which is why companies like Rellery are always offering special promos and savings opportunities to their committed customers. Just signing up for their newsletter can lead to some sweet deals.
Throw in some other bonuses like free shipping on larger orders and credit for friend referrals, and you finally have a jewelry brand that looks out for your best interests.
8. Return Policies and Warranties
There’s no worse feeling than being let down by annoying return policies or warranties that just don’t have your back when you need them most.
Dealing with huge department stores and retail jewelers can be a nightmare when it comes to shipping stuff back and forth, and it always seems like you get the short end of the stick.
Jewelry is a serious purchase, and returns should not have to be complicated.
The best brands will replace broken or damaged pieces for up to a year without question, and some even offer free services that clean up your jewelry to look as good as new!
9. Real People, Real Communication
While online shopping is a blessing like no other, human connection is a big missing factor, especially with those bigger jewelry brands that use call centers and automated support services. Jewelry is super personal, and the customer service experience should reflect that.
Find yourself a jewelry company that treats you like a real person and honestly answers all your questions and concerns—without giving you the runaround.
You should be able to shoot an email at any time and expect a real response, whether it’s about sizing, pricing, sourcing, or just brainstorming gift ideas for the holidays.
It’s the same idea as your favorite salon or spa. When you have a real connection with your jeweler, everything is so much easier and stress-free.
Conclusion
Jewelry is all about expression, inspiration, and connection – not sky-high prices and shady sales practices.
The next time you buy jewelry, make sure you go with a brand that checks all the right boxes and gives you the top-tier service you deserve.
Sources:
Jewelers of America
DermNet NZ
The Good
