Jewelry is more than just a symbol of wealth. Most of the time, people buy jewelry as a means of self-expression. It gets even more personal if they’re buying the same as a gift for a significant other.
Choosing jewelry for yourself or for someone else is as exciting, as it is stressful. When you attempt to do it for the first time, there seems to be a lot more to consider than the sheer beauty of the piece.
Here are tips to make the purchase a bit easier, so that the next time you buy, it’ll be a breeze.
First things first—check out the craftsmanship of the piece regardless of whom you’re buying from. You may be getting it from the best jeweler out there, or from an up and coming designer. Either way, if the item doesn’t have impeccable craftsmanship, then it’s something you shouldn’t buy.
The next thing you have to check is the kind of metal used to craft the jewelry. Some sell jewelry made with plated metals, for the same price as a solid sterling silver or gold piece. Look for the stamp .925, which indicates it's solid sterling silver. Make sure you get what you’re paying for. Plated pieces naturally don’t last long and will fade and tarnish quickly over time. If it's plated it will not have the .925 stamp.
Another thing you have to watch out for, is if the jewelry piece includes a genuine gemstone. You might encounter sellers who will say that the pieces they’re selling include real gems, in which case, you need to take a closer look at the gemstones embedded in the pieces with the help of the seller, and check them for abrasions and other irregularities. Inspect if the gem is also held snugly in place in its setting, otherwise, you risk losing it while you’re wearing the piece.
Lastly, I understand that owning jewelry may at some point become a source of pride for anyone. However, quality easily trumps quantity when it comes to jewelry. It’s more prudent to save up and buy the perfect earring or necklace, instead of splurging on items that are just nice accessories with very little value when compared with a genuine item.
If you’re looking for quality jewelry that you can pass on to the next generation, go to www.alissataylordesigns.com, fill out my contact form, and I’ll be happy to assist you with your purchase. My products are primarily jewelry made of long-lasting, solid, sterling silver which come with and natural gemstones.
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