Everyday Luxury Jewelry Buying Secrets You Need To Know
When you buy jewelry, you're making a statement. Every piece in your collection is meant to leave an impression, lend you confidence and grace. It is a gift to be passed down through the generations, something you'll be remembered by.
Every piece becomes a part of who you are when worn, blending seamlessly with your personality and grace, lending a hand and enhancing it. It's because of this that extreme care should be taken when choosing your luxury pieces. Will they last a lifetime, or will they fail the test of time?
Knowing the attributes of a quality piece, and the flaws of one that is otherwise can be the difference between you investing in a beautiful, long lasting ornament or falling prey to a salesman's tricks.
Before You Begin
Before you embark on a journey to learn what the finest quality pieces look like, take a moment to consider a few important things.
Know Yourself
Buying the ideal piece of everyday luxury jewelry is of immense importance. Your companion to important occasions and your gift to future generations should be a representative of who you are.
Know yourself and your personal style, your preferences and look for pieces that complement your unique taste and trust your intuition to make the right decision.
Know What You Prefer
Every piece of modern luxury jewelry is made different, but many pieces are crafted from the same kinds of metals.
Modern handmade jewelry is usually made of silver, gold, platinum or vermeil. Each kind of material has its own beauty, personality and care instructions. When buying the piece of your choice, pay attention to the details and choose the piece that fits you best.
How Is Your Gemstone Treated?
It's not the job of the naked eye to discern whether a diamond is lab grown or not, and it's impossible to differentiate between a heat-treated gemstone and an untreated one.
It is, however, important to do so. A heat-treated Ruby would cost you almost ten times less than an untreated one, and there is a significant difference in the price between a diamond from Kashmir and a diamond from Africa.
Anyone who is selling you jewelry is obligated to be honest about how your gemstones have been treated, and the best way to discern is to just ask them. High quality gemstones are almost always sold with a certification from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), but you need to be mindful of how old the certification is.
A certification from GIA that is up to two years old is fine but beware of anyone who produces a certification that is over ten years old.
Skip the High-End Stores for The Best Service
If you're hoping for expert consultation and great service, along with ideal prices, consider skipping the high-end stores and opting for boutique style vendors.
Each store is different, and every piece of modern handmade jewelry they sell will be handcrafted to perfection. High end stores have insurmountable overhead costs and expenditures added into their final price tag, for the high-end real estate they're located on and the yearly events they host.
In a smaller store, you will be given the right guidance, expert opinion and a good price on any items you purchase.
Inspect the Piece Closely
Before purchasing a new statement piece for your collection, inspect every part of it closely. The gemstone needs to be secure, the finish should be smooth, and the overall look should be clean and seamless.
If you choose a piece with more fine details or small gems on it, make sure the metal is smooth and no gems overlap. There shouldn't be any sharp edges or roughness, and the gem should be secure in its place, nestled in between a cage of fine, elegant metal.
Another very important thing to notice is the clasp on bracelets and necklaces. Aim to purchase an item whose clasp seems secure, firm but not too difficult to open or close. It should be evident from the way it operates that it will last long.
Storage and Maintenance
Once you've found your dream piece of luxury jewelry, you need to think about the future. Ask your vendor for any care instructions, how the gems were treated so you know how to maintain them, and if there are any steps you can take to ensure their longevity.
Some of the general things you can do to keep your jewelry fresh for longer is to keep all your pieces in jewelry boxes, well managed and organized. Make sure their storage area is dry and clean them before you replace them in their boxes after wearing them for an event.
Modern luxury jewelry is meant to be handled with care; it is long lasting and a symbol of your class and style, and it is to be treated with dignity and love. Don't drop them into a drawer to mingle with the rest of your pieces — rather give them all their individual place.
Final Note
Choosing the right piece of jewelry for yourself is no easy task and making sure you're getting the quality you're paying for may seem like a daunting prospect, but with some advice and a little research, it can be simple.
Trust an expert's advice, and don't hesitate when asking questions.
