Want in on a secret that only jewelers who aren’t paid on commission are willing to share?
When it comes to jewelry, affordable and quality are not necessarily exclusive. You really can find high-quality jewelry and still save money, if you know how.
You don’t need to spend a fortune on a piece of jewelry you’ve fallen in love with. There are plenty of ways to find quality jewelry for cheap and save money. A beloved piece speaks to the heart in ways an appraisal cannot measure.
Sure, there are quantifiable methods to determine a piece’s dollar value: say the karat purity of a gold ring, or the cut, color, and clarity of a diamond. But how a particular piece makes you feel is deeply personal.
Why break your bank account when shopping for jewelry? Here’s how to find high quality and beautiful jewelry that’s also surprisingly affordable.
1. Choose a diamond that’s perfect for you, not necessarily what’s standard.
If you’ve spent any time in a jewelry store, you’ve probably heard about the 4Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat. For diamonds, the specific mix of those metrics determines the price. And being mindful of those metrics is one key to finding a beautiful stone that doesn’t require a third mortgage. That’s how to save on affordable wedding ring sets that are genuine, real, and high quality.
In smaller jewelry shops, staff don’t tend to be paid on commission. You get honest feedback and advice. There’s no pressure. You’re free to have more fun.
A smaller shop with jewelers on staff can do custom work. They can perform special alterations to family heirlooms or items in stock and create something personally meaningful. You can also customize one-of-a-kind selections from scratch.
Small shops are perfect for when you want the very best but don’t want to spend a fortune. You get closer to wholesale jewelry prices on diamonds and gold of high-quality value.
The cut is probably the most important — this determines a stone’s sparkle. A well-cut stone looks larger, hides flaws, and shines brilliantly. You should always go for the best cut you can afford — no more, no less.
Clarity refers to any blemishes and inclusions. It can range from FL, flawless (and very expensive) — and I3, which is heavily included. But you can actually get a great deal on SI1 or SI2 (slightly included) diamonds. These flaws can only be seen under a magnifying glass. But only an experienced eye usually notices or even cares.
As for carat, again go for what you want and can afford. But here’s a little trick — choose something below a round number, say a .95 carat diamond rather than a full carat. This can save 10-20% for a size difference invisible to the naked eye. That’s practically like buying a diamond wholesale! It’s a smart way to save.
2. Engrave something special or romantic to enhance a piece’s personal value.
Custom engraving can be a beautiful way to create something special, either for you or your partner. It can be inspiring or romantic — a way of transforming a simple band, locket, or bracelet into a cherished item of invaluable sentimental quality.
Choose something that is deeply personal — perhaps an affectionate nickname, an inspirational or beloved quote. Pay attention to ring size prior to engraving. Any later resizing may require the piece be re-engraved in the future.
Talk with an engraver to see what will work within the required dimensions. If you are using symbols, be sure these can be done according to the craftsman’s level of expertise. Choose a font that’s pleasing and fits the space you need.
Don’t forget to plan ahead. Personalized engraved jewelry can take some time. Allow at least a month for planning, design, and craftsmanship.
3. Shop family jewelers over big box stores.
For many of the larger jewelers, you are paying for their brand, which can practically be its own celebrity status. Some people like the prestige, but they’ll pay through the nose for merchandise they could get for a fraction of the cost than at a locally-owned jeweler.
When you shop from a smaller, family-owned jewelry shop, their quality can rival luxury brands like Tiffany and Cartier, and almost always surpassing some of the Big Box chains like Zales and Jared, but their prices won’t. It’s a way to save on diamonds or jewelry without losing quality. You’re not being cheap. This is one-way luxury can be surprisingly affordable.
Family owned shops face significantly lower overhead. They pay less rent in smaller neighborhoods like Cleveland, Independence, and Parma. They don’t spend a fortune on advertising. Those savings get passed onto you, the consumer. That’s why smaller shops will generally have more affordable wedding rings that are still high quality and real.
In smaller jewelry shops, staff don’t tend to be paid on commission. You get honest feedback and advice. There’s no pressure. You’re free to have more fun.
A smaller shop with jewelers on staff can do custom work. They can perform special alterations to family heirlooms or items in stock and create something personally meaningful. You can also customize one-of-a-kind selections from scratch.
Small shops are perfect for when you want the very best but don’t want to spend a fortune. You get closer to wholesale jewelry prices on diamonds and gold of high-quality value.
In smaller jewelry shops, staff don’t tend to be paid on commission. You get honest feedback and advice. There’s no pressure. You’re free to have more fun.
A smaller shop with jewelers on staff can do custom work. They can perform special alterations to family heirlooms or items in stock and create something personally meaningful. You can also customize one-of-a-kind selections from scratch.
Small shops are perfect for when you want the very best but don’t want to spend a fortune. You get closer to wholesale jewelry prices on diamonds and gold of high-quality value.
Wear and Give What You Love & Be Happy
You don’t wear a piece of jewelry just because it’s an expensive possession. It’s not the Certification of Authenticity that you love. It’s how the ring, necklace or pendant makes you or your special someone feel.
You wear a treasured piece of jewelry because it’s fun or meaningful. It can make you feel beautiful and dazzling. or connects you to a special event or person. Jewelry has an enduring sentimental value you can pass onto your children and grandchildren. That connection is special because it comes from the heart.
The right piece brings a joy that cannot be defined. Like love itself, you know it when you have it.
Thinking of popping the question and choosing an engagement ring? Know a friend, co-worker or family member who is?
Want to start off on the right foot? Our FREE GUIDE, How to Propose and Choose an Engagement Ring She’ll Fall in Love, breaks it all down — simple & easy. Read it today!
My wife wants a new necklace for her birthday so thanks for sharing this. I like your point about how wholesale jewelry is usually cheaper. I will try to find smaller shops so I can get the best deal.
I’m glad to know that I don’t need to spend a fortune to buy nice jewelry. I think I’ll go to a store that has designs that I love and sell them for a good deal. This way, I’ll have a piece that I’ll really cherish for years to come.