How to Save Money When Shopping for Jewelry

Jewelry is the one accessory that can truly make an outfit. Whether you’re trying to dress up a casual outfit with a pair of nice water drop style diamond earrings or dress down a formal dress with a statement necklace. Jewelry is also a great gift for everyone occasion – from birthdays to Mother’s or Father’s day to anniversaries. While this is great, sometimes jewelry can be expensive, reaching into the tens of thousands depending on the stone and metal used. That doesn’t mean you have to give up buying nice jewelry for yourself, however. In order to help you stay under budget next time you walk into the jewelers, here are the top three tips for saving money when buying jewelry.

Shop small rather than chain stores

Most of the large chain jewelry stores you find in the mall raise their prices tremendously and don’t offer quality jewelry. Shopping at small businesses that specialize in jewelry can help ensure that you’re getting what you pay for. Most small businesses offer handcrafted jewelry with a detailed history so you know exactly where your gemstones come from. They also allow you to form a real connection with your retailer so you feel comfortable asking the important questions that can save you money.

Buy used

One of the best ways to save money when shopping for jewelry is to shop used. Both jewelers and pawn shops buy and sell used jewelry for a fraction of the retail price. Sometimes these discounts can reach 50% off – practically a steal. Most of the time, this jewelry is near perfect condition, and it goes through appraisal, repair, and cleaning to make sure that you get what you’re paying for. 

Thrifting has become extremely popular in the past few years, and shopping used jewelry is the equivalent. You can find amazing bargain buys, but you also need to be careful to avoid scams. Make sure that, even when you’re shopping for used jewelry, you’re shopping at a reliable business that you know work to ensure the quality of your jewelry.

Consider using alternatives

While diamonds are a timeless classic and are considered the ‘traditional’ stone for jewelry, especially for engagement rings, they’re not your only option. Diamonds can be pricey, with the most expensive one if the world costing well over two billion dollars, and they aren’t available for everyone. Or, if your budget isn’t the main concern, you may also just want to stray away from the traditional diamond and commission a custom-made piece of jewelry with a special, unique stone that expresses your emotions. 

You can also save money when shopping for jewelry by shopping for silver rather than gold. An ounce of gold can cost over $1600 while an ounce of silver is around $17. If you don’t have a preference for gold, this can make a large difference. If you love the warm color of gold and still want to save money, that’s possible too. Jewelry is available in silver with gold accents, offering that same warm glow from a fraction of the cost.