10 Things To Know Before Buying Jewellery
Whether you are buying a piece of jewellery for yourself or as a gift for a loved one it usually takes a little planning and research to find the right thing you are looking for. Even when you think you have found it, what things should you be aware of and consider before purchasing? A reputable jeweller will make you feel at ease and should be happy to answer any questions you have. Trust is important when buying jewellery and you should feel confident that the product you’re buying is of excellent quality.
Here at Timothy Roe, we have come up with 10 things we think you should know before you invest in beautiful pieces of jewellery:
1. Dare to get personal:
Trying to find out what someone likes isn’t the easiest task especially if they don’t know themselves what they like. Using your Sherlock Holmes thinking cap start putting those detective skills to practice and pay attention to what they like to wear. Do they like classic, vintage, modern, or bohemian styles? What colours do they like? What are they into and do they already have a jewellery collection you could sneak a peak at? Are you looking for an every day piece of jewellery or something more glamorous for evening events? What do you want the jewellery to say? Do they have a loud personality or more introverted? Could you ask their friends or family for ideas? Look back at old photos to see if they are wearing jewellery in the photos or simply ask them casually ahead of time what things they would like. Maybe they have their eye on something already. Knowing their style will narrow down your options.
2. Choose your metal:
Research the different metal options like gold, silver, platinum, and alloys used. Each metal has its unique characteristics, including durability, hypoallergenic properties, and maintenance requirements. Did you know that white gold needs to be rhodium plated regularly? Do you or the recipient have nickel or other metal allergies? Some brands of jewellery use platings, vermeil or fillings —do you know the difference? When these wear off it might cause skin irritations or be costly to re-plate. Do you want to repurpose your own metal or use recycled gold? What is their lifestyle? Are they active, sporty and outdoorsy or more of an indoors, leisure person? Depending on how often, where and what they will be doing will determine if you choose harder metals like platinum or more softer ones like gold and silver.
3. Gemstone Education:
If you're buying jewellery with diamonds and gemstones, educate yourself on the various types, their properties, and their rarity. Different gemstones have different levels of hardness, which impacts their durability. Additionally, some gems may be treated or enhanced, affecting their appearance and value. Some can’t be exposed to UV light for too long whilst others are fragile and must not be exposed to chemicals and household items like perfumes and hairspray. Rarer stones and colour hues tend to be more expensive and more difficult to come by. Ask about conflict-free stones and certifications from recognised institutions like GIA and IGI and read up on diamonds to get a basic understanding. Read our 4Cs diamond guide here to give you a good foundation of knowledge.
Be inspired by our rainbow Jardin des Delices collection!
4. Compare Prices and Consider Your Budget:
Determine a realistic budget before starting your search. Setting a budget not only helps you narrow down your options but also ensures you don't overspend. Market prices are always fluctuating so checking prices might allow you to take advantage of key times to buy. Keep in mind that quality often comes with a price, so strike a balance between your preferences and your budget and shop around. Also consider maintenance costs. How much will repairs or polishing cost to keep your item looking brand new? If your budget is flexible consider creating a bespoke piece that is really tailored to your preferences and is one-of-a-kind. Can we help you repurpose old jewellery into something modern and fresh?
5. Explore Reputable Retailers, Ask Questions and Seek Guidance:
Don't hesitate to ask questions, whether you're in a physical store or shopping online. Seek guidance from knowledgeable sales associates to clarify any doubts and make an informed decision. Research and choose reputable jewellery retailers, ideally that are members of the NAJ (National Association of Jewellers) and who have positive reviews and a good reputation. Look for stores that provide clear product information, transparent pricing, and experienced confident and friendly staff.
6. Hallmarking: Quality Assurance
Look for the hallmarks. This is a set of marks applied to the articles made of precious metals gold, silver, platinum and palladium. It means the item has been independently tested and guarantees it conforms to all legal standards. You are getting the exact purity of gold that is stated on the hallmark. It also tells you where the item was hallmarked, who sent the item for hallmarking and additional hallmarks can include the year. It reassures you that your 18ct yellow gold necklace really is 18ct yellow gold and shows that the company is accountable, honest and professional. For further reading on hallmarking feel free to consult the Assay Office website: https://www.assayofficelondon.co.uk/hallmarking/why-hallmark
7. Can you build a collection?
When deciding on a piece of jewellery it might help to know what you or the intended recipient already has. Rather than trying to find new individual pieces can you perhaps buy something to create a jewellery suite? Matching earrings to a necklace? A bracelet, brooch or ring sporting the same gemstone? You don’t have to wear every piece at the same time, you can pick and choose items to compliment the look you’re going for but having various pieces of jewellery that work well together as a set is always a great idea for multiple options.
8. Classic is always in:
Trends come and go but true classic pieces will always be iconic and uplift any outfit giving it that refined polished look. Basic staples are essential and investing in high quality basics will mean they will last longer and can be worn over and over again. Once you decide on your metal think about key pieces and building your collection. Here are some of the must have items you should look to have in your jewellery box:
Diamond studs (think outside the box and go for different shapes and sizes)
Hoops earrings, plain or diamond set from small Huggies to large statement
Stacking rings in various metals and designs with or without gemstones
Diamond tennis or line bracelets
Gold bangles, with or without gemstones
Cocktail and Signet rings
Classic chain necklaces such as paper links, anchors, rope, choker
Pearls; necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets. Pearls can elevate an outfit to timeless chic
Gemstone jewellery; either favourite colours or birthstone gems
9. Understanding Jewellery Care, Insurance and Proper Storage:
Different materials and gemstones require specific care. Learn about the maintenance and cleaning procedures for the type of jewellery you're interested in. Proper care will prolong the life of your jewellery and keep it looking as stunning as the day you bought it. Having your jewellery professionally cleaned and polished regularly will have your pieces looking exceptional and potential problems can be caught in time. The last thing you want is to lose your beautiful sapphire stone due to broken or worn down claws. But for the in-between lighter clean you can buy quality products such as dips, pens and cloths to use at home yourself to keep them shining like new. Be careful with softer gemstone pieces touching harder ones like diamonds to prevent scratches and stacking metals on top of one another should also be avoided. For silver pieces that are not rhodium-coated they may need polishing from time to time as they will tarnish when not worn. It is recommended that you remove necklaces, and jewellery in general, for activities like sports and domestic chores and at night before going to bed to avoid damaging, knocking tearing or stretching.
Proper storage in high quality cushioned boxes will not only ensure your items are safe and out of the sight of potential thieves but also means your precious stones and metals are not exposed to chemicals, light, scratches and dust and this will keep your pieces always looking beautiful. Chains and delicate bracelets are less likely to tangle when laid flat and separately and some jewellery boxes, such as the Wolf brand, have anti-tarnishing linings called LusterLoc so you don’t have to keep polishing those silver items.
When investing in high-value pieces of jewellery it is important to have it insured to cover you if it is lost, damaged or stolen. The prices of precious metals and gemstones are always changing so the majority of insurance companies will require regular proof of its current value by means of a professional valuation from a Nationally Registered Valuer. These can vary in price and often you will be charged per item. There is currently a shortage of valuers in the UK so you may have to wait a while to obtain an appointment so make sure you know for how long your policy is valid and set up a reminder on your calendar to make the valuation appointment in time. Read the small print of your insurance policies as some charge a premium rate for every additional itemised piece added to your policy and some items under £2,000 are automatically covered under general home insurance policies without needing to be itemised. Take photos with date and time stamps of your jewellery pieces and keep a PDF copy of the receipt to prove ownership. Sometimes receipts can fade over time or go missing so scanning them into your computer as a PDF will ensure you always have a legible copy.
10. Check Return and Exchange Policies:
Before finalising your purchase, review the retailer's return and exchange policies. Understand the conditions under which you can return or exchange the jewellery, ensuring you have options in case the piece doesn't meet your expectations. Many retailers have the right to not give you a refund unless the item is faulty and will offer you a credit note instead.
As a final note: jewellery is about loving it, wearing it and having fun with it. Enjoy building up your collections and customising, personalising and playing with your styles as a way of reflecting and expressing who you are. Feel free to peruse our store for inspiration and come and see us if you’re looking for something special. We’d love to help you on your jewellery journey. Enquire here!
