The first thing that you need to find a quality piece of jewelry at a discount price is to find a reputable dealer. Even the most prestigious dealers have sales, and this is where you want to look. Avoid buying jewelry online, at auctions, or at dealers with less than savory reputations.
Once you have found a good dealer, size up the selection by following these tips:
• Ask your dealer about the different ways that gems are cut and how it affects the price of the piece. Many times, you can purchase a smaller, better cut gem for less money than a larger one and still have the same beautiful affect.
• Remember, diamonds are priced not only according to size but also according to the clarity and color of the diamond. Sometimes flaws within the diamond can be easily masked when the diamond is cut. These diamonds are less expensive than flawless diamonds and you will never be able to tell the difference.
• Always check different styles of sets to see which ones give you the most flash for your buck. You may be able to buy a larger, flashier ring if you look for styles that feature several small gems rather than one large one.
• Don’t be afraid to buy larger pieces made with man-made gems. Many of the newer imitation gems that are out on the market are extremely hard to distinguish from the real thing. Even experts have trouble and need to use a special tool to do this.
Also, take the time to comparison shop. Avoid getting emotionally attached to any piece of jewelry before you have researched all of your options. You might be able to find something comparable at a competitor’s boutique for less money. Be sure to pay attention to sales too. You can save a lot of money during seasonal sales, which means that you will be able to buy even more.
