When it comes to buying jewelry, consumers often struggle with the concept of price. They are conditioned to think that higher prices equal better quality, but this isn’t always the case. Many factors influence jewelry pricing: trends, rarity, and retail markup, to name a few. However, there are several ways that you can shop smarter and understand how jewelry is priced to avoid getting ripped off when buying fine jewelry.
Purchasing jewelry from a locally owned business has a direct impact on the health of your community. For every $100 spent at a local jeweler, $68 remains in the community, as opposed to just $43 when spending at a chain retailer. This means that your purchases can go a long way to supporting local businesses, schools, and nonprofits.
Aside from supporting your community, shopping at a local jeweler provides you with a personalized experience that you won’t get when purchasing online. When you buy from a local jeweler, you’ll be able to schedule appointments with sales associates who can give you their full attention. Additionally, you’ll be able to see and touch the products you’re interested in and ask questions about them.
When shopping at a local jewelry store, you’ll also have the ability to design and customize pieces that are uniquely yours. This can be a great option for those who want to make a statement or commemorate an important milestone with a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry.
Purchasing from an independent, family-owned jeweler will allow you to take advantage of the knowledge and expertise of experienced employees. Typically, these employees have more than a decade of experience working in the jewelry industry and can offer specialized guidance when designing a custom piece. Additionally, a family-owned jewelry store is more likely to have less turnover than its larger counterparts, which can help you build a trusting relationship with your local jeweler.
While a lot of people enjoy the convenience of online shopping, it can be difficult to navigate the finer points of purchasing jewelry this way. Some of the biggest problems with purchasing jewelry online are that you can’t see or try on a piece before buying it, and that you have no guarantee of the quality of the product.
However, if you’re willing to put in the extra effort, you can minimize these issues by asking the right questions. Don’t be afraid to ask a jeweler why a specific design is more expensive than another – just don’t send them photos from other brands and expect them to break down their costs for you. This is blatantly expecting them to provide their professional expertise for free! Instead, ask about what they are doing to keep their customers happy and to ensure that they can offer competitive pricing. This will ensure that you are getting a fair price for the item you’re purchasing, while still allowing the jeweler to cover overhead expenses and make a profit.
