Whether you’re shopping for a ring to propose with, a gift for yourself or a loved one, the right jeweler can make all the difference. But not all jewelry stores are created equal — and there’s a big difference between the quality of a piece at a chain store and the craftsmanship, customer service, and overall experience at a local, independently owned jeweler.
The biggest reason that local jewelers can offer lower prices than their counterparts at big name jewelry chains is because they have much lower overhead costs. These expenses include the cost of retail space, staff salaries, and other perks that come with running a physical store, such as flashy interior designs.
Another way that smaller jewelers can keep their prices low is by buying in bulk from diamond dealers and manufacturers. This means that you’re likely purchasing a piece of jewelry that hundreds, if not thousands, own. The quality of these pieces may not be high, but they will be a fraction of the price you’d pay at a large chain jewelry retailer.
As with most products, supply and demand plays a significant role in how much you’ll pay for a piece of jewelry. For example, basic cable chains are common and easy to find, while more delicate snake chains are in high demand but hard to come by. If you visit a local jeweler like Zadok Jewelers, you’ll be able to design your own unique necklace or bracelet with a snake chain that is made just for you and that will be of higher quality than what you’ll find at a generic jewelry store.
When you shop at a local, independently owned jewelry store, the people who work there will be more passionate about their craft and will want to help you find a piece that you’ll love and enjoy wearing. They’ll be able to give you expert advice about your purchase, and they’ll also be more flexible in preparing a payment plan that fits within your budget. This is something that you can’t get from a large chain store, which is just looking to sell as many pieces as possible in order to earn their commission.
When you shop at a local, independent jeweler, you’ll be able to attend trunk shows and other events that let you preview the latest collections before they hit the shelves. This can be a great opportunity to save money, especially when you use our jewelry pricing checklist to compare the prices of similar qualities at different jewelers.
