How to Choose and Buy Jewellery with Confidence
The small details make an outfit, so choosing the perfect accessories is key. When it comes to jewellery, there are so many options that it can be overwhelming. There are many things to consider, from different metals to cuts to price points. Luckily, with just a little research and practice, you can buy with confidence. Here we break down everything you need to know about buying jewellery so you never feel like a deer in headlights again when faced with a stand of sparkly baubles.
Know your metals
One of the first things you'll want to know as you start shopping is the different metals, their durability, and how to care for them. Many metals are commonly used to make jewellery, each with unique characteristics and benefits. Here's a quick breakdown of the most common metals.
Gold - Gold is a soft, malleable metal often alloyed with other metals to increase strength and durability. It is easily coloured by chemicals and can tarnish, oxidize, and discolour over time. For this reason, you'll want to keep your gold pieces dry and away from chemicals.
Platinum - This is a durable, hypoallergenic metal often used in dentistry and medical procedures. It is at a higher price point than gold but is also much more durable and long-lasting.
Silver - Silver is a soft, malleable metal that is highly resistant to corrosion and tarnishing. It is also hypoallergenic and often used in modern medical devices such as catheters and IV tubing.
Zirconium - This is a synthetic metal used primarily to imitate the look of diamonds. It is a very hard, durable metal that does not tarnish.
Steel is a solid and durable material used to make anything from costume jewellery to industrial machinery.
Brass - This is an alloy made from copper and zinc. It can be coloured with pigments and often has a golden tone.
Cut is Everything
A diamond's cut refers to the proportions and angles at which the stone is cut. There are a few different scales to measure the cut of a diamond, but the most common is the GIA scale. Each letter represents a cut quality, and a diamond's total score combines these letters. It is important to note that cut is different from carat weight. A carat is a measure of a diamond's size, while a cut refers to the quality of the cut. A diamond's cut is by far an essential factor in determining the overall look and brilliance of a diamond.
- Poorly cut diamonds have a very low brilliance, and the light is not reflected evenly out the top of the diamond. These diamonds are described as being "dark" or "patchy" in appearance.
- Well-cut diamonds, on the other hand, reflect light out the top and the sides, creating a much more intense look. These diamonds are described as being "brilliant" or "bright".
How to Buy Diamond Jewellery
When buying diamond jewellery, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Gold vs. Platinum vs. Silver
These metals all have different characteristics, uses, and price points.
Platinum is a highly durable, hypoallergenic metal often used in dentistry and medical procedures. It is at a higher price point than gold but is also much more durable and long-lasting.
Gold is a soft, malleable metal easily coloured by chemicals and can tarnish, oxidize, and discolour over time.
Silver is a soft, malleable metal that is highly resistant to corrosion and tarnishing. It is also hypoallergenic and often used in modern medical devices such as catheters and IV tubing.
In terms of cost, gold is usually the most expensive, followed by platinum and silver. In terms of durability and longevity, platinum is generally the most durable, followed by gold and silver. In terms of look, gold and silver are versatile and have been used in jewellery for centuries. Platinum, however, has a modern, high-end look that is great for formal settings.
Gemstones and Coloured Stones
Many gemstones and coloured stones are used in jewellery, but there are a few things to remember when buying. The first is durability. Gemstones are often very soft and are easily broken or scratched. Some, such as opals and turquoise, are softer and more delicate than others. Others, such as sapphires and diamonds, are durable and long-lasting. Next, you'll want to know the difference between synthetic and natural stones. Natural stones are rare and have better value as collectables. Synthetic stones are often used in costume jewellery and are significantly less expensive. Finally, you'll want to know the stone's colour and meaning. This can provide insight into the personality of the wearer. For example, a ruby is a red gemstone and symbolizes passion. A turquoise gemstone is often associated with calmness and serenity.
The Final Word
Jewellery is a great way to express yourself and add a bit of personality to any outfit. When buying jewellery, it is essential to consider the type of metal, cut, carat weight, and stones used. Make sure you shop for reputable jewellers and do your research to know what you're getting. With these tips, you can confidently navigate any jewellery shopping trip and find the perfect pieces to express your style.
Know your metals
One of the first things you'll want to know as you start shopping is the different metals, their durability, and how to care for them. Many metals are commonly used to make jewellery, each with unique characteristics and benefits. Here's a quick breakdown of the most common metals.
Gold - Gold is a soft, malleable metal often alloyed with other metals to increase strength and durability. It is easily coloured by chemicals and can tarnish, oxidize, and discolour over time. For this reason, you'll want to keep your gold pieces dry and away from chemicals.
Platinum - This is a durable, hypoallergenic metal often used in dentistry and medical procedures. It is at a higher price point than gold but is also much more durable and long-lasting.
Silver - Silver is a soft, malleable metal that is highly resistant to corrosion and tarnishing. It is also hypoallergenic and often used in modern medical devices such as catheters and IV tubing.
Zirconium - This is a synthetic metal used primarily to imitate the look of diamonds. It is a very hard, durable metal that does not tarnish.
Steel is a solid and durable material used to make anything from costume jewellery to industrial machinery.
Brass - This is an alloy made from copper and zinc. It can be coloured with pigments and often has a golden tone.
Cut is Everything
A diamond's cut refers to the proportions and angles at which the stone is cut. There are a few different scales to measure the cut of a diamond, but the most common is the GIA scale. Each letter represents a cut quality, and a diamond's total score combines these letters. It is important to note that cut is different from carat weight. A carat is a measure of a diamond's size, while a cut refers to the quality of the cut. A diamond's cut is by far an essential factor in determining the overall look and brilliance of a diamond.
- Poorly cut diamonds have a very low brilliance, and the light is not reflected evenly out the top of the diamond. These diamonds are described as being "dark" or "patchy" in appearance.
- Well-cut diamonds, on the other hand, reflect light out the top and the sides, creating a much more intense look. These diamonds are described as being "brilliant" or "bright".
How to Buy Diamond Jewellery
When buying diamond jewellery, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- You want to get the best deal for your buck. You want to ensure you're getting the best diamond for your money, so make sure you know the carat weight and quality of the stone before you buy.
- Make sure to know your ring size. If you've never bought a diamond ring before, you can use a ring sizer at the store to ensure you're getting the right fit.
- You'll want to check the quality of the setting.
Gold vs. Platinum vs. Silver
These metals all have different characteristics, uses, and price points.
Platinum is a highly durable, hypoallergenic metal often used in dentistry and medical procedures. It is at a higher price point than gold but is also much more durable and long-lasting.
Gold is a soft, malleable metal easily coloured by chemicals and can tarnish, oxidize, and discolour over time.
Silver is a soft, malleable metal that is highly resistant to corrosion and tarnishing. It is also hypoallergenic and often used in modern medical devices such as catheters and IV tubing.
In terms of cost, gold is usually the most expensive, followed by platinum and silver. In terms of durability and longevity, platinum is generally the most durable, followed by gold and silver. In terms of look, gold and silver are versatile and have been used in jewellery for centuries. Platinum, however, has a modern, high-end look that is great for formal settings.
Gemstones and Coloured Stones
Many gemstones and coloured stones are used in jewellery, but there are a few things to remember when buying. The first is durability. Gemstones are often very soft and are easily broken or scratched. Some, such as opals and turquoise, are softer and more delicate than others. Others, such as sapphires and diamonds, are durable and long-lasting. Next, you'll want to know the difference between synthetic and natural stones. Natural stones are rare and have better value as collectables. Synthetic stones are often used in costume jewellery and are significantly less expensive. Finally, you'll want to know the stone's colour and meaning. This can provide insight into the personality of the wearer. For example, a ruby is a red gemstone and symbolizes passion. A turquoise gemstone is often associated with calmness and serenity.
The Final Word
Jewellery is a great way to express yourself and add a bit of personality to any outfit. When buying jewellery, it is essential to consider the type of metal, cut, carat weight, and stones used. Make sure you shop for reputable jewellers and do your research to know what you're getting. With these tips, you can confidently navigate any jewellery shopping trip and find the perfect pieces to express your style.