So, you want to buy some quality jewelry. You can find some really nice pieces as you shop in the high street. Semi-precious stones and metals are often used to make very attractive and affordable jewelry. But sometimes you want something a little more special.
Whether you’re buying wedding rings or jewelry for another special occasion, or you just want to find something for a fine jewelry collection, you want to invest your money wisely. Yes, jewelry can be an investment. As a physical asset, high-quality jewelry retains its value relatively well and, sometimes, vintage jewelry can even appreciate in value.
In any case, here are some ways to make good choices when you shop for quality jewelry.
Do Your Research
The trick to making wise decisions in general, no matter what you’re buying or doing, is to make sure that you have as much information at your disposal as possible. So, how does this apply to jewelry?
Well, think about what you’ll use the jewelry for and what you want or need from it. For example, will you be wearing it every day? Do you need something durable, or would you prefer more luster and luxury from your jewelry? What kind of budget do you have?
This can help you when you’re choosing the kind of material used for your jewelry. For example, if you buy gold jewelry, you can choose between different karats. The good news is that you don’t need to be an expert to understand the difference between 14K gold vs. 18K gold.
In general, a higher gold percentage means the jewelry will be more luxurious and expensive, but it will be less durable and more prone to damage. You need to work out an ideal balance for your jewelry.
Consider Vintage Jewelry
One great option to both potentially save some money and the world is to invest in vintage jewelry. Unfortunately, the jewelry industry isn’t very eco-friendly by definition. The mining process to find precious metals and stones can be harmful to the environment and, in some parts of the world, to people.
Vintage jewelry is often considered a more ethical option because, while there was damage done to produce the jewelry initially, by buying preowned jewelry, you aren’t adding to that.
Also, this jewelry often has a story of its own and can be all the more beautiful for it.
Lab Grown Diamonds
Another option that’s considered more ethical and affordable is lab grown diamonds. Traditionally, diamonds are mined, and this comes with a lot of potential issues.
But lab grown diamonds are produced artificially. Lab grown diamonds are essentially exactly the same thing as mined diamonds, but they don’t have any impurities and are much cheaper. They are also created in risk-free environments, without having to be dug out of the ground.
Lab grown diamonds are becoming more popular because they are ethically sourced and often far more affordable than traditional diamonds, all while being just as stunning.