Ideas on How to Purchase Jewelry
Asking the critical questions is crucial to getting the right jewelry at the right price. If you’re comparison shopping for gemstones or jewelry, there are a few key questions you should ask of every jeweler and about every piece before you buy. In this article, we cover them all.
Remember, a reputable jeweler should be able to answer all these questions and include their answers on your item’s bill of sale. Always have all gems’ statistics verified by an independent retailer.
Keep reading to learn what to ask before you buy your next piece of jewelry:
1. Is this a natural stone or a synthetic stone?
Remember, synthetic stones can legally be described as “genuine,” so don’t get confused. Natural stones are mined naturally and develop with little human intervention. Synthetic stones are typically grown or “enhanced” with chemicals.
2. Is the color all natural?
Some gemstones can be enhanced with dyes, heat treatments, radiation, oils or colored waxes. Before you buy, ask if the color has been enhanced. Be sure to protect yourself against buying dyed pieces that won’t retain their colorful brilliance over a long period.
3. What is this stone exactly, and what does the name mean?
Always be sure you understand the name of a particular stone. For example, “Rio Topaz” is a gemstone, but it’s not topaz. Always ask specifically what a stone’s name means and whether it is natural, genuine or synthetic.
4. Is the clarity acceptable? Do the inclusions devalue the stone or affect its durability?
Because too many inclusions or flaws can actually affect the durability of your stone, it’s important to ask your jeweler to be up front about the effect particular diamonds or a stone’s inclusions will have on your purchase.
Ask him or her to write this answer out on paper and bring it with you to your independent appraisal.
5. Do you like the color? Is it too dark or light?
Color is often a personal preference, but asking your jeweler’s opinion can give you an indication of how a particular stone’s color can affect its value.
6. Will the color stay permanently?
Because some color enhancement methods are temporary, it’s important to ask if a stone’s color will fade over time. Even with natural stones like amethyst, kunzite, and pearls fading is possible.
7. Does this stone need a special, protective setting?
Some less durable stones, like emerald or opal, require a protective setting designed to keep the stone safe in case it’s banged or hit. These types of stones ought not be set up in a vulnerable or unprotected casing.
