If you’ve got your eye on a piece of jewelry or you’re thinking of treating yourself, there are a few things you should think about first. In fact, there are a few telltale signs that you shouldn’t buy a piece of jewelry at all. If you want to know what they are, read on…

It’s Not From A Reputable Seller

If your jewelry isn’t from a reputable seller, then you need to be super careful. If you’re buying jewelry in person, make sure you know a bit about the jeweler before you buy from there. Consider looking for ‘Yell’ reviews online, or asking people that you know for advice. If you’re buying jewelry online, there’s nearly always a site out there that lists different stores to tell you whether they can be trusted or not. Buying on eBay and Etsy is a little different. If the seller has a majority of positive reviews, then you can usually be sure that what they’re selling is OK. It’s best not to risk it if you can’t find out for sure whether a seller is reputable.



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It’s Been Worn

There are some pieces of jewelry that are fine to buy worn, and others that you should reconsider. Body jewelry should never be bought once it has been worn. If you’re thinking of buying a second hand watch, ring, or something similar, then it could be a good way to save money and help the environment. However, make sure you can clearly see that the piece is marked and everything that the seller says it is. You could ask to see certificates and things to be sure the piece is legit. Without these pieces, you probably shouldn’t buy.

It Hasn’t Been Stamped

If the piece hasn’t been stamped, it either means that it’s not genuine, or it’s handmade. Handmade sellers on Etsy and places like that won’t always have the means to stamp their jewelry. However, if you’re looking to buy something that is supposedly made professionally, it should always be stamped with the corresponding stamp, whether it’s gold, silver, platinum or something else.

You Don’t Know How Much It’s Really Worth

No idea how much the piece is really worth? Find out first! You can look at a page like http://www.diamondregistry.com/diamondprices.htm to see how much you should really be paying for diamonds. Many people will try to squeeze everything you’ve got out of you, but you should never part with your money until you’re sure how much it’s worth.

It’s The First Time You’ve Viewed The Jewelry/Visited The Store

Never buy the first time you see an item or visit a store. You’ll need time to think about your purchase, especially if you’re going to be parting with a significant amount. You may also be able to haggle a better price if you visit the store again after they’ve spotted you browsing once.



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You Think It’s Going To Be An Investment

Remember, jewelry is a luxury item. Telling yourself it is an investment is just an excuse to splash the cash. If you think it’s a good idea, buy it: just don’t say we didn’t warn you!