Making a Fine Jewelry Purchase? Read This First

If you are planning to purchase a piece of fine jewelry you should go into the purchase armed with some important knowledge so you get the best piece of jewelry you can for your money. By negotiating price, knowing what to look for, shopping around, and asking the right questions, you'll be sure to get the best deal on a gorgeous piece of fine jewelry.

Negotiate price. Most fine jewelry stores (even chain stores you find in shopping malls) will allow you to negotiate the price of their jewelry. The sticker price is rarely what you end up paying to start with and even after being quoted a lower price you can often knock off another 10%. Don't be afraid to negotiate. Jewelry salespersons want your business and if they aren't able to reduce the price, they won't. They are used to working with customers on price negotiation so don't be shy to always ask if the price can be reduced.

Know what to look for. Before going in to look in an actual store for your fine jewelry purchase, research the type of jewelry you are looking for. If you are seeking diamonds, learn the "4 C's" (color, cut, clarity, and carat), and what they mean. If you're seeking another precious stone learn what to look for to find the best gem. And don't forget to know your precious metals as well since you'll find more than just yellow gold in a fine jewelry store.

Shop around. Make sure you check out several jewelry stores before making your final decision on a purchase. You will discover that you can find the same exact pieces in a variety of stores since many manufacturers sell their items to multiple establishments. Keep in mind that many mall jewelry stores are even owned by the same company (even within the same mall) so you may find similar information at a few of the stores you visit.