Today there are such a variety of metals to choose from for your jewelry, let's get some facts and some recommendations.
I'm one who believes in sticking with the basics and with what works, but let's check out most of it anyway.
Most jewelry is made of either gold or platinum...that is MOST jewelry. There are many variations we can delve into later. If you're looking to buy wedding rings and you want them to be gold you have several choices. Jewelry sold in the U.S. has to be at least 10K to be legal. Jewelry stores have been selling more 10K over the past few years because of the price. 10K gold is only about 42% gold, this is why I don't like it. If you're on a budget then this might be the way to go, it looks the same but since it has more copper and other metals in it you may be prone to more tarnish or coloration on your finger. Yes, gold can get a little tarnished...not pure gold.
Gold that is 14K is a little more than 58% gold, so your money gets you more gold and less 'other' metals. This is the karat that is the most popular for jewelery making in this country. It is very durable, looks good and repairs easily.
18K gold is 75% gold and is much more yellow and somewhat softer than 10 or 14. You'll find more 18K in more European, Asian and middle eastern jewelry. Also more expensive items use 18K more extensively.
It is possible to find items made of 22K but they are very expensive and not as durable. When you see a 22K piece the color almost makes it seem fake since we in this country aren't used to seeing gold jewelry made of almost pure gold.
OK, what about white gold? I dislike it almost as much as 10K. First, there is no such thing as naturally occuring white gold. It is merely gold with so much nickel and other metals added that it gives the appearance of being white. Second, so called white gold must be rhodium plated to give it the white color you see in jewelry stores. Some people are allergic to nickel and you should take this into account before you buy. The Europeans seem to be ahead of us in this area by passing stricter regulation governing the amount of nickel, to protect the general white gold buying public. White gold comes in 10, 14 and 18K and is harder to work with and must be maintained with the rhodium plating if you want to maintain the whitest finish.
We'll take a breather...and I'll bombard you with more info and opinions next time.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
Quick Facts Before Christmas
With Christmas so close, at least retail wise, let's cut to the chase for those jewelry shoppers out there.
Right now and in the next few weeks the jewelry companies really want and need your business. You can grab your best deals close to the end of this month and in the last week before Christmas. There is going to be all kinds of sales going on now through December.
Try to make a decision on what you want to look for and pick a couple of jewelers to check out.
You can usually deal with the chain stores or mom and pop stores easier than the jewelry departments in department stores.
When you find a piece you like and they say they'll give you 20% off, there's your starting point. Fact is if you press them you can get another 5-10% off. If you're not talking to the manager, ask to do so and tell him you know he can do better than 20%. If he doesn't want to go there ask him if he would call his boss, usually the district manager, and get the approval for the additional discount. If you get it, great and at that point pull out any coupons or special promotional discounts to help out your deal even more. If he won't budge and won't call for an additional approval, walk away. At the end of the month they would rather lose a finger than miss a sale and they don't want to lose anyone to the competition. You're playing hardball and you'll probably get the deal.
Here's one of the reasons why: Most jewelry is marked up 3 to 4 times the cost!!
So it's not going to kill their profit margin to give you 25 to 30% off to make a sale, you'll find this especially true on large ticket items. Go for it!! And good hunting.
Right now and in the next few weeks the jewelry companies really want and need your business. You can grab your best deals close to the end of this month and in the last week before Christmas. There is going to be all kinds of sales going on now through December.
Try to make a decision on what you want to look for and pick a couple of jewelers to check out.
You can usually deal with the chain stores or mom and pop stores easier than the jewelry departments in department stores.
When you find a piece you like and they say they'll give you 20% off, there's your starting point. Fact is if you press them you can get another 5-10% off. If you're not talking to the manager, ask to do so and tell him you know he can do better than 20%. If he doesn't want to go there ask him if he would call his boss, usually the district manager, and get the approval for the additional discount. If you get it, great and at that point pull out any coupons or special promotional discounts to help out your deal even more. If he won't budge and won't call for an additional approval, walk away. At the end of the month they would rather lose a finger than miss a sale and they don't want to lose anyone to the competition. You're playing hardball and you'll probably get the deal.
Here's one of the reasons why: Most jewelry is marked up 3 to 4 times the cost!!
So it's not going to kill their profit margin to give you 25 to 30% off to make a sale, you'll find this especially true on large ticket items. Go for it!! And good hunting.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Why a Jewelry Information Blog??
Why a jewelry info blog? Because everyday I go to work and I am amazed at the lack of knowledge most customers have when venturing out to buy, what can turn out to be, something that is quite expensive. People put a lot more effort into researching a new car or a toaster than they do jewelry.
Which brings up another important point. Most customers rely on salespeople to educate them on buying jewelry. In some cases this is ok, provided the salesperson is better informed than the customer.
So, I'm basically saying, walk into that jewelry store armed with enough knowledge to defend yourself! Which brings us back to the reason I thought this blog was a good idea.
Honest information you as a potential jewelry customer can actually use.
******************
Finding an honest reliable jeweler isn't all that difficult. Look at some of the ads in the yellow pages and you'll see all kinds of possibilities. From mom and pop stores to all the major chains. Street side shops to large chain stores in all the malls.
I've worked in about every category of jewelry store and what it comes down to is the integrity, honesty and attitudes that prevail in a store or company.
Personally when I walk through the door of a jewelry store I don't want any pressure...I want to be greeted in the first few seconds, that way my presence has been acknowledged, OK I'm good with that. Next they'll either say,"Welcome to (fill in the blank)" or ask you what you might be looking for, about like any other type of store.
I look around, is the place clean and organized. Is the glass all clean and the cases look good...this is a sign the manager keeps the staff busy and he cares about his store. Does the staff seem happy and eager to help people or are they all talking on the phone or to each other....you don't have to be a genius to figure out the negative indicators here.
Let's continue tomorrow..................................
Which brings up another important point. Most customers rely on salespeople to educate them on buying jewelry. In some cases this is ok, provided the salesperson is better informed than the customer.
So, I'm basically saying, walk into that jewelry store armed with enough knowledge to defend yourself! Which brings us back to the reason I thought this blog was a good idea.
Honest information you as a potential jewelry customer can actually use.
******************
Finding an honest reliable jeweler isn't all that difficult. Look at some of the ads in the yellow pages and you'll see all kinds of possibilities. From mom and pop stores to all the major chains. Street side shops to large chain stores in all the malls.
I've worked in about every category of jewelry store and what it comes down to is the integrity, honesty and attitudes that prevail in a store or company.
Personally when I walk through the door of a jewelry store I don't want any pressure...I want to be greeted in the first few seconds, that way my presence has been acknowledged, OK I'm good with that. Next they'll either say,"Welcome to (fill in the blank)" or ask you what you might be looking for, about like any other type of store.
I look around, is the place clean and organized. Is the glass all clean and the cases look good...this is a sign the manager keeps the staff busy and he cares about his store. Does the staff seem happy and eager to help people or are they all talking on the phone or to each other....you don't have to be a genius to figure out the negative indicators here.
Let's continue tomorrow..................................
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