IN North Allegheny Winter 2016 | Page 24

“ Join us from the days of old , when jewelry was made for you — not just sold .”
INDUSTRY INSIGHT

HOLIDAY GEMS

SPONSORED CONTENT

The holidays are fast approaching , leaving shoppers with nerverattling questions like , “ When do I start my shopping ?”“ What do I buy ?” and “ Where do I begin ?!” If jewelry is on your list , then use these Top 5 Tips for Purchasing Jewelry this holiday season .

1 . Have an idea of what you would like to purchase before starting the process .
• Take notice of the current accessory styles the recipient already wears . Is it more large gemstones , heavier gold items , or petite diamond items ? Looking at what someone currently wears will give you a good sense of direction and a great place to start .
• Look to see if the recipient has a collection of jewelry that is not yet completed . Adding to a current collection is almost always a safe bet .
• Check social media accounts to see if the recipient has pinned or saved any items . If people go out of their way to make a note of it , it ’ s something they have already envisioned for themselves .
2 . Understand the message you want the gift to convey .
• If this holiday season coincides with another special event , think of an item on a more grand scale . Jewelry given for a special event can be worn daily as an event reminder , and also can be turned into an heirloom that can be passed down through the family .
• Don ’ t purchase a trinket for a big occasion such as a 50th wedding anniversary . Spend according to the importance of the event . Save the trinkets for the “ just thinking of you ” gifts .
3 . Have an idea of what your budget is going to be .
• Before heading out , have an approximate budget for your gift . If your budget isn ’ t suitable for the item you ’ d like , then be open-minded about changing your budget or rethinking what type of item you would like to purchase .
• If you ’ re not sure what an appropriate budget would be , then consult with your jeweler early on .
4 . Decide between a custom-designed item vs . a stocked item .
• If something more personalized is what you have in mind , stop in to see your jeweler early on . Don ’ t be a last-minute shopper ! A good rule of thumb is to give your jeweler between two and six weeks for a custom-designed piece to be made .
• In-stock items usually have the best discounts at the holidays . Going with a stocked item might give you a larger item at a better price .
5 . Lastly , know your jeweler ! Quality and cost are important , but don ’ t discount the importance of customer service and trust .
• Make sure that you feel comfortable with your jeweler . Don ’ t make a purchase solely based on cost . The price might be right now , but the upkeep of the item and service of your jeweler can determine how much you spend in the long run . Feeling comfortable asking questions and with your jeweler ’ s response is extremely important . A well-informed jeweler should have the knowledge to explain the pros and cons of your purchase as well as make you aware of warranties and other store policies . In order to be well-informed , you should speak with someone who is well-informed .
• Your jeweler should be more than just a sales person . He / she should be able to give you suggestions on the latest trends and to inform you on how styles are to be worn .
Considering these steps should help you shop for jewelry with confidence this holiday season . To learn more about Diamond Design Jewelers of Wexford , please stop into the showroom , or visit our Facebook and Instagram pages to see the custom designs and to read customer reviews . If you want to learn more about our custom designs or are starting the jewelry shopping process , call us to set up a consultation appointment today .
This Industry Insight was written by the family at Diamond Designs .
Over the past 37 years of business Diamond Design Jewelers of Wexford has specialized is in custom design and in dealing loose diamonds and gemstones . Our family has served as Wexford ’ s longest standing jewelry store . To learn more about who we are and what we do please visit our social media pages to see our designs and to read customer reviews . If you Want to learn more about creating your own custom design or are starting the jewelry shopping process visit our showroom or call us to set up a consultation appointment today .
“ Join us from the days of old , when jewelry was made for you — not just sold .”
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