7 money-saving tips when you buy jewelry
PLAINVIEW, NY (WABC) -- Valentine's Day is quickly approaching, and a lot of people will be spending time this weekend shopping.
Jewelry is always a popular gift, but before you make a purchase, we've got seven tips for buying jewelry.
A good piece of jewelry will always hold its value, and it's an investment that you're going to want to see and touch before you make a final decision.
If you're buying online, go with something guaranteed and refundable. You don't want to end up with a fake.
Whether it's diamonds you're dreaming of, or rubies, silver or gold, jewelry is always a best bet to dazzle your darling.
But before you shop and drop hundreds, it's important to set a budget.
Marc Solomon's family been in the buying and selling business for more than 50 years. He runs Solomon Jewelers in Plainview, New York, and he advises researching prices prior to setting foot in any store.
While investing in precious metals is always worth its weight in gold, if it's too expensive, consider other metals. He recommends tungsten, carbite, steel, ceramic, cobalt or titanium.
If you're in the market for a major purchase, like an engagement ring, Solomon says it's imperative to brush up on the four C's of diamonds: Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat.
"If you want to buy a little bit larger stone, what you end up doing is you change your budget down on the color scale and on the clarity scale," he said.
Make sure your stone is certified, and always have your jewelry appraised independently, making sure it stays within your sight.
"We take the loose diamond, weight it, analyze it and we ask you to come with us while we clean it, while we set it," Solomon said.
And always use a reputable jeweler. Solomon is a past president of the New York Jewelers Association.
And look for accreditation with professional organizations, do research on the web and check for any complaints.
And here's a great tip off to a ripoff: fake diamonds can look very real, so give a diamond the breath test.
A real diamond doesn't fog up, but fakes will. And this trick takes only takes a few seconds.
Also, no matter where you buy the jewelry, read the fine print on the return policy. The window may be very short, and refunds may not be given in some cases.
And if you're looking for more tips on buying an engagement ring, check out the following web extra on picking the perfect diamond:
