Shopping for jewelry for a loved one ahead of Valentine's Day can be stressful. But learning some tricks should help anyone have an easier time finding the perfect gift. That means understanding a partner's tastes, shopping at reputable jewelry stores and learning what the wording means in terms of how gemstones are graded.
1.KNOW YOUR LOVED ONE'S TASTE
Look at what your partner is wearing and what's in the jewelry box. If your special someone likes small earrings, don't get big hoops. And if that person is active, don't buy rings with high settings, says Gizzi. Among the trends this year: updated classics like hoop earrings with diamond chips, or layering rings or bracelets. If you plan to buy diamonds, see if there's a way - subtly! - to find out if your partner would rather sacrifice size over quality or vice versa.
2.DO RESEARCH AND LEARN THE LINGO
Read about the different values of each gem. Make sure the jewelry sales person isn't trying to put one over you. They can be tricky! Understand key terms like what clarity means when you are talking about diamonds, or want to know more about how gemstones are graded. Compare prices online first.
3.TAKE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST FRAUD
Like we mentioned before, there are a lot of people who will try to trick you. So be cautious about a store always offering discounts of more than 50 percent. Consumers may find the discount price is actually the average retail price elsewhere, says the Jewelers of America. Buy from a trusted retailer. Ask friends for recommendations.
4.CONSIDER SYNTHETIC DIAMONDS
If you want something sparkly but want to avoid gems from conflict zones, synthetic or man-made diamonds are about 20 percent to 40 percent less expensive, according to DealNews. Produced in a laboratory, they are chemically the same as mined diamonds, as opposed to simulated diamonds, which are usually cubic zirconia or moissanite.
5.BE CREATIVE
Not interested in spending a lot but still want good quality? Buy a small piece of jewelry and combine in with another gift. You could place the jewelry on a teddy bear. You could make a game out of it like create clues to the gift. The whole experience will make the cost and value of the gift so much higher!
