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1. Do not be afraid to try on a lot of pieces. Sometimes those earrings that look too big or too small are amazing on.
2. Become familiar with the hardness/softness of different stones. This is important to know if you want to buy a stone in a ring vs. a necklace. For example, opals are soft, and they do not always make the best stones for rings. If you choose to buy an opal for a ring, you may want to look for a setting that protects the stones (e.g. bezel setting).
3. Find jewelry stores that will take a payment plan. Many small businesses will take a payment plan. Some of my biggest pieces took me 8 months to pay off. As a teacher, it is hard to spend more than 100-200 a month on a piece of jewelry. So, find places that will allow you to pay off your items.
4. Buy pieces that you love, and do not buy what is always popular. Sometimes I am tempted to buy things because others like them. Your mom, fiance, dad, sister, friends, etc., should not tell you what you like. You should tell them.
5. If you keep going back and forth on a piece, then do not buy it. The "Do I like it? Do I dislike it?" idea will continue forever. You should only buy things that you are sure that you love.
6. Do not be afraid to go into antique shops to look for newer pieces. Many times I see the Tiffany gold floating hearts for half the price. (This is how a bought my Medium (think B) Tiffany Floating Heart). In 2003 I spent $300 on it. Recently, within the past few months, I saw a Medium (think A) heart for $500 in an antique store.
7. When it comes to buying diamonds on a budget, always buy for quality and not size. Trust me, you will be disappointed if you buy for size and not quality. For example, in general I think Ross Simons is a great store. Unfortunately, they have 1.5 carat ring for $3700. It sounds like a great deal, but in person it is not the nicest stone. At the same store you can get about 3/4 of a carat D colored ring for the same price range. Trust me, D's are beautiful.
Great thread Monica!
Thank you Sammyjoe. I am sure that you have some interesting learnings to share!!! What about decision making processes for the Love bracelet?