The simple answer, if all things were equal, would be the one with the lowest price. Unfortunately all things are not equal. There is a multitude of different qualities and quantities to sort out. What would make you the best shopper is knowledge. It may take some time and study to learn what to look for and how to judge quality, for there are a lot of variables to take in account.

What you would need to assess is the quality and the quantity characteristics that makes up the jewelry piece. Intangible aspects such as, style and uniqueness may also comes into play. Some of the jewelry’s value will be determined from a strictly personal perspective, whether its uniqueness or name brand is worth the asking price.

These are the things to learn about the quality and quantity characteristics.

Quality

• Diamond quality – you would have to learn how to differentiate the different qualities of color, clarity and the cut grades of the diamonds.
• Colored stones – you would have to know what comprises better quality and be able to tell the difference between genuine and synthetic, and simulant colored stones.
• Metal – you will have to know what kind of metal is used, whether it is 14k or 18k gold, platinum, palladium, silver or other metals.      
• Construction quality – you will have to be able determine the workmanship of the jewelry piece, whether it is well made or not.  
• Design quality – Design appreciation is a personal aesthetic choice and there is no right answer except that YOU like it. Beauty and appreciation is in the eyes of the beholder.

Quantity

• Total weight of diamonds – know how much all of the diamonds weigh.
• Total weight of colored stones – know how much all the stones weigh.
• Weight of metal – you will have to know how much it weighs.

Market value

Perhaps the most difficult aspect is knowing the market value of jewelry because it is constantly changing and unless you are in the jewelry industry keeping tabs on the market value is difficult.

If you know all the factors of the jewelry piece, total weight of the stones, quality of the stones, type of metal, its weight, relative workmanship and the current market value of the piece you may then know what it is worth. Knowing at least the quality and quantity of the piece is enough to compare like pieces from different stores, you do not need to know the current market value as they should all be the same.

Take your time to learn a little at a time. The internet is good way to do research it will help you understand what characteristics are involved. It will be difficult to identify what you are looking at even if you understand the quality differences. In all cases of quality assessment you will need practical experience, the seeing and knowing what the differences actually look like.

Some jewelers will be more than willing to explain and show you the differences. It is always best if the jeweler can define exactly what you are looking at.  It will then be easier to compare jewelry in different stores. Keep in mind that not all jewelers will be giving you accurate information. Also information from friends and relatives should also be taken with a grain of salt.

Knowledge is the most important criteria in determining value. Which means the more knowledge you have about jewelry the better your assessment of its value will be. It is possible with accumulated knowledge you will become a very good buyer of jewelry. Since most people do not have the time or inclination to study and learn, then the best alternative would be to find a jeweler you can trust that will explain, show, and price the items well.

Mahalo,

Russell Oshita
The Diamond Specialists Inc.
Our website: www.thediamondspecialistsinc.com
Email me: russell@thediamondspecialists.com
Email me:inquiries@thediamondspecialists.com
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