Tips for Buying Jewelry on Black Friday

Are you shopping for jewelry on Black Friday? Here are some tips to help you get what you want—with better results—as you head out to the sales.

1. Know before you go. Make sure you do your research. Get a sense of what you’re looking for and what you can expect to find in your price range.
   • Know your budget.
   • Know what kind of cut, clarity, and color you’ll feel comfortable with.
   • Go online and look at comparable pieces in other stores to get a sense of what’s out there.
2. Pre-game. Black Friday isn’t the time to sit and try on engagement rings. Big crowds mean you can’t get personal attention. Go a few days before, work with a knowledgeable salesperson, and try on different styles and pieces. They may be willing to hold a piece for you to buy on Black Friday. You’ll get the best of both worlds.
3. Don’t let the price sway you. Don’t buy only because something’s on sale. As a wise woman once told me, “if it’s not what you really want, it’s no bargain.”
4. Too good to be true? Maybe…If a piece has an amazingly deep discount, be skeptical. According to one jeweler, “Diamonds and gold have value assigned to them based on the market.” There may be room for a percentage of the price, but when fine jewelry and gemstones are concerned, there’s no free lunch.
5. Check store policies. Can you return your new purchase if you decide you don’t want it? Some stores have different policies for sale items, so be sure to check them out.

And, after you’ve made your big purchase, don’t forget to get it appraised to insure it against “whoopsies.” This holds for jewelry purchases all through the holiday season. Set up an appointment with me at 617-304-0174 or by email at aimee@ambappraisal.com. Good luck buying all your new sparklies!

Brilliantly yours, Aimee