Finding the Perfect Piece of Jewelry on a Budget

Finding the perfect piece of jewelry for a friend or partner can be hard work at the best of times, but even more so when working to a budget. This is not necessarily a bad thing though, as it can mean that more thought is put into what is being bought, which in turn will lead to a more meaningful and personal present being given.

If, like many people, you find yourself with less money to spend this year on presents, there is no need to panic or worry. Instead, read through the following suggestions that will help you to make a great decision when it comes to buying somebody a ring or a necklace for Christmas, their birthday or any other special occasion.

All that glitters is not gold: Some people automatically assume that if they are going to buy a piece of jewelry, it has to be made out of gold. This is clearly not the case though, as there are many other precious metals, with one of the more obvious alternatives being silver. Ornaments and jewelry made from silver date back to at least 4000 B.C., and it is one of the earliest metals believed to have been worked by man. From basic earrings through to more elaborate pieces, silver is an affordable alternative to gold when it comes to jewelry, although it may require more cleaning to keep it looking at its very best.

What is a birth stone? The idea of birthstones stretches back centuries, and can be found in both eastern and western cultures. In the east, they were associated with the zodiacal calendar; whilst in the west, they were associated with the months in the Gregorian calendar. Whilst some of the precious stones matched in both philosophies, some did not, and so in the United States, it was first standardized in 1912, and then reviewed again in 2012. Running in month order from January, the birthstones are as follows: Garnet, Amethyst, Aquamarine (+Bloodstone), Diamond, Emerald, Pearl (+Moonstone+Alexandrite), Ruby, Peridot, Sapphire, Opal (+Tourmaline), Topaz (+Citrine), and Turquoise (+Zircon+Tanzanite). Birthstones are usually given to people in the form of a ring, and make the perfect personal gift that also shows that a lot of thought has been put into it.

Find the piece that goes with everything. Whilst there may be some outstanding and unique pieces of jewelry available, buying a piece that goes with everything makes a great deal of sense. Even if you need to pay more, the knowledge that something reasonably plain but of high quality will always be worn makes the purchase worthwhile.

Buy Used. Whilst buying a new item is everyone's preference, buying a previously loved piece of jewelry can offer some cost savings, especially if bought at a yard sale or even in a thrift store. It goes without saying that this can be very hit and miss, and even if you do find a piece that you like the look of, it may or may not be “real”.

Look for the Sales: Whether a traditional jewelers or an online retailer, in this day and age, everyone has a sale at some point. Waiting for the sale can offer quite a considerable cost saving, and is a great way to find the perfect piece of jewelry on a budget.