Good Jewelry at a reasonable price

I'm a novice when it comes to jewelry. I'm looking for a trustworthy place to get good jewelry at a reasonable price.

When I was in Chicago, I visited Tiffany's, and although I think it's trustworthy, I think you also pay a premium for the name. I tried their website, but it bothered me a lot that they were pretty slim on the details of each item.

I've also navigated around http://www.bluenile.com, and I think they are trustworthy (rated #1 by Forbes Magazine), I'm not convinced they are the best deal. Also, they tend to specialize in engagement and wedding sets...not at all what I am looking for.

Ideally, I would like a trustworthy and reasonable store that sold a variety of types of jewelry. Everything from earrings to necklaces to rings and everything in between.

I'm a little put off by chain stores like Zales & Kays. I think the mass marketing kind of ruins the "specialness" of the item. And the quality of the piece seems to be lower.

I know, I know, I'm wanting a fine champagne on a beer budget. But there are lots of knowledgeable people on the board, and I thought I'd throw it out.

There are various ways to do this, but they all require a significant degree of trust in someone of knowledge...unless, of course, you gain the knowledge yourself.

Buying jewlery in a storefront is probably the most expensive method of buying such. The mark-up is absurd.

But, if you can find a knowledgable jeweler...perhaps someone who an acquaintance has dealt with for years...you can buy second hand jewlery (they like to call it estate jewlery) at significant discounts to relail...and it aint like a diamond ring wears out.

I have a couple of guys who, because of their long history, get offered jewlery from folks who need money. They would call me becuase I'll give them cash...and I mean cold, hard cash. Generally, my jeweler friend collects about a 10% mark-up.

Like most things in life...there are lots of off-the-books transactions.

If I may put that another way....

When you are about to drop a substantial amount of money on something...there is NO substitute for knowing as much - if not more - about the relative value of that something than the person attempting to sell it to you.

Sorry, CT, there are no shortcuts...

I'm a novice when it comes to jewelry. .....
When I was in Chicago, I visited Tiffany's, and although I think it's trustworthy, I think you also pay a premium for the name.... Originally Posted by charlestudor2005

Ya think? Seriously Charles are you sure you aren't a 15 year old getting ready for junior prom and borrowing mom's computer...

@RK - agree, is all about trust & relationships...

One comment on the industry in general...These places that advertise that "your ring will appraise for at least 50% above purchase price" crack me up...doesn't that mean the appraisal is worthless?

Ditto. I tended to shop for jewelry at small jewlers, usually in the districts like 47th street in NY or a similar area in Boston and ALWAYS because I got a recommendation from someone who had used that store and often knew the owners. AND of course did my research.

Not the typical jewelry but I love and collect these guys:

http://www.lunchattheritz.com/


They're made of gold, Swarovski crystal , Czechoslovakian glass and semi-precious beads

Also non-traditional but some great stuff http://www.TheNatureDepot.com

Not the typical jewelry but I love and collect these guys:

http://www.lunchattheritz.com/


They're made of gold, Swarovski crystal , Czechoslovakian glass and semi-precious beads Originally Posted by Lauren Summerhill

TY. That's a really cool site.

TY. That's a really cool site. Originally Posted by charlestudor2005

The pieces are really quite artistic and stunning. Anytime I've warn one people go out of their way to compliment. It also makes for some fun thematic dressing up