“A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls.” – Coco Chanel
Like Carrie Bradshaw, every working girl should have her money right where she can see it. Although she’d rather have it in her closet, other women like to keep it in the lockers. In the form of a rather ‘sparkly investment,’ we like to call jewellery. The real kind, not the kind you just buy off the internet without a care. Yes, of course, I’d love for a ‘special someone’ to buy it for me but it’s 2018 ladies, you can buy your own jewellery.
So, what do you think of when you’re planning on buying your first ever piece of real jewellery? I mean, it’s a big deal, isn’t it? You don’t want to rush it or spend hard-earned $$ on a fleeting obsession or an impulse buy. You definitely don’t want to end up paying more for jewellery when you could’ve gotten it for less. If only you’d done your research. All in all, you regret it all. To save you all that trouble, here’s a simple guide, as directed by questions, that’ll help you with buying your first piece of real jewellery.
Also Read How To Buy The Perfect Engagement Diamond Ring
1. When Am I Going To Wear It?
Since real jewellery does considerable damage to your bank account, this is one question you need to ask yourself. Do you want something that you can wear every day, like a gold ring or a pair of solitaire earrings? Something you can keep hidden away for those extra special days, like a pearl necklace or a tennis bracelet? Your choice can streamline your research on best in the market, going price in the industry etc. So, think and think good.
2. How Much Cash Can I Part With?
Thinking about how much you can spend on your first piece of real jewellery is essential since you can’t really spend money you don’t have. Duh! It should not feel like you’re giving up a kidney for a diamond, even if it is an investment. Strike a balance between your savings, your daily expenditure and this purchase. A girl’s gotta eat, you know? Also, your budget makes it easier for you to pick the best piece of jewellery for you.
3. What’s My Style?
You want real jewellery to be as ‘you’ as possible. Your list of options should only consist of pieces of jewellery that reflect your personal sense of style. Are you a basic bi*ch or a quirk boss? Either way, your answer will help you choose between a simple diamond pendant or a jazzy cocktail ring.
4. Diamond Or Gold?
Alisha Chinai was clear about what she preferred in her iconic 90s song, Made In India… ‘Chaandi nahin, sona nahin, koi heera’. However, if you don’t have yourself a clear winner between all the precious stones and metals in the world, do your research. We’re talking diamonds, rubies, sapphires and more, set in gold, rose gold, platinum or silver. Make notes on the durability, cost, best brands or jewellery houses to buy from, for each – you’ll thank me later.
5. How Do I Take Care Of ‘My Precious’
Once you’ve bought your first piece of real jewellery, you need to be on top of things – make sure you have full knowledge on how to care for it. The jeweller will tell you when you buy your jewellery, but you can also check websites to know more. How do you clean your jewellery and how often should you do it? There are different instructions for different stones and metals, so pay attention.
Whatever you sparkly pick, choose one that lasts a lifestime.