Here's something you should know:
Jewelry is Expensive! But it doesn't always have to be. In fact, if you know what to look for, and how to shop, you can actually get some
great looking gifts, and the best part of all of this is... You should be able to find those Jewelry, Rings, Pendants and Earrings for
LESS than $100 dollars!
Let the shopping begin...
Right off the bat, I'm going to tell you this. Don't expect to get good sized Diamonds in your Jewelry. If you're going in thinking you'll be able to walk away with Big Rings and Big Diamonds, then you'll be sadly mistaken.
Generally speaking, any Diamond that's larger than Twenty Points or so (.20 pts) is probably going to cost you MORE than $100. Keep in mind, it all depends on the quality you accept. (You know what I'm talking about... The 4 C's!) If you want decent quality, where you won't see any Inclusions, Black Spots or Cloudiness, you're going to have to spend more for those Diamonds. Like it or not!
That's why I say, you're only going to get small Diamonds for that price.
Granted, I did see an Advertisement for some Diamond Earrings on Sale at one of those name-brand Department Stores this Holiday Season, that were listed as 1/2 CT TW, (.50 Pts) for ONLY $99.99! WOW! I'd hate to see those! Really! I'm telling you right now, for that Carat Weight, those Earrings are going to be low grade, low quality, and full of Inclusions & Clouds! (Really low quality!) Plus the Color has got to be either Brown or Yellow! Not pretty at all!
If that's what you want, then go for it. But most people would rather stick to a Clarity and Color more middle-of-the-road. Something more like SI Clarity and H-I Color. (Not something that looks like a brown piece of salt!) So if you're looking for good Diamonds, then look at small ones! You won't regret it!
For most people spending $100, they find they're better off looking at Gemstone Rings, Pendants or Earrings instead. Items that look big and beautiful, but don't have a lot of Diamonds in them. Small Gemstone Pendants, like Stud Pendants (Single Round Stones. See picture on next page) work very well.
Do note, that buying the matching pair of Gemstone Earrings will probably cost you double the money, since you're getting double the stones.
Pave Mountings with just a few small Diamonds in them are great. (Samples on next page) Diamond Hoops in White Gold with small Diamonds are perfect as well.
When dealing with Gemstones, you won't get much if you're looking at the Precious Gemstones like Sapphire, Ruby or Emerald. Those are rare Gems and quite expensive. Stick to cheaper, more abundant Gemstones like Amethyst, Blue Topaz, Garnet, Peridot and Citrine. You should be able to find some beautiful Rings, Pendants and Earrings with Colorful Stones at a great price. (See next page for pictures of Jewelry Gifts under $100!)
Always remember: The bigger the stones, the bigger the price!
So how does the Metal effect the Price? Read on...
