About 6 million Americans popped the question on Valentine's Day last year and this year should see more of the same kind of romance. If you or someone you know is getting down on one knee soon, or if you're in line for fine jewelry shopping, Angie's List has some advice.
"Jewelry is one of the most popular gifts for Valentine's Day, but remember when you are shopping for jewelry it's a very personal decision," said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List. "You want to talk to the recipient and find out what they are interested in. Do they like gold? Do they like silver? Do they like platinum? The last thing you want to do is give them a gift that they won't wear."
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Fine jewelry buying tips:
- Know your budget.
- What kind of metal does your recipient want? Gold, white gold, platinum, silver, etc...
- What kind of stone does your recipient want?
- Do you want to choose from in-stock items or have a piece custom made?
- Have you considered using a family jewel re-made or will you buy totally new?
- Understand basic jewelry terminology – cut, carat, clarity, natural, cultured or imitation –- so you know how to shop.
- Ask about care and cleaning.
- Determine refund and return policies before you buy.
Jewelry care:
When it comes to repair or replacement, market and sentimental value come into play. The type of jewelry you own will determine the care and maintenance required. Generally, harder and higher quality materials, such as diamonds and platinum, will last longer and require less maintenance than softer, less expensive materials. It may be more cost-effective to buy a new piece of costume jewelry instead of paying for repairs. Antique and high-end jewelry, on the other hand, will likely require professional maintenance and repairs.
- Examine jewelry at each wearing. Check for damage or loose stones.
- When swimming, washing dishes, gardening or doing other dirty jobs, take off rings or wear gloves.
- If you wear a ring on a daily basis, it is important to take it off regularly to check the fit and make sure it's not being damaged. If the ring becomes too tight or loose, take it to a jeweler to be fitted.
- Fine jewelry should be cleaned every six months. With expensive or fragile pieces, it may be best to have an expert handle cleaning and repairs. Some jewelers offer free jewelry cleaning and repair on pieces they sell.
To clean jewelry yourself:
- Use canned air to clean off dust.
- Use baking soda and a toothbrush to clean stones and silver.
- If a string breaks on a necklace, you can buy replacement string or wire at a bead or craft store and restring the necklace. Likewise, you can buy replacement clasps.
Hiring a jewelry appraiser:
Appraising jewelry for resale or insurance can be a challenge. It's important to know whether a diamond or stone is real in order to get an accurate estimate of value. Some fakes are difficult to spot. Therefore, it's wise to have a professional appraise any jewelry of value. Here are tips for finding the right professional:
- Make sure the jewelry appraiser is certified by such organizations as the Gemological Institute of America and the American Gem Society.
- Pick someone who has been in the business for a while, is well respected and does not also buy and sell jewelry.
- Make sure the appraiser carries "errors and omission" insurance.
- Appraisals should not take much more than a day, so be wary if the appraiser wants to keep your jewelry much longer than that.