Buying Advice

Almost three years ago, I wrote about how jewellery, and especially engagement rings are not indestructible. The fact remains that if you buy a piece of jewellery, and you wear it on a regular basis, at some point, whether it be in a year’s time or 50 years’ time, your will need to get it repaired or resized. That said, getting your jewellery repaired, resized or re-modelled can sometimes be a minefield, so below I’ll discuss five of the most common mistakes people make when getting their jewellery repaired.

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Over 15 years ago, I wrote about how jewellery valuations were worthless. Fast forward to about a month ago, I was asked to do valuations on a number of unknown pieces of jewellery. Usually I would decline such a request as I had never done a valuation on a piece of jewellery not bought from us, however, this was for a relative of an existing customer, so I agreed.

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Every so often, one of our clients come back with their ring in need of repair. It is usually a quick fix, such as tightening the setting or bending the ring back into shape. However, what I find interesting is the reaction by our some of our clients when their ring does break. Whilst most clients are happy for us to repair their ring, some clients let their emotions get the better of them and accuse us of manufacturing a faulty ring, even when the damage is clearly their fault.

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Last week I received brochures from both The Platinum Guild and World Gold Council, espousing the benefits of their respective metals. However, during the purchasing process many consumers take advice from a jewellery sales person and end up bereft of any useful facts on the subject.
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With the collapse of Diamond Exchange this week, many people are doubting whether or not it is safe to buy diamonds online.
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One of the benefits of buying an International Selection diamond from us, is that you don’t have to pay in full until the diamond (or ring) is ready to be shipped or collect.
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There’s been quite a bit of hoopla in the American media lately about the price of gold reaching US$1000 per ounce.  However, as this article explains, it has really dropped about 25% in Australian dollar terms from its highs in February.

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Even with huge progressions in diamond technology, a lot of jewellers still say that a prospective diamond buyer must view a diamond prior to purchase. Of course, not trading online means that they are completely biased, but is it a really valid assertion?
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In the past year, princess cut diamonds have considerably more popular than in past years, selling at the rate of approximately 70% of round diamonds.
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Up until a few weeks ago, there was a very good (not necessarily correct) article about buying a diamond engagement ring online vs in a jewellery store. The article, is still available here (archive.org) and was featured on the QReport website.
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