Jewelry has long been a popular gift for birthdays, anniversaries and holidays of all kinds. However, it can also be quite expensive and holds value both monetary and sentimental, so it's important to be careful when you decide to buy someone jewelry. Here are some tips for buying jewelry as a gift.

Consider Both Size And Carat

You may have heard the word carat before, but not everyone knows what it means. The carat of a gemstone refers to its weight. For precious metals, carat refers to their purity. If you want plain jewelry, you should know that higher-carat options are made of purer metal but are less durable than lower-carat options. If you're shopping for gemstones, look for stones in appropriate sizes and carats for the type of jewelry you want to buy. For example, a 3 carat diamond ring is a typical size because it's versatile and can be cut in many styles, but you might want smaller, lower-carat stones for earrings.

Think About How You Will Send Your Gift

The expense and fragility of certain jewelry mean you need to be very careful when storing and sending it. If you purchase jewelry in person, make sure the seller wraps it safely. If you purchase it online, invest in the delivery service's insurance coverage and tracking program. If you buy jewelry abroad, follow all customs laws and requirements related to jewelry and luxury items. Remember to keep it in a secure location until you're ready to present it to the recipient or alert the recipient if you're having it shipped directly to him or her.

Try To Keep Things Affordable

Jewelry can be expensive, but there are several methods to make it more affordable at your disposal. The first thing you should do is review the seller's return and financing policies. Think about whether these policies suit your needs and financial situation. Some sellers offer credit plans or cards. Keep in mind that the low-interest rates and grace periods these plans come with tend to be promotional, so they will have end dates. Some sellers may allow you to trade in jewelry you currently own in exchange for discounts. Check with them first because some may only accept trade-ins originally purchased from one of their locations. You can also ask the seller for discounts when you make your purchase.

Know What To Do if There Is an Issue With Your Purchase

Because of how expensive jewelry can be, it's important that you know what to do if there is an issue with your purchase. Keep all receipts and contact information for the seller so you can go to the company first if you experience an issue. If you suspect fraud or the seller disputes your claim, you may need to contact the FTC, your state's AG, or the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC). Some people purchase jewelry abroad. If this applies to you, you may need to file a complaint with the appropriate governing body, such as a customer protection agency.

Research Before Making Any Decisions

Never make an impulsive purchasing decision when you buy jewelry, particularly if the piece you decide on is expensive. It's important to research the type of jewelry you're interested in and potential sellers. Visit multiple stores. Review sellers' ratings with jeweler accreditation associations and check their histories with returns, warranties, craftsmanship and trustworthiness. You should be particularly careful with e-commerce purchases and shipping services. Check whether a seller's inventory fits your budget and always read the fine print on all of the seller's policies.

Jewelry, like all gifts, should be chosen if you think the recipient will appreciate and enjoy it. Make sure you buy the kind of jewelry he or she can use in a style he or she likes. You should also keep an eye on the price range and consider whether you should pay for your purchase up-front or in installments.