I have no idea about jewellery but would like to buy a small gift within the budget of up to $200. Earings, necklace or bracelet etc Are the mainstream jewellery stores over priced? Prices seem all over the place. Or are they pretty much the go? Any alternatives I should consider? I'd prefer to be paying closer to the real value than an inflated price, but considering I know nothing about jewellery I guess that's my only option really?
Jewellery Prices, Mainstream Stores Any Alternatives?
subywagon on 30/11/2017 - 13:18
Comments
I have a feeling it's all a big scam. So I probably won't be too fussed on the displayed prices. If it looks pretty I'll buy it then, up to $200.
If it looks pretty I'll buy it then, up to $200.
You will get scammed with this approach.
What approach should I take then? The mainstream store prices would be fairly set, right?
Buy a Citizen Eco Drive from one of the many specials on Ozbargain. They are very well built and great bargains. Some nice ones are under $200, e.g. this one
For $200, you could get small diamond earrings, but not with a high quality diamond.
Yes, mainstream jewellers are typically overpriced, and you cannot trust their fake discounts. At least with diamond earrings, there are metrics (diamond clarity, etc.) which let you compare between stores.Just buy something pretty and shiny - most women don't give a shit about stones or diamond metrics (especially with a 200 budget).
For chain stores, from a few purchases and a lay opinion I've always preferred Angus and Coote over Prouds.
Btw they both are part of same retail chain
Interesting. Probably the same shit just different markup
Yeah probably , Also Goldmark belongs to same group too
For $200 just get whatever you think looks good. At that price point, there is no inherent value in the jewellery (i.e. if you stripped out the stones and melted down the metal and sold in that way).
The only other option I would suggest for you to consider are antique jewellery retailers, although they probably won't carry much at that price point.
go on aliexpress, buy some sunglasses and cheap jewellery. with $200, you can get a decent swag of accessories as a gift. find a decent accessories bag or box to go with it, and youve got a good gift for a certain someone. Even get a phone case that will suit the person as a gift. Recently bought some good sunglasses from COLOSSEIN Official Store. $200 should go far.
just get some zircons from ali
It is a bit of a scam, and jewelry is a waste of money (to most men). The diamond trade thrives on secrecy, tenfold markups and the mystique of the world's most precious gem. Men kill for diamonds. Women are seduced by them. Zsa Zsa Gabor once said: "I never hated a man enough to give him diamonds back."
Sometimes you need to pony up and buy some. I understand.
When in need of an engagement ring, or even smaller jewelry, try Blue Nile https://www.bluenile.com/au/. They mark up their diamonds by 23%, but that is way less than a typical high street shop.
cyber Monday their giving 50% off but apparently the mark up is only 23%. lol
Retail priced gold jewellery is a rip-off. The spot gold value of 9ct gold is about $20 per gram, buy a 9ct gold bracelet (etc) and you will pay around $100 per gram.
Brands like Pandora and Swarovski are trendy with females, especially young females (I assume the gift is for a female). One thing you need to make sure is not to get cheap stuff that will make the person's ears itchy/bleed etc.
Jewelry is one of the most high marked products, you're not going to get anything close to cost price and decent.
Pandora is a great suggestion for inexpensive jewelry. If it is a long term relationship (or you hope it will be), then you can buy a charm bracelet. Then in future you can simply get her a charm for each b-day/valentines/Xmas/graduation etc.
Sometimes hand crafted by a small artisan is the best way to go… The quality is usually fantastic, prices reasonable, and you are supporting a small business in Australia.
I'd recommend Kookla Jewellery based in Melbourne. Every piece is unique, and created by Irene the owner/artist.
Diamonds are a Scam.
Don't buy diamonds.