Fine jewellery: how to buy gold, silver and wedding bands at a good price
Purity, weight and price per gram
The price of a gold piece is made up of the value of the metal, the maker's work and the stones. The metal is priced by weight, and the purity shows the share of pure gold: 22 carat (916) is the usual choice for traditional jewellery in many countries, 18 carat (750) is common for pieces set with diamonds, and 14 carat (585) is lighter and cheaper for everyday wear. Silver is most often 925. So ask not only the price but also the weight of the piece and its purity. Sometimes two similar rings differ only in weight, and the price per gram makes them easy to compare.
The piece should carry a purity hallmark and the maker's mark. Ask also whether there is a certificate for the stones, especially diamonds: cut, clarity and colour change the value a lot.
Size, design and made-to-order
Ring size is given as an inner diameter in millimetres or by a size chart. A chain is chosen by length and weave: different weaves look and wear differently. Wedding bands are usually sought as a pair: it is important to pick the same metal and width. If the size you need is not available, a jeweller can make the piece to order or resize it, but this may add time.
What to put in your request
- Item — ring, wedding bands, chain, earrings, pendant, bracelet.
- Metal — yellow, white or rose gold, silver, platinum, purity.
- Size — ring size or chain length.
- Weight — approximate, in grams.
- Stones — diamonds, cubic zirconia, natural stones, carat weight.
- Design — weave, engraving, style.
- Condition — new, made to order, pre-owned.
- Delivery city — or pick-up with a fitting.
- Budget — if you want to name one.
Example: “I need a matching pair of plain yellow-gold 18 carat wedding bands, 4 mm wide, sizes 14 and 9, no stones, with the date engraved. Manila, with a fitting or courier delivery.”
How to compare offers
Buying jewellery takes trust. Insist on the hallmark, the purchase documents, a warranty and the option of exchange or return. Compare the price per gram and the making charge, not only the final sum. For large purchases it makes sense to try the piece on in person, or to make sure the seller ships with insurance.
On BlaBlaPrice you describe once what you are looking for, and sellers send offers in the chat with price, weight, photos and terms. The platform shows the best by content first, and seller reviews appear next to each offer. Sellers see their place among others and can improve their terms. Your phone number stays hidden, and only the seller you choose sees your contacts. Details are on the “How it works” page.
For cheaper options, look at costume jewellery, and to keep your pieces, jewellery boxes are handy.
