Unless you are in the jewelry trade full time, it is easy to get taken in by the glitz of jewelry. Understanding what you are buying and how the price is determined is a must.

Being shy
Begin by asking a lot of questions about everything and anything. This will start your understanding about gemstones and what you need to look for as you go through the process.

Not walking away
Any dealer or seller in the jewelry business should be willing to answer every question you may have regardless of how long it takes or how silly you may perceive it to be. If they don’t answer to your satisfaction walk away and find another person to ask.

Not contacting a friend
If you are just getting started in your search for the best gemstones making a few calls or sending e-mails is a good place to start. Starting cold is a bad idea

Buying from a friend
Buying from a knowledgeable merchant is critical. Use a reference from a friend to find the merchant but don’t buy from that friend. You can always replace jewelry. You can’t replace a good friend whose intentions were in the right place.

Buying according to trends
Just because a gemstone is priced at a certain level doesn’t mean that there isn’t a similar stone at a lesser price with the same beauty and characteristics. Go with a lesser cost and better looking stone than what is popular. Remember trends change style does not.

Thinking more carats is best
In many instances a stone may tip the scales at a certain weight just over a dividing line, making it fall into a different pricing group. Find out where those points are and feel good at buying under that weight or character so you get a better price.

Buying for yourself not the recipient
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when buying a gemstone for somebody else is to buy it because they like the stone. Instead, they should have an idea of what the recipient likes with regard to stones. Sure, it’s the thought that counts but if the stone is going to sit in a drawer gathering dust then it won’t do anyone any good.

Not asking for the extras
Most jewelry sellers of any size will offer certain extras with the purchase of one of their products. Make sure to ask for them before you buy. In most instances this has to do with return policies but in many cases there may be maintenance, warrantees or appraisals that come with a purchase. Unless you specifically enquire into these details, you may be left in the dark without knowing that they exist.

Not haggling
The United States is perhaps one of the few countries where haggling is thought of as embarrassing. There is plenty of markup in an engagement ring or jewelry piece so do it in a sophisticated way. Check out a few websites and ask for the best price followed by the lowest price.

Limiting your choice
One of the biggest mistakes people make when shopping for gemstones is to not shop around. There is likely to be a little difference in pricing due to the nature of stones but they should be somewhat close in price. Closely consider all your options prior to making a final decision.