Choosing Bridal Jewelry: Salespeople vs Jewelry Experts

On your special day, every detail matters, especially when it comes to wedding jewelry. Choosing the perfect ring is not just about sparkling stones or the price tag; it’s about capturing the essence of your love story. But before you head into the nearest jewelry store to buy a new ring, it’s important to know just what you’re dealing with. 

Firstly, the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, has stimulated many consumers to carefully research the market to find companies operating in Russia before making a purchase decision. Secondly, customers wonder who those people who sell them bridal bling are: the real jewelry expert or just the friendly salesperson. In most cases, they are sales staff.

Selling Versus Knowing

That’s not to discredit sales associates. Knowing how to make and close a sale is a very lucrative skill, especially in a high-dollar jewelry store. What’s important to note, however, is that knowing how to find the customer a pretty ring isn’t the same as knowing the actual make-up of the diamond in the ring.

If you like the look of a particular ring in the case at the jewelry store, there is absolutely no reason not to get it. A great deal of jewelry sales have to do with what you like and what “speaks” to you in the store. But certain expectations you’d typically have in a jewelry store may be false if you’re just dealing with salespeople.

For example, if you ask about the authenticity of the diamond in your ring, and the sales associate makes a vague comment rather than actually addressing your question, you might be in trouble. A true expert jeweler knows how to inspect, clean, repair, and certify stones. A salesperson just knows how to seal the deal and collect your money.

Dealing with the Experts

Going to a professional jeweler for an engagement ring or other bridal bling can be more expensive than heading to the jewelry store around the corner or next to your favorite shop. However, on the positive side, when working with an actual jeweler, you can benefit from their expertise.

You won’t be sold a cheap diamond with an inflated price. You won’t be sold a diamond on a payment plan with so many loopholes you’ll never be able to handle the payments. You certainly won’t be told that a diamond is chipped when it’s really just a part of the stone itself.

Finally, dealing with a respected jeweler may help you prevent the fraud and deception known to happen in stores where high volume is necessary. If the store is designed to sell, sell, sell, they won’t mind terribly if things happen unethically so long as the bottom line is there. While this can happen at any store, some jewelry store chains have ethical issues right on up the food chain to the corporate offices – at least according to their former managers.

If you’re looking for a deal on a diamond, buy pre-owned. If you’re looking for confidence in your purchase, be sure to stick with a real jewelry expert.