Gold rings are timeless accessories that every lady should have in her jewelry box. Unfortunately, gold jewelry of any kind can be a bit pricey, especially if you shop at a popular jewelry retailer.
Finding affordable gold rings and other jewelry isn’t completely impossible, though, if you know where to look! It sometimes feels like a bit of a treasure hunt, which can even be fun!
Here are some tips to help you pick up some gold jewelry and not bust your budget…
Opt for more conservative gold rings and jewelry.
The more intricate the jewelry, the more expensive it is. Keep it plain and simple when looking to buy gold accessories. Look for rings that aren’t huge and don’t include gemstones, which can add quite a bit to a price tag. If you’re bummed about gemless jewelry, keep in mind that some gemless jewelry is anything BUT plain. There are some super cute gemless gold rings available these days!
Check out lower karat gold jewelry.
I know, I know.. That 18k or 24k gold jewelry is highly coveted. It also, however, comes with quite a hefty price tag. Karats measure the purity of the gold—the higher the karat, the finer and more pure the gold. Pure gold—100% gold with no other metals present—is 24k gold and also super expensive. Even 18k gold, which is made up of 75% gold and 25% other metals, can be pretty pricey. If you’re looking for more affordable gold, your best bet would probably be either 14k gold or 10k gold. Keep in mind, though, that if you have a sensitivity to some metals like nickel, the lower karat gold may irritate your skin.
Know the difference between solid, plated, and filled.
Just as gold jewelry comes in different purities, it also comes in different forms. Educate yourself on the differences between solid gold, gold filled, and gold plated. Solid gold is the purest—and most expensive—form of gold you can get. It doesn’t tarnish or fade, but it is also very soft. Gold plated jewelry is the least expensive form. Since it consists of just a very thin coating of actual gold covering another metal, the gold coating is more likely to fade or wear off, especially with daily wear. Gold filled jewelry is more mid-range in price, and is actually the best of both worlds. It’s more affordable than solid gold, yet stronger and won’t fade over time like gold plated jewelry.
Check out “used” gold jewelry.
There’s no shame in buying used gold rings and jewelry. Think of it like hitting up some garage sales! Check your local pawn shops or consignment shops for pieces that pique your interest. I’ve even seen some gorgeous and affordable gold jewelry at antique stores. And to me, an antique gold ring is way more interesting and has more character than a mass produced piece of jewelry!
Cruise the interwebs.
We live in the age of amazing technology, so we might as well use it to our advantage! Whether you’re buying new or used, the Internet is a great place to start when looking for affordable gold jewelry. Even if you’re not ready to buy, you can do your research to make sure you know exactly what to look for. When you’re ready to buy, there are several sites that offer gold rings and jewelry at a fraction of the price you’d see in retail jewelry chains. If used gold pieces are something that interest you, check out sites like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. Be sure to check reviews for jewelry pieces, websites, and sellers before investing in a piece though!
Beware the “too good to be true” deals!
As with anything, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is! Doing your research on a company or seller before purchasing is imperative, especially when you find what looks like a smokin’ deal. I can not stress this enough! Chances are, if you find a gold ring or necklace for $20, it’s probably a very low quality piece, not as pictured, or gold plated. Or, worse, it’s a complete scam, and you’ll pay and never even receive that gorgeous ring you ordered. Unfortunately, the Internet is FULL of horror stories from people out there thinking that they’re getting a great deal, only to be scammed. Be wary of those insanely low prices and good deals, and do your research before buying!
