Cheap jewelry is very easy to find. Just stop by your local drug store or dime store and you'll see plenty of cheap costume jewelry for sale at very low prices. However, finding quality, cheap jewelry is a completely different matter. If you're looking for quality items for jewelry gifts or for your personal collection that are worth more than what you pay, then there are many places to search that often yield a very good selection.
Remember, Cheap Does Not Always Mean, Well...Cheap!
Just because a piece of jewelry doesn't cost as much as what is paid for an item at a fine retailer like Tiffany's, doesn't mean that it isn't very valuable. In fact, some very nice quality rings, necklaces, earrings, cuff links, and more can be found at some places that you might not expect. In today's economy, it pays to keep an open, creative mind about shopping for jewelry, because who knows what treasure you may run across!
Here's a quick guide that can give you creative ideas about where to find cheap jewelry that offers both quality and beauty.
Offline Places to Look
There are many places to look, if you're planning on taking a day to enjoy shopping in your local area, vacationing or traveling. Here are some of the best places to find quality gemstones and other types of quality jewelry at reasonable prices. You also may find a one-of-a-kind piece that will add real financial value to your collection.
Antique Stores
Yep! Did you know that you can sometimes find beautiful, custom antique rings, necklaces, earrings, pins, tie tacks, collar bars, cuff links, bracelets and other pieces at antique stores?
Granted, some merchants actually know the value of these fine pieces and have them priced accordingly, but once in a while you may come upon a fine piece of cheap silver jewelry or an authentic gem that is offered well below appraisal price. Also, sometimes it's worth taking a chance on an item, if you think it's a hidden treasure, especially if you know basic diamond buying tips or are savvy about other types of gemstones or quality settings.
Keep in mind that many antique pieces were made with superior craftsmanship and unusually artistry, which defines them as unique and valuable. Also, you will find some items that simply need to be cleaned by a jeweler and the beauty will be completely restored. If you love fine antique pieces, be sure to check out the jewelry section of antique stores in your local area or when you travel.
Pawn Shops
You may not have ever explored pawn shops because you have the impression that they vend in mostly junk. However, you'd be surprised at what ends up in a pawn shop in the way of diamond rings, watches or other good quality items. In fact, you may find some high end, name brand jewelry that ends up there because people have had to sell them off quickly for cash.
Be sure to stop by pawn shops every now and then to take a look at their jewelry section for really good deals. Some items are almost new and can make very good gifts. Anyway, you don't have to tell anyone you got a gift from the pawn shop!
Auctions and Estate Sales
Other great places to go are estate sales and auctions that feature antique and new jewelry, among all the other items. Even though oftentimes, estate jewelry pieces are distributed among relatives, sometimes, there are no living relatives who can claim the items so they are sold. You may find some exquisite rings, necklaces, watches and more, at various auctions if you are vigilant. Besides, it's fun to bid at auctions, but be sure not to get carried away! Keep in mind what you can spend and be smart.
Online Sources to Explore
Best Discount Stores
There are a variety of online jewelry stores and other sources that
offer excellent deals on fine, quality, cheap jewelry, if you are an avid
online shopper. Besides the obvious stores like Amazon and
Overstock that offer discount deals on gemstones, diamonds and
more, there are less obvious online places where you can get great
deals.
Online Super Auction
A really fun and inspiring place to visit online is Bidz.com. This company offers a variety of products, not the least of which is an abundant quantity of quality, cheap jewelry at ridiculously low prices.
Plus, you get the absolutely fun benefit of real-time bidding for whatever item you want. All you need to do is set up an account with a password, and jump right in on the bidding. Be smart, however, and choose quality items. As in any store, there are junk pieces and very inexpensive pieces of costume jewelry that would probably end up in your next yard sale if you purchased it!
The site provides in-depth information on each piece up for bid and on finer quality jewelry, the company offers an authenticity certificate. For example, there are name brand watches auctioned off daily, such as Gianni Versace, Lucien Piccard or Ritmo MVNDO.
It's common and very exciting to see a $4,000 diamond ring go for under $200 at a savings of 96% off! Wow! One tip, though, is that since it's easy to get carried away with the fun auction process, you can easily end up buying more than you can afford! But you can get super deals on beautiful jewelry for gifts for for yourself.
Of course, these shopping suggestions are not exhaustive, but are definitely some of the best places to find good deals on quality, cheap jewelry items that are both a financial investment and beautiful addition to any personal collection.