When it comes to fashion, there are so many different options to choose from. It can be overwhelming trying to decide what the best look for you is, especially when it comes to jewelry. With so many different styles and prices, how can you find the right piece of jewelry that fits your personality and budget? We’re here to help. In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips on how to choose the perfect piece of jewelry without breaking the bank. So read on and get inspired.
1 – Look For Ethical Diamonds and Gems
One of the first things you should do when looking for new jewelry is to read its origin story. This includes where diamonds, gemstones, and metals come from. Of course, you’ll want to make sure they are ethically sourced. You don’t want to support sweatshops or slave labor. You can learn more about white ethically sourced diamonds set into your favorite pieces by reading the product tag or asking the sales associate. The nasty thing about diamonds is that they are expensive and have been found to fuel terrorism in many parts of Africa. If you’ve never heard of this, it’s definitely time to watch “Blood Diamond”. Know where your jewels come from.
2 – Choose Quality-Metals
Another way to go green with your fashion pieces is by choosing quality metals. Gold, silver, and platinum are popular metals used for jewelry – especially engagement rings – but these can be harmful to the planet. To make sure you’re going green without sacrificing the style you’ll need to check where the metals come from. If they’re from recycled sources it’s a win. The best thing about these types of metals is that they will last forever if properly taken care of.
3 – Watch Out For Plating & Coating
When looking at new jewelry pieces you might notice a difference in price between two items that seem very similar. This could be because one piece has been plated or coated while the other hasn’t. Plating is a thin layer of metal that is applied over another. It can cover a piece in a bright and shiny coat, but this also means it’s going to come off after time. The coating is a thicker version of plating that prevents rusting or corrosion from happening. However, because of its thickness, it doesn’t last as long as plating does. Neither coating nor plating is as durable as the metals they’re covering.
4 – Go Vintage
For those of you who don’t know, vintage is when a piece was made in an earlier time but not that much earlier. It’s also just called old-fashioned. But don’t be afraid because it doesn’t mean you have to like your grandmother’s style. There are so many different styles of vintage pieces that it’s easy to find something you love. The great thing about these pieces is that not only are they unique, but they’re also often one-of-a-kind because there aren’t any duplicates out there. You can either go digging through antique stores or buy from a trusted online source.
5 – Stay Up-to-Date With Fashion Trends
Of course, there is nothing wrong with trying out trendy styles. After all, it’s one of the most fun parts of fashion. But you should stay up-to-date only when you’re going to wear these pieces frequently. Wearing a trend once in a while is all right, but wearing them every day can get expensive. It’s better to mix and match trendy pieces with quality metals or vintage ones for a unique style that fits your needs.
6 – Shop Local
Last but not least, shopping local is another great way to find quality pieces of jewelry without sacrificing your budget. Local stores are independently run so the prices are usually cheaper than major chains. And if they aren’t selling jewelry try looking for art galleries where you might be able to find amazing one-of-a-kind pieces by local artists. Going local also helps support our planet because it cuts down on transportation costs and the use of gas. Shopping locally is always better for the environment.
Jewelry is a timeless accessory that can be the perfect finishing touch to any outfit. Choosing your jewelry wisely can also help you live out your values and go green with fashion. One way to do this is by choosing quality metals or vintage pieces, both of which are ethically sourced without harming our planet through mining practices. You should also watch for plating and coating on new jewelry as these options will come off after time compared to their metal counterparts.
The best part about shopping locally is supporting locally-owned businesses while still saving money on high prices at major chains. If you’re looking for an even more affordable option, try checking antique stores in person or online where unique one-of-a-kind pieces.
