Vintage Jewelry: How to Choose the Right Designer

Finding the perfect vintage jewelry designer involves more than selecting a name randomly from the yellow pages or choosing a store from a Google Ad while on Facebook. Even asking friends for recommendations isn’t always the best way to find true love via designer jewelry. If you’re hoping to find the ideal ring, necklace or bracelet with more than a hint of vintage-inspired design, you’ll have to vet the company or individual first. Here are some quick tips on what to look for to ensure you end up with vintage jewelry you can cherish forever and never feel guilty about.

Choose Based on Ethics

Ruby Ring With Diamonds Around

The true test of a vintage jewelry designer isn’t the beauty of their designs or their affordable price point; it’s their commitment to providing ethically sourced fine jewelry that you can be proud to wear. Fortunately, Ziva ensures all its goods come from reliable places that treat the people who mine and produce the gemstones fairly (and with appropriate compensation) and manufacture the designs in-house in the U.S. No matter where you go to buy your jewelry, make sure they treat others as they would like to be treated.

Choose Based on Quality

Art Deco Diamond Bangle Bracelet

After determining whether or not a brand, company or indie designer uses ethical practices, the next chore is discovering the quality of their materials. Many independent designers, like the ones you find on Etsy or elsewhere, may use lower quality metals, gems or other materials in order to increase their profit margin. Even large companies are guilty of this deception. Ziva only uses the best supplies, including high-end jewelry must-haves like gold, platinum, diamonds, sapphires and more.

Choose Based on Customer Service

Vintage Sapphire Ring with
Moon Shape and Pave Diamonds

When you buy jewelry, even if you’re buying from a collection, you want the piece to be special. Any store worthy of the prices that beautiful jewelry costs will endeavor to provide you not only with unique jewelry (regardless of whether it’s custom made or not) and a unique experience. Taking the time to answer questions competently, help you as long as necessary and support your choices even if it means making less money or losing a sale is crucial. Don’t ever stand for bad service.

Finding the right fit with a jewelry designer might not seem all that important at first, but as you experience the highs and lows of shopping for vintage and vintage-inspired jewelry you’ll quickly realize the details matter. Trust Ziva to put your needs first, always, while providing exceptional products with a lifetime guarantee.

Best Places to Buy Fine Jewelry

Shopping for an engagement ring, diamond anniversary present, or gemstone birthday gift can be a stressful experience, and not just because fine jewelry is expensive. Shopping either in a jewelry store or an online shop has many benefits, but there are always some issues for which you should keep your eyes open. Here is a simple guide to shopping for jewelry that will ensure every experience is more excitement than agitation, no matter what type of gem you buy.

What to Look For Online

Princess Cut and Pave Diamond Necklace

Any online jewelry shop should have an extensive selection, that’s part of the fun of choosing the Internet over a local shop. But in addition, they should offer assistance both in the form of email or online contact as well as a phone option. You should be able to reach someone to discuss any concerns or questions you may have, since you can’t rely on a salesperson for help. The photos of the products should also be crystal clear. Make sure you read the fine print about any irregularities or “buyer beware” red flags. Finally, any good online shop will have a warranty or guarantee. Ideally, a lifetime warranty will be standard, but always make sure you have a way to return your high-end jewelry if it’s not up to your expectations.

What to Look For In Store

Square-Shaped Diamond Earrings
With Clips

Jewelry stores have helpful employees and access to the real products, so you can try them on, compare sizes and ask all your questions. But be careful of any assistant who pressures you to choose one item over another or hurries you along. The best jewelry is its own salesperson, and it doesn’t require the pressure-filled pleas of a worker angling for a commission. A brick and mortar store, just like an online shop, should have a warranty too. And if the selection is wanting, don’t choose from what’s available; make sure you find the piece that’s as individual as you dreamed it would be.

If you’re left wondering what sort of shop has expert salespeople who are never pushy, a sizable selection and lifetime warranties, rest assured you’re not seeking some fairy tale. Ziva Jewels offers both online and in store shopping, so they have plentiful diamonds and gemstones, helpful, local Ziva retailers and unique jewelry, all with a lifetime warranty that ensures your happiness. Ready to make the purchase of a lifetime? Visit us near you or online, any time.