What is the best way to buy expensive jewelry on a budget?
There are two common types of jewelry purchases that people make. One is spur of the moment, the other takes a lot of planning and a bit of saving. The impromptu jewelry purchases are generally lower cost items like fashion jewelry, and don't require much preparation. You see it, you buy it. We aren't talking about those impulse buys in this article.
Premeditated jewelry purchases are used for pieces that will put a large dent in the savings account. Things like engagement rings can take a considerable bite out of your wallet, so it's a wise idea to prepare for a jewelry purchase. We've got a few tips and tricks that can help you save up for that jewelry with a bit of extra bling.
Prepare Some Tidbits
One way to really ensure that you'll be able to follow through on preparing for your jewelry purchase is to get a few related items that can be used once the purchase is officially made. If you're spending on diamonds you can ensure they're always looking their best with Simple Shine's compact diamond cleaning stick. For softer gems you can get them on point with our gentle all purpose jewelry cleaner.
The accessory you buy doesn't really need to be held back until the actual purchase takes place. Something like an initialed personalized jewelry dish can remind you of the finish line every time you look at it! Anything that can help you keep the goal in mind is a fantastic boon while preparing for a jewelry purchase.
Have Foresight
When it comes to dropping a few stacks on a bracelet, necklace, ring, or anything else it helps a whole lot if you can designate a time frame. Valentine's Day is right around the corner so we can use that as an example. If you're making a jewelry purchase for Valentine's Day then time is running short, but its absolutely achievable.
It doesn't matter if it's a birthday, Christmas, or just a special surprise for no reason at all you'll be much more inclined to reach your goal if there is a date set solidly in your mind. A wise man once said "If you're failing to prepare, then you're preparing to fail." Maybe it was Benjamin Franklin. He didn't wear much jewelry, but he makes a good point!
Know What You Want
Hand in hand with the first point, it can work miracles when you know exactly what you want and how much you'll need to get it. Prices for gold can fluctuate daily depending on where you're buying, so give yourself a bit of leeway. A couple hundred should be a sufficient buffer, but you might need more depending on the length of the timeline.
Gold tends to trend upwards, but keeping your eye on the prize means you'll be moving toward the goal. Preparing for a jewelry purchase can be difficult, but once you see a piece you can't live without it goes without saying that you will do whatever it takes to achieve your dream. What steps can you take to prepare for a jewelry purchase? Here are a few...
Budget Yourself Closely
Figure out where you are leaking cash. Some costs can't be avoided, but there are a lot more that can be cut out without effecting anyone besides yourself. We all have our vices, but if sacrificing those for a while can make my spouse happy then I'm more than on board to do so. It can be spiritually healthy as well.
At least once a year I'll take some time off from a couple of vices just to remind myself that they aren't necessary. No matter how many vices I choose to cut out, I can still be happy without them. There's nothing better than reminding myself that my humanity is innate. At the end of the struggle, my spouse getting a reward at the end is just the icing on the cake.
Hide Your Money
The biggest issue I have when preparing for a jewelry purchase is that money sitting around and burning a hole in my pocket. It starts with just 'lending' yourself $20, which becomes $50. Do you ever really pay yourself back? I know I don't. Before I can blink, I've undone months of work. The only way I've found to avoid this dilemma is to hide my money when preparing for a jewelry purchase.
Obviously it's not easy to hide it from yourself, because you'll know where it's stashed. You'll need to enlist the help of a financial institution or a trusted friend/family member. Set up an account and specify that the money is not to be touched until a specific date. Bigger banks might have some trepidation, but I've found my smaller credit union to be very accommodating when it comes to this.
Celebrate Your Progress
Once you hit certain milestones it is definitely a good idea to celebrate your progress. That can be something simple like acknowledging it, or going out for a couple of beers. Personally I keep track of every hundred dollars, and I go out for a little bit of celebration when I'm around halfway to the finish line. You don't need to tell anyone why you're celebrating, just let yourself be in the moment!
Everyone around you won't question things too much. We're all just looking for an excuse to cut loose. Not letting the secret loose ensures that nobody is passing judgement on your more expensive investment, and if you're buying it for someone else they won't have the surprise inadvertently ruined. Loose lips sink ships as they say.
Good luck on your journey in preparing for a jewelry purchase! Once you have that piece you've longed for on the wrist or neck or finger of yourself or your partner you'll always remember what you went through in order to achieve it. Something simple like that can easily add a ton of sentimental value, and make it worth so much more.
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