How to Choose Between New and Second Hand Jewellery

Whether you are purchasing an engagement ring or you are just looking to invest in some fine jewellery, one of the biggest decisions you will make is choosing between new and second hand.

While there are certainly advantages and disadvantages for both, it depends on multiple factors as to what is the right choice for you. We hope the following will help you along in your decision.

New Jewellery

The first thing to remember with new jewellery is that if you are planning to buy directly from a high street retailer, the jewellery will instantly decrease in value once it has been purchased. Retailers like this usually tend to mark up the price, sometimes by up to 100%, and you must not forget the added 20% VAT on top of that.

Therefore, if you are looking into buying a fine piece of jewellery as a worthwhile investment, it is recommended that you steer clear of the high street route. It is unlikely that you will see the jewellery you purchase gain in value during your lifetime, unless you make a conscious decision to buy wisely, for example a designer piece which could potentially become collectible in the future.

If it is an engagement ring that you are looking to buy, and therefore you are less concerned about the monetary value of the ring, it is true to say that whatever ring you choose will become a sentimental piece that will be treasured for years to come. If you think your bride-to-be would be more likely to prefer the sparkle and shine of a new ring, buying new could be the option for you. Although, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to be from a high street retailer, perhaps look into creating the ring yourself with some help from a ring designer, making it completely unique. 

Second Hand Jewellery

Vintage and antique jewellery generally makes a much better investment than new jewellery, simply because it’s already had a few years to gain value, and it is likely to continue to gain value in the years to come. The price can be influenced by the current value of the metal or gemstones, but if you buy a quality piece, it is usually worth more than its component materials.

If you do decide to buy second hand jewellery, you are going to get a lot more for your money, which is a distinctive draw if you are on the lookout for quality pieces on a smaller budget. Vintage and antique jewellery are pieces that offer a certain charm and character that you would not find in newer jewellery.

However, there are also a few reasons why you might prefer to buy new jewellery rather than second hand. A very old piece of jewellery will need a lot of care and devotion to ensure that it keeps its quality. You cannot expect to wear a delicate Georgian or Victorian ring at all times, as the settings will not be as robust as a new ring. If you know the jewellery is going to be worn frequently, it would be worth buying new, to ensure it is going to survive years of wear.

The team at Cuttings are more than happy to help you find the perfect jewellery for you, whether it is new, second hand or custom made; we have a large variety that suits everyone’s needs. For any information just come and visit us in Margate or Ramsgate, or give us a call.