What Makes an Independent Jeweller Different from a High Street Brand?
We all want to know that we are getting the best service when it comes to jewellery. But what are the differences between buying from a high street brand and going to an independent jeweller?
Price
It’s often said that when buying from big brands, you are “paying for the name”. This is certainly true with high street jewellers, and although they often offer deals and discounts, the quality of the jewellery is not the same as what you’d get from an independent jeweller. This is particularly relevant when it comes to second hand jewellery: some high street brands sell vintage jewellery, but at a very high mark-up compared to independent jewellers.
History
Cuttings dates back to the late 1800s, and has been run by the same family for the past 40 years, who uphold the shop’s traditional values. A high street brand can rarely speak of such history; even if they have been running for many years, the business changes as the company expands to a national level.
Reliability
A high street brand has a trustworthy name, but this is not always the experience you get every time you visit one of their branches. For example, an item you see online may not be available in the store you visit. Working on a smaller scale is an advantage for the independent jeweller, because you can guarantee that if you pick up the phone, they will know exactly what they have in stock.
Variety
The independent jeweller is constantly on the lookout for new and unique pieces, giving their shop incredible variety that rivals high street brands. A high street jeweller may only sell brand new, well-known goods, whereas an independent jeweller sells pre-owned and antique jewellery alongside new pieces.
Customer Service
The family ethos of independent jewellers naturally extends to its customers – here at Cuttings we take time to get to know our customers so we can meet your needs effectively. You’ll usually find a small team of experts in an independent jeweller, whereas bigger high street stores have bigger staff teams – meaning that you may not be speaking to the same person every time you call or visit.
Character
If you’re looking for a piece of jewellery that has a story, visit an independent family jeweller to find a range of interesting vintage pieces. You are unlikely to find the same character when buying from a bigger jewellery chain.
Hopefully you’ve found this helpful – for more information browse our website or get in touch!
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