When it comes to finding affordable jewelry, visiting a local used jewelry purveyor can be a great way to locate pieces to add to your collection. Coins & Carats in Kalispell, MT, has been buying and selling quality jewelry for more than 26 years. During that time, they’ve learned a few buying tips, which they’d like to share with you below. 

4 Tips for Buying Quality Used Jewelry

1. View Diamonds Under Adequate Lighting

If you’re looking at diamond jewelry, view it under a bright light, rather than a dark background. This is because black changes your eye’s perception of color, making it more difficult to see flaws in the stone. A diamond’s quality is based on color, cut, clarity, and carat, all of which you should assess thoroughly before making a purchase. 

2. Check for Karat Marks With Gold 

Gold quality is based on karat, or the percentage of pure gold found in a particular piece. Because it’s a softer metal, gold is usually mixed with other metals to increase its durability. The most common karat marks are 24K (pure gold), 18K (75%), 14K (58%), and 10K (42%). When inspecting a piece of gold jewelry, certify the karat weight and manufacturer is clearly marked somewhere on the piece. 

3. Know the Difference Between Natural & Cultured Pearls 

Natural pearls are created by mollusks and are a rare occurrence in nature, making them difficult to find and quite expensive. Cultured pearls, on the other hand, are created by human intervention, when a solution is introduced into the shell to create a pearl. Both cultured and natural pearls are evaluated based on their outer shell, or skin—the longer they’ve been cultivated, the more lustrous their exterior. 

​​​​​​​4. Ask Whether Gemstones Were Treated 

There are many different treatments given to natural gemstones to improve their appearance, but such treatments also often lower their value. After inspecting the gemstones of a particular piece of jewelry, inquire whether they’ve been treated. If so, ask what type of care they need to remain in good condition, as treated stones will require additional maintenance. 

Purchasing used jewelry can be a wonderful way to add one-of-a-kind pieces to your collection without spending an exorbitant amount, so follow the steps above to ensure you get the best pieces possible. To begin your search, turn to Coins & Carats in Kalispell, MT. Give them a call today at (406) 752-2646, or visit them online for a look at their inventory.