Skip to primary navigationSkip to main contentSkip to footer
  • Sign InToggle My Account Menu
    Login
    Forgot Password?

    Don’t have an account? Sign up now

  • Visit Us in Greenwood, IN
  • Contact Us: (317) 882-0500
  • Send Us a Message
  • Call us Today!(317) 882-0500
  • Visit Us Today!in Greenwood, IN
  • Toggle My Account Menu
    Login
    Forgot Password?

    Don’t have an account? Sign up now

  • Toggle My Wishlist
  • Toggle Shopping Cart Menu
McGee & Company Fine Jewelers logo
  • Custom Design
    Custom Design
    Custom Design ProcessStart a ProjectBuild a RingPortfolio & Gallery
    Custom Services
    Restyling & RedesignJewelry RestorationView Our GalleryBook a Consultation
    Menu image
    Menu image
    Menu image
  • Bridal & Engagement
    Engagement Rings
    Complete RingsRing SettingsBuild a Ring
    Wedding Bands
    All Wedding BandsWomen's BandsMen's BandsBridal Sets
    Book an Appointment
    Gabriel & Co.
    Gabriel & Co. RingsGabriel & Co. Bands
    Loose Stones
    Loose DiamondsLoose Gemstones
    Education & More
    The Four Cs of DiamondsNatural vs. Lab-Grown DiamondsChoosing the Right Setting
    Menu image
    Menu image
    Menu image
  • Diamonds
    Shop by Shape
    RoundOvalCushionPrincessEmeraldRadiantPearMarquiseHeartAsscher
    Shop by Type
    Natural DiamondsLab-Grown Diamonds
    Diamond Education
    Diamond EducationNatural vs. Lab-Grown DiamondsDiamond Buying Guide
    Engagement Rings
    Diamond Engagement RingsLab-Grown Engagement Rings
    Diamond Jewelry
    Diamond RingsDiamond EarringsDiamond NecklacesDiamond Bracelets
    Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry
    Diamond RingsDiamond EarringsDiamond NecklacesDiamond Bracelets
    Menu image
    Menu image
  • Jewelry
    Fine Jewelry
    Fashion RingsNecklaces & PendantsEarringsBraceletsMen's JewelryWatches
    Shop by Style
    Solitaire JewelryDiamond JewelryDiamond StudsTennis BraceletsGemstone JewelryPearl JewelryAnniversary Jewelry
    Shop by Designer
    Gabriel & Co. FashionAll Designers
    Shop by Price
    Gifts Under $500Gifts Under $1,000Gifts Over $1,000
    Menu image
    Menu image
  • Services
    Repair & Care
    Jewelry RepairsRing ResizingTip & Prong RepairCleaning & InspectionPearl & Bead RestringingRhodium PlatingWatch Battery Replacement
    Expert Services
    Jewelry AppraisalsJewelry RestorationRestyling & RedesignGold & Diamond BuyingWatch RepairsFinancingCorporate Gifts
    Menu image
    Menu image
    Menu image
  • InfoGems Blog
  • About McGee Jewelers
    About McGee
    Our StoryMeet the TeamReviews & TestimonialsInfoGems Blog
    Visit & Connect
    Contact UsBook an AppointmentLeave a ReviewFinancing Options
    Menu image
    Menu image
    Menu image
  • Sign InToggle My Account Menu
    Login
    Forgot Password?

    Don’t have an account? Sign up now

  • Visit Us in Greenwood, IN
  • Contact Us: (317) 882-0500
  • Send Us a Message
McGee & Company Fine Jewelers logo
Log In
  1. Home
  2. Blog
  3. Buying Tips
  4. 4 Tips to Help You Purchase Jewelry Like a Pro
Buying Tips

4 Tips to Help You Purchase Jewelry Like a Pro

Published: Apr 2, 2026
4 Tips to Help You Purchase Jewelry Like a Pro
Author: 
Brittany McGee

We buy fine jewelry as a way of expressing our love, appreciation, and commitment to the special people in our lives, or for fashion purposes. It’s estimated that 38 million Americans will purchase fine jewelry or watches in any given year. To buy top-quality bridal jewelry or fashion jewelry, you should purchase from the trusted jeweler near you.

Here are 4 tips to consider when purchasing jewelry.

1. Consult With an Experienced and Reputable Jeweler

If you’re buying jewelry for the first time, it may be hard to differentiate between real and plated jewelry. Although there are ways to know if your jewelry is the real thing or just plated, you may not have the time to conduct such experiments. It is easier if you consult an experienced gemologist when buying fine jewelry. That’s why the top jewelry shops usually employ expert gemologists to certify all their pieces. When you purchase jewelry from a top jeweler, it won’t matter what type of gemstones you purchase — diamonds, emerald, or sapphire — you’ll be sure that they’re genuine and of high-quality.

2. Know What Type of Metal You Prefer

The type of metal you pick for your ring matters, especially when choosing wedding rings. Your choice will be influenced by your taste and color choice. Luckily, metals can be strengthened and colored without losing their original quality. If you want shiny personalized rings, you may opt for silver. Sterling silver has a wonderful and white luster that is perfect for wedding jewelry.

For classic beauty that oozes class and opulence, you can choose white gold or yellow gold. Gold is mostly alloyed with other metals such as copper, zinc, nickel, palladium, or silver to strengthen it and change its color. Jewelry made from pure gold is classic and costly too. When buying gold jewelry, you will want to know how many karats the gold has. Pure gold is 24 karats, while 18 karats gold contains 75% gold, and 25% of other metals such as copper or silver. Platinum is another favorite metal for jewelry that’s the purest precious metal. It is a white metal that is extremely dense and even more expensive than gold.

3. Consider Custom Made Jewelry

When buying jewelry for your loved one, you may opt for custom jewelry, especially for bridal jewelry. The top jeweler can build you a perfect piece from scratch, or fabricate existing jewelry to add a unique touch. With custom jewelry, you get to choose the specifications you want. If you’re looking to make a lasting impression on your significant other, opt for custom wedding jewelry. Personalized jewelry is also the go-to choice for people in the showbiz and fashion industry.

You can have a custom jeweler make gold rings with engravings, or add a monogram or a birthstone to your jewelry. Custom jewelry is a thoughtful and practical gift to give your loved ones as birthday presents. Today, many jewelers have online platforms where you can customize your jewelry before ordering.

4. Confirm the Ring Size of Your Loved One Before Purchasing an Engagement Ring

Having the exact ring size of your spouse will help you get a fitting engagement ring or wedding ring. It will save you the embarrassing situation of buying a ring that doesn’t fit your partner. Although you can always have your jeweler resize a ring, it attracts extra and unwanted costs. Sometimes, resizing a ring may affect the overall quality, especially if there are big adjustments to be made.

The above-discussed tips will help you buy the best quality of fine jewelry. When buying jewelry, trust the top jeweler with a solid reputation. The top jeweler will also offer other services such as ring sizing, chain and clasp repair, even pearl and bead restringing, and stone setting and replacement. Before buying your desired piece, ask a jeweler all you need to know about the jewelry. The best jewelers will help you get the best piece within your budget without sacrificing quality.

Categories
Jewelry Care2Choosing Wedding BandsPersonalized Rings2Buying TipsJewelry RepairCustom Jewelry3Choosing Engagement RingsWedding Day Jewelry3Jewelry Buying
  • Previous Article
  • Next Article

Sign up for exclusive offers, new arrivals, and McGee & Company news.

McGee & Company Fine Jewelers
880 U.S. Highway 31 N
Greenwood, IN 46142
(317) 882-0500
Store Information
Store Hours
Monday:
Closed
Tue-Fri:Tuesday - Friday:
10:00am - 7:00pm
Saturday:
10:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday:
Closed
We Accept:
Shop
  • Engagement Rings
  • Wedding Bands
  • Fine Jewelry
  • Diamonds
  • Watches
  • Gabriel & Co.
  • All Designers
  • Men's Jewelry
Services
  • Custom Design
  • Jewelry Repairs
  • Jewelry Appraisals
  • Jewelry Restoration
  • Restyling & Redesign
  • Ring Resizing
  • Watch Repairs
  • Gold & Diamond Buying
Our Store
  • About Us
  • Meet the Team
  • Reviews
  • InfoGems Blog
  • Financing Options
  • Book an Appointment
  • Contact Us
Follow Us
  • Visit the jbt website
  • Visit the joa website
  • Visit the jvc website
  • Indiana Jewelers Association
  • Greenwood Chamber of Commerce
  • Franklin Chamber of Commerce
  • The Knot
  • Visit the gia website
  • Visit the ijo website
  • Return Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Accessibility Statement

© 2026 McGee & Company Fine Jewelers. All Rights Reserved.

Powered by: Punchmark

My Cart
You have 0 items in your Cart.
Loading cart items
Loading

Learn how we use cookies in our Privacy Policy or manage cookie preferences.