Fashion Forum

In my experience, shopping for jewellery is a disaster! It may very well perhaps stem from the fact that I might be shopping in all the wrong places?! I like jewellery at boutiques because of the fact that it is displayed spaciously. At jewellery stores, I find that displays are cluttered & as a consumer, I find it extremely difficult to find what I'm after, or appreciate how nice some pieces really are. It makes it easier to choose and appreciate the piece when you don't have 50 things to look at on one shelf. Any hints as to where is the best to shop for jewellery? I'm referring to fashionable jewellery, but not junk jewellery.

It depends on what you like personally, but places like Mimco or Tilkah usually have jewellery that is 'now' but also good quality and classic enough to last. Personally I love antique jewellery so I love to hunt through markets, antique fairs, ebay, etc for vintage or antiques!

i love jewellery! My collection has a lot of antique pieces from markets and a lot of "real" stuff (for some reason if i wear anything not gold or silver- i get itchy so i gotta cover all skin touching bits with clear nailpolish or varnish or wear it for under 6 hours!). But i guess the trick is, know what you are looking for. if its to go with an outfit, carry the outfit (or part of it) so you are sure it matches. If you are at a jewellery store, try asking the *shudder* sales assistants to help you find what you are looking for.

Mimco is among my favourite actually. The displays aren't cluttered at all. I do shop at markets for jewellery, I quite enjoy that. I just find that I'm staying clear of jewellery stores and browsing for jewellery at boutiques. Markets is a frequent choice in summer for me.. Enjoy the summer atmosphere at the markets better. Are there any ebay stores that you would recommend Tania for vintage/antique? I want some new brooches.

In agreeance with you ruru...know what you are looking for and don't stray from that. Ask for assistance if you need it...that is what they are there for and if they are any good they will win your business from day dot...otherwise, find another jeweller who does have good sales assistants.
You could also try googling under the picture area and research items first.
Or utilise any family members in the business.
Another tip to consider is that there is usually a 400% mark up on jewellery.
xxV

Speaking of jewellery shopping...check out Swarovski for up to 40-50% off on selected items. Cute earings for $50 & braclets for under $200 also. :-)

it's great to know what u want when shopping absolutely i agree, but i like to stay open minded when shopping for jewellery & accessories in general. will visit swarovski, i like their rings. is it really 400%, the mark up on jewellery? wow! i would have thought 300% max. i know that clothes are 200-250%. imagine me shopping for a ring. 'honey this jeweller doesn't display stock spaciously lets get outta here!' lollll i think every girl knows exactly what they want when it comes to a ring! but jewellery in general i donno, i like keeping my options open & it just frustrates me that there are so many pieces displayed in a small area. dinosaur designs is another one with decent sales atm. well given the fact they neverrrr go on sale, 20% off is exceptional!

I find it really annoying trying to buy Jewellery because I have an allergy to Nickel and generally cant buy the cheaper types of jewellery out there. Even the Designer stuff in My Store, Some of which I own myself I cant wear unless its not touching my skin.

I find the layouts of actual stores frustrating, especially the small ones in town, If there is a Sale! You cant even MOVE!

exactly! i'm glad i'm not the only person that feels that way about the layouts! :)

silkdrum- try spray varnish or clear nailpolish on the skin-touching parts of costume jewelery- i have the same problem as you and that normally works so atleast i can wear it for a few hours. went out last weekend wearing a necklace i thought was ok, got a bad reaction and for the next 3 days my neck felt like it was literally on fire!