MANILA, Philippines — Looking for diamond sparklers to match those that Justin Bieber gave to fiancée Hailey Baldwin?
For those who plan to get down in one knee with the perfect engagement ring to come with one’s proposal, here are jewelry hunting tips to say “I do” to, said jewelry expert Lisa Modiquillo.
Modiquillo, General Manager of jewelry company Just Jewels, said these tips work not only for those getting engaged or married, but also to everyone who wants to get started into investing.
1. Buy gold instead of luxury bags or gadgets.
Unlike designer bags or gadgets, gold jewelry’s value appreciates over time, said Modiquillo.
“Jewelry is mobile and is easily convertible into cash in case of emergency, especially when you travel,” she enthused.
2. Go for affordable jewelry but high in value as investment.
One does not have to spend $2 million on a ring, just as what Bieber reportedly did.
According to Modiquillo, one can buy genuine gold jewelry for as low as Php2,000, and this value “fluctuates like currency” in an “upward trend,” she assured.
If you are to buy and sell gold jewelry, she advised doing so like in stocks, so that you can get it when it still has a lower value, but sell it for a higher price when its value is high.
3. Buy by the gram, not by the piece.
Modiquillo said that if a gold jewelry’s price is based by the gram, it makes it cheaper by 40 percent than if bought per piece.
Diamonds, on the other hand, do not come in a fixed rate and is sold not per gram, but depending on clarity.
4. Jewelry can now be bought safely online.
If you do not have time to go to a jewelry shop, you can always buy your stuff online, just like what celebrity couple Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis did when they ordered their wedding rings from the Web.
The online shop, said Modiquillo, is an answer to their growing brand and inventory. It also answers the demand for people looking for convenience of shopping online, and is great for gifting, she said.
“The Philippines is emerging into an online market… it is also an advocacy to get Filipinos into investing,” she explained.
To make it safe to order jewelry, their online store partnered with reliable couriers that make sure to deliver the goods to the customer’s doorstep and they could pay cash on delivery.
5. Buy jewelry for every milestone.
If not getting married, even if you are just a new graduate or getting into your first job, Modiquillo advised to start with functional jewelry like earrings in yellow gold with diamonds.
6. Try also pearls.
Modiquillo recommended pearls for corporate managers for added sign of power and sophistication. The flattering pearl size, she said, is 10 or 12, which makes the pearls big enough to be seen, but not so much to overwhelm.
7. No to blood diamonds.
Make sure to research if your source gets its jewelry ethically and responsibly, Modiquillo reminded.
8. Use your jewelry.
Although one must exercise caution from thieves (or paparazzi, in celebrities' case), Modiquillo said it adds confidence if you are wearing nice pieces.