Everyone loves a timeless piece of jewelry, but the price tag that comes along with it can be jarring. Even if you don’t have the budget for a large diamond, however, you can still afford a beautiful statement piece or an accessory that holds up through everyday use. Here is how to find the piece that sparkles just as much as you do.

Think outside of big name retailers. That little blue box from Tiffany & Co. has come to symbolise the very best in exclusive jewelry, but if you choose to shop here, you may be shelling out up to 80 percent more for the name alone. If you want to balance your love of finer things with your budget, try looking at other, more local shops, which not only offer high-quality jewelry at a lower price but are often willing to negotiate with you. And if you find a trusted retailer that sells jewelry, such as Achica, you could even check their online site for price discounts.

Go for a birthstone. Diamonds aren’t the only way to achieve brilliance in an exclusive piece of jewelry. Birthstones like garnet, tanzanite, or peridot go well with smaller diamond accents to create a unique ring, earring, or other jewelry piece to make a stunning statement. These gems are usually less expensive than larger diamonds, as well.

Consider pearls. When thinking of classic jewelry styles that will last a long time, many minds automatically envision diamonds or other gem stones like sapphire, ruby, or emerald. While these gems are the cornerstone of most exclusive jewelry designs, pearls are a more affordable choice that can be just as elegant. In order to get the best pearls at an affordable price, look for cultured ones, which have been formed by inserting a piece of shell into a mussel or oyster and giving it time to develop into a pearl. These are much less expensive than natural pearls. Also, when searching for pearls, lustre is what you should be looking for, so avoid buying a strand that has cloudy surfaces.

Alter a piece that you already own. You can make a sentimental gift or keep a tradition in the family by taking older pieces of jewelry and upgrading them to a more luxurious setting. A silver or gold ring can be transformed into a beautiful platinum necklace or a set of matching earrings by resetting the stones in platinum, for example. This will cut your budget because you already have the pieces that you want to work with; all you have to do is pay for the upgrade.Shop around. Even with all of these tips, the best way to find exclusive jewelry for a great price is to talk to several different jewellers. No matter what kind of piece you are searching for, you are poised to learn a great deal of information about high-quality gems, which can help guide you during your shopping experience.

The key to buying jewelry at an affordable price is not to lower your standards but to think of alternatives that are just as beautiful. With these ideas in mind, your budget can cover a whole lot more the next time you go shopping for jewelry.

Novell Design Studio’s Great American Metal Exchange (GAME) program allows qualified jewelry stores to trade in unusable precious metals for Novell’s new Studio Platinum bridal-classics collection. It’s a weight exchange with a minimal program fee. Acceptable precious metals for this special opportunity are platinum, gold, and palladium.  Is there a better way and time to profit from your under-performing, broken, and damaged merchandise? The GAME is a meticulously planned and executed bridal jewelry stimulus package. It meets the challenges of the hard economy head on!

How Do You Qualify for the GAME?

Qualifying for Novell’s GAME is easy. You must be a retail jewelry store with a strong bridal presence, or have a commitment to strengthen your bridal business. Candidates should have an active account with Novell Design Studio, but those that do not can apply for an account with a GAME facilitator.  GAME participants have to comply with a few very reasonable terms and conditions as well. Interested jewelry stores also need to have enough platinum, gold, or palladium to complete the trade.  Just call or e-mail any one of Novell’s GAME facilitators listed at www.novellsgame.com/game-facilitators.html, and they will make the confirmation process very easy for you.

Introducing Studio Platinum

Novell’s Studio Platinum collection is specifically designed for the Great American Metal Exchange. Studio Platinum is a registered and branded Novell Design Studio creation.  The new-product line will be wholly marketed to consumers and trade. Studio Platinum’s styling targets the nouveau-classic tastes of today’s bride.  It is a collection of the traditional bridal jewelry standards, made to be most relevant for your customers.  All designs are artfully crafted to be affordable in the best metal the world has to offer – platinum.  Although Studio Platinum samples will feature platinum, styles will be available in other precious metals by special order.  Customization is easy through Novell’s Custom Shop representatives. Novell manufactures the entire collection in their 24,000 square foot New Jersey facility. Their reputation for flexibility, quality, and serviceability is unequaled.

Why Tout Platinum Bridal Jewelry?

The new social-network consumers, both male and female, conduct extensive online research before committing their hearts and dollars to their bridal jewelry purchases.  But during this discovery phase, what do they find out about platinum?  They find out that as a setting, no other precious metal will be as durable or as protective of diamonds. Platinum is the only precious metal that doesn’t wear down and decrease in content over time.  Consumer research tells us that 81% of women about to be engaged want platinum,* while the primary reason consumers purchase something other than platinum is because the product was not available at the store.** The GAME solves this problem by positioning your store to make your customers’ dreams come true – and earn you a more profitable sale in the process. Please visit www.novellsgame.com for more information. But act now, as Novell’s GAME is for a limited time only!

*Condé Nast Bridal Group Wedding Study

** Platinum Guild International’s Mystery Shopping Research

Contact:

Rick Mulholland – Marketing & Advertising

Novell Design Studio

888-668-3551 ext. 103

rick@novelldesignstudio.com

www.novelldesignstudio.com

www.novellsgame.com