You have a style all your own, and you're just not happy settling for the same trends as everyone else. It is possible to find truly unique accessories when you buy wholesale jewelry.

With the Internet, a world of choice has opened for those wishing to buy wholesale jewelry. Thousands of retailers and jewelers offer unique pieces for sale online. You'll find exactly what your want or need, at a very competitive price, after spending just a little time surfing the web.

You should be aware that there is a big difference between online jewelry stores and online wholesale companies. Online jewelry stores offer pieces at retail prices, often at a slightly discounted rate. Wholesale companies, on the other hand, sell jewelry at wholesale prices lower than retail.

It is possible to purchase directories of wholesale companies from websites, but this really isn't necessary. This same information is free to access through search engines like Google. For example, if you are looking for an engagement ring at a wholesale price, simply type 'engagement ring wholesale' into the search box, and you'll find links to a string of wholesalers.

In your search to buy wholesale jewelry, you'll find many wholesalers that sell only in bulk orders. It's important to be patient and persistent as you shop around. Some wholesalers do offer individual pieces at discounted prices.

If buying online doesn't appeal to you, consider joining a discount club. These savings clubs, such as Sam's, offer jewelry and other items at deeply discounted prices. You will pay a little more than base wholesale prices, but certainly less than retail.

"Buyer Beware" is a good rule of thumb when dealing with wholesale companies, particularly when shopping online. Always be sure that you're buying the real deal. Scam artists are out there, and they will try to sell you a so-called "authentic" piece that's actually made of synthetic materials. Read the product description very carefully, and make an educated decision before you agree to purchase the item. Look out for terms and phrases like 'realistic' and 'gold plated', sure signs that the jewelry is made of fake stones and substandard metals.

Finally, make sure that the company has a refund or exchange policy before you agree to purchase. Only buy if you are offered a 100% money back guarantee. This protects you in the event that the jewelry does not meet your expectations, or if the quality is not what you were promised.

Cautious online shoppers prefer secure sites like eBay when buying wholesale jewelry. One of the best features of eBay is that it allows consumers to rate sellers that they've dealt with. Poor customer feedback acts as a red light for potential customers, warning against shady sellers and faulty merchandise. Always check the seller's feedback ratings and customer comments before you agree to purchase, to be sure you're dealing with a reputable individual or company.

Important or expensive pieces of jewelry should be purchased using the escrow service that eBay recommends. Even if you have to pay the escrow fee yourself, the security of knowing you've protected your investment is worth the price.

Shopping for wholesale jewelry online is fun, and it's a great way to break free of current fashion trends. You can search a world of selection and find a true treasure. Happy hunting!

Fine Jewelry: How to Buy Online

By: Chris Robertson

When buying fine jewelry online, you should know what to look for and where to shop before getting started. There are so many jewelry stores online today that you can easily be swayed to buy jewelry of low quality, even if the price seems a bit high. This often happens because you're not able to see the actual jewelry before buying. You'll only have a photo of the jewelry to go on, and a photo doesn't tell much. Here are some tips to find fine jewelry from reputable companies.

Gold Fine Jewelry

Knowing the terminology about gold jewelry will help you to shop smarter. Gold comes in karats such as 14k, 18k, and 24k. It also comes in several colors - white gold, yellow gold, two-tone, and tri-color. If you need authentic gold jewelry, avoid descriptions that mention gold filled or gold plated. These are not completely gold, and therefore do not qualify as authentic even though they might be made with a small portion of gold.

Knowing if the gold is genuine through and through will also tell a little about the included stones. Many fake stones will not be set on real solid gold, only on gold plated or gold-filled jewelry.

Diamond Fine Jewelry

Before shopping for diamonds, make sure you understand the difference between karats and carats. A karat measures the purity of gold, and 24k is the purest gold. A carat measures fine gemstones and the weight of diamonds. Larger diamonds, such as those on diamond engagement rings, will usually carry a greater weight in carats than smaller stones, such as those found in diamond tennis bracelets. Look for diamond fine jewelry in which the diamond itself has a carat weight. Make sure the diamond is not cubic zirconium. Cubic zirconium looks like a real diamond, but is not.

When buying a solitaire or cluster diamond ring, consider the cut of the diamond. Look for a diamond that's not cut too shallow or too deep. Hold it to the light to see how it reflects the light. A fine diamond with the proper cut will reflect all the light magnificently. When buying fine jewelry with diamonds online, ask questions about the cut of the diamond and its reflection of light if this information is not available on the website.

Study the variety of diamond shapes online to see which one you like most. Diamonds may be round brilliant, oval, tiffany, marquise, pear-shaped, heart-shaped, emerald cut, princess cut, trilliant, radiant, or cushion cut. Each has its own unique brilliance.

Buying Pearls Online

Pearls come in a variety of colors such as white, gray, black, or yellow. The shapes of pearls can be round, baroque, symmetrical, or irregular. The most exquisite (and expensive) pearls are the sphere-like round pearls. Necklaces with pearls can have single or double strands. The single strands usually have larger, more expensive pearls than the double strands.

A high quality pearl will have a lustrous, shiny surface, strong reflections, and a good contrast between its light and dark areas. Pearls that appear completely flawless are usually fakes, but still your pearls should have minimal blemishes on the surface such as pits, cracks, or discoloration. Authentic pearl earrings should match in size and their look and feel.

Buy Online Safely

Buying fine jewelry online takes a little responsibility on your part. Don't jump on the first deal you see. Think of buying fine jewelry as a long-term investment. Check out the company to be sure it is legitimate. Read all the jewelry descriptions carefully. Be sure the company is in good standing in the Web community. Better Business Bureau Online is a great place to start. Read all policies on returns, shipping, insurance, and authenticity. Many fine jewelry products come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Online jewelry stores offer an amazing selection and many beautiful collections of jewelry. Genuine gold and diamond jewelry also make great gifts for holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. for someone you cherish! With just a little legwork, you can easily and quickly find a variety of pearl earrings, gold necklaces and gold bracelets, diamond rings, diamond tennis bracelets, opal pendants, and other types of fine jewelry - all from your very own home!