The top seven ways to save money on custom jewelry

1.  Instead of 18K (750) gold, use 14K (585). As 18K is 75% gold and 25% other metals it is more luxurious (and costly!) than 14K which is 58.5% gold. You don’t have to use 950 platinum either- 900 anyone?

2. Use yellow gold instead of white. White gold is almost always plated or “flashed” with rhodium, so using yellow gold will eliminate this step.  Less labor, less materials= less cost!

3. Use a picture as a guide to make the wax model instead of CAD. It is exciting and gratifying to see your jewelry come to life in the form of a 3D rendering. It is also convenient and offers insurance that the finished product will be just what you want. But it’s not free!

4. Use fewer stones. Are you considering different designs that vary in the number of gemstones? One stone costs less because it reduces the labor involved.

5.  Use palladium instead of gold. Exotic metals are in, and most people don’t know the difference in price between platinum and gold and palladium. Your blue sapphire will look stunning in palladium and it will save you money while giving your finished jewelry an exotic and exclusive appeal.

6.  Recycle old stones into a new design. Most people have unused jewelry that has lost appeal over time. Don’t let those 2mm diamonds go to waste! They will accent a new ruby or tanzanite ring or pendant really well to create a stunning look. You can’t beat free; the flash for the cash is superb!

7.  Scrap that gold! Yes, we do take gold as payment for jewelry or stones- and we pay A LOT more than most jewelers or pawnshops. At current prices you shouldn’t ignore this source of jewelry-making capital lying in a drawer.

If you have a question you can always send me a note at dave@tiptopgem.com.  We would love to hear from you!