HOW TO CHOOSE A JEWELLER YOU CAN TRUST

At H.Samuel, we understand that the jewellery journey can seem a bit overwhelming. After all, you want to find the perfect piece for your loved one, but as these aren’t items you shop for regularly, chances are your knowledge isn’t as up to scratch as you’d like it to be. That’s why we believe finding a jeweller you can trust is one of the most important steps to guaranteeing you walk away with a piece of jewellery that will stand the test of time. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right jeweller for you.

TRUST & CREDIBILITY

A good reputation will do a lot to set your mind at ease. Start by asking friends and family if they’ve shopped with the jeweller before and what their experience was like. Then, check out their history and brand values. Not only will this give you some peace of mind, but it’ll allow you to narrow down your options before doing store visits. H.Samuel has been a loved jeweller for over 150 years and we couldn’t be prouder of our history. Our founder, Harriet Samuel, believed in the power of gifting and in creating jewellery that made people feel happy and valued. In a world that would benefit from a touch more kindness, we care just as much about those values today as Harriet did back then.

STYLE

Whether you are looking for a ring, necklace, bracelet, earrings or some gift inspiration, we’d recommend taking a bit of time to browse the different styles your potential jeweller has available online. After all, there’s no point visiting a store to find out that their designs aren’t to your taste. We believe that having a wide range of styles to choose from is very important, especially if you aren’t sure which style your partner will prefer. That’s why we stock exclusive collections from leading brands including Emmy London, Perfect Fit, Forever Diamond and Enchanted Disney Fine Jewellery, and have one of the broadest ranges of gift options of any high street jeweller. So, whether you are looking for vintage, classic or modern, we’re confident we’ll be able to help you find the perfect style.

BUDGET

Another important factor is that you need to be comfortable with the pricing the jeweller offers. Milestone moments like engagements and weddings come with lots of additional costs, so it’s best to not put any extra pressure on yourself by overspending. A respectable jeweller should offer excellent value for money, and always work within the budget you give them. Presenting a few styles that are ever so slightly over budget is acceptable as long as there are some real tangible benefits. However, if they are upselling options that are considerably out of your price range, it’s a big red flag that they aren’t paying attention to your needs.

SERVICE

You don’t have to be a jewellery expert, but you do have to be able to trust that the jeweller is! Shopping for diamonds, gemstones and precious metals can seem like it has a language of its own, and understandably, not everyone knows the difference between cut and carat. A good jeweller should be able to answer questions and get you up to speed in a clear and informative way. They should also be happy to share their knowledge. We have really handy buying guides online, so you can do a bit of research before you visit to get a better understanding of the jewellery you’re considering.

Choosing a jeweller with a knowledgeable and helpful customer service team will help to make that big decision a little bit easier. If you aren’t sure what your partner’s dream ring would be, they’ll be able to work with you to narrow down the options. Or, if you’re shopping on a budget and are worried about having to compromise on that all-important sparkle, they’ll be able to show you options that prioritise the elements you care about the most.

We believe that you should always walk away from a jewellers feeling comfortable and informed, rather than overwhelmed. And whilst we know that jewellery shops can sometimes seem a bit intimidating, we pride ourselves on being friendly, approachable and welcoming. Our people are our greatest asset. Not only are they expertly trained, but they genuinely care about helping you find that perfect piece of jewellery for your loved one.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

There is no denying that buying an engagement ring or fine jewellery can be a hefty investment. Luckily, some jewellers offer finance options to help take the pressure off. Before purchasing on finance, always be sure to read the small print, so you aren’t stung by any surprise interest charges later down the line. At H.Samuel, we believe in making the process as stress-free as possible. That’s why we offer a simple Interest-Free Credit option which only requires a 10% deposit upfront, and the rest can be paid off over a 6 to 36 month period. With no interest, no hidden charges and a minimum spend starting from £300, it really is as good as it sounds!

AFTERCARE

No matter how careful you are, accidents do happen, so it’s best to look into what aftercare packages the jeweller offers. For example, we offer insurance options, warranty, service plans, repairs and cleaning. Not only do these packages give our customers peace of mind that their prized possessions are safe, but we feel it’s the best way to ensure they stay looking their best for a lifetime.

SUMMARY

Once you’ve done your research, if you are still undecided then it’s best to trust your gut. These big purchases are usually made at exciting but nerve-wracking times, so chances are the jeweller who makes you feel most comfortable is probably the right choice for you. If you have any questions, want more information on any of our payment or aftercare options, or just need some help finding the perfect engagement ring, wedding band or gift, our in-store team will be more than happy to help.