Top 5 Reasons to Shop Local When it Comes to Jewelry
So, the time has come for you to take the plunge and purchase an engagement ring. Maybe you inherited your great grandmother’s pendant and it's in desperate need of repairs and an updated appraisal. Or maybe a milestone wedding anniversary is coming up and you need a gift that is going to absolutely wow your spouse. Maybe you just need an everyday pair of diamond studs that are quality earrings! In all of these situations, one thing remains the same – you need to visit a jeweler. Choosing a jeweler is no small deed. You should not only look for a jeweler with the highest quality jewelry, but one that you trust. Lastly, you must decide if you want to shop from a big box jewelry store or a small, local shop. In this article, we’re going to break down the top five reasons shopping at local businesses will always give you the best deal. #1 – Level of Expertise When you shop at a big box jewelry store such as Jared, Kay Jewelers or Zales, you will most likely be interacting with an entry-level sales associate who does not have a true understanding of the industry nor gemology education. A more than likely, that associate will view you only as a means to their commission. When you shop at an independent jewelry store, like Malak Jewelers, you have access to a team that specializes in engagement rings, appraisals, jewelry repair, custom design jewelry, loose diamonds, timepieces, watches, and much more. Not only that, but our team members receive certification from the Gemological Institute of America and are able to share their expert knowledge with you and assist you in your search for the perfect piece of jewelry according to your personal wants and specifications! #2 – On-going Service A chain jewelry store is going to be able to offer you their merchandise and that is about where the service ends. They will not be your go-to for repairs, appraisals or if you ever choose to sell/trade-in/upgrade a piece. And even if they do offer these services, they will likely be shipping your jewelry off to another location to be taken care of. At Malak Jewelers we ensure a lifetime guarantee for all of our products and are always happy to offer routine repairs, cleanings, upgrades, watch battery replacements and more, all done in-house. Beyond that we absolutely repair and re-size jewelry even if it is not from our store! (No judgement here) #3 – Quality Big box stores buy their merchandise in bulk, meaning that prices are usually marked up excessively to cover such a massive overhead. On the other hand, small jewelry stores, like ours, hand picks their merchandise meaning each item is picked and inspected with care. Also, if you want a piece that is unique and special to you, a private, local, family-owned jeweler is going to be your best bet. #4 – Overall Experience At large jewelry stores, you are likely to be fighting for the attention of a salesperson against all of the other customers in the store and on the other hand that salesman is typically trying to meet a corporate quota. With a local jewelry store, you can schedule an appointment with a jeweler, allowing them to dedicate all their time and attention to you to answer any questions and tailor your experience to you. The experience becomes much more personal, as they can work with you one-on-one to get a true understanding of what it is you’re looking for. Another plus to using a small jewelry store is that they don't have corporate policies to abide by, which means more individualized flexibility when needed. Additionally, when choosing to use a local jeweler you will develop a trusting, long-lasting relationship where you are more than just a number. Our Store motto is "Come in a customer, leave as a friend" which reigns true and has for our 41+ years in this industry. #5 – Supporting the Local Economy When you buy from a family-owned business, like Malak Jewelers, you are helping to contribute to the local economy. Our customers and staff are our shareholders that we strive to please and work together with. Especially with all the pandemic complications, local businesses rely on the support of their local residents more than ever. Supporting local businesses is the key to a thriving local economy and what better way to start shopping small than to buy a special piece of jewelry for yourself or a loved one! Small Business Saturday is coming up soon so support your local jeweler by coming by to see us in The Arboretum even if its just to say hi!