Finding a well-made necklace should be straightforward. After all, it's just metal and a chain. But my experience taught me that the jewelry industry is riddled with pitfalls. Whether you're investing thousands or just fifty dollars, dishonest practices are all too common.
My search for the perfect men's crucifix cross necklace for my personal collection stretched over three frustrating months. I ended up wasting both money and time. Now, I follow three straightforward rules that ensure I never get cheated again.
Never make a purchase without knowing these key facts:
On a chilly January afternoon, I was looking at my father's favorite silver chain—a piece he had worn for years. It was a handsome men's crucifix cross necklace, but the silver had grown dull and the edges were visibly worn. I wanted to replace it for him with something new and robust, a piece that would endure for decades, not just a few months.
I began my hunt at two opposite extremes: high-end boutiques and bargain online retailers.
My initial approach was to go upscale. I assumed that spending more would guarantee superior quality and service. I was mistaken.
I visited a renowned jewelry store downtown and explained to the sales associate that I was looking for a sturdy gold cross. The agent was courteous but distant. He informed me that to gain priority access to their most sought-after items, I would first need to purchase other pieces. He referred to this as "building a relationship."
I asked, "So I have to buy things I don't want just to get the item I actually came for?"
He likened it to acquiring a limited-edition sports car. I disagreed. This wasn't an exclusive item; it was a basic gold cross. The whole exchange felt demeaning. They were leveraging their brand to pressure me into unnecessary purchases.
I quickly understood that a high price tag doesn't buy trust—it often means the sales staff dangle the product just out of reach.
Takeaway: Steer clear of "relationship buying." Purchasing a simple piece of jewelry should be easy.
Since the luxury route was a dead end, I swung to the opposite extreme and searched for deals online. I found listings for what appeared to be quality chains at shockingly low prices. I thought I'd discovered a secret loophole.