Herts &amp; Beds

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/Charlotte-gatward.jpeg" alt="Charlotte Gatward" class="wp-image-76222" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/Charlotte-gatward.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/Charlotte-gatward-800x534.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/Charlotte-gatward-787x525.jpeg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Fine jewellery can be a big investment, so it’s really important to know what you’re looking for and to be assured of the quality and provenance. Charlotte is the 8th generation of her family to run <a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/gatwards-jewellers-hitchin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gatwards of Hitchin</a>, which specialises in diamonds and gemstones, so she certainly knows her stuff when it comes to all things sparkly. Here’s her advice on what to look for and how to dodge the potential pitfalls when it comes to buying fine jewellery.



Is it important to have a clear idea of what you’re looking for before you go shopping or is it better to have an open mind?



Any pictures or examples of the styles that you like can be helpful when it comes to sourcing that perfect piece of jewellery for you. But is important to have an open mind, too – sometimes pictures of jewellery that you find on the Internet can be deceiving, particularly when it comes to price.



When choosing a jeweller, is there any quality mark or accreditation you should you look for before stepping through the doors?



I would always want to ensure that the jeweller is a member of The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ). I would also check that the team members looking after you have a jewellery industry qualification. All of our team members at Gatwards have at least JET1 (Jewellery Education Training Level 1).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/gatwards-window-1000x750.jpg" alt="jewellery displayed in window Gatwrds of Hitchin" class="wp-image-76091" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/gatwards-window-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/gatwards-window-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/gatwards-window-700x525.jpg 700w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/gatwards-window.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



What will hold its value best and really stand the test of time? 



Diamonds will usually hold their value thanks to their durability and desirability. Gold has been very resilient in terms of value recently &#8211; with its price remaining high for a number of years now. It&#8217;s really important though to think about why you’re buying the piece of jewellery. I would never advise buying for investment purposes, as an increase in value is never guaranteed – just like any investment you make. 



Is it better to go for something classic or unique?



This purely comes down to personal taste. Classic styles will never go out of fashion but there is something special about owning a unique piece of jewellery – particularly if it’s a bespoke piece that you helped to design yourself.



Tell us more about the four Cs when choosing diamonds&#8230;



The 4 Cs (carat weight, clarity, colour and cut) are the main influencers on diamond price. Interestingly, with coloured gemstones, the vibrancy of colour, where the gemstone came from (ie a Colombian Emerald is more highly prized than an Indian Emerald), the carat weight as well as the rarity of the piece will all influence the price. The most important thing though is whether you really love it. Sometimes we can get too caught up in the specifications and forget to fall in love with a gemstone for its beauty. Jewellery is to be worn and treasured after all!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/Gatwards-jewellery-1000x750.jpg" alt="necklace with coloured gemstones on display" class="wp-image-76089" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/Gatwards-jewellery-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/Gatwards-jewellery-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/Gatwards-jewellery-700x525.jpg 700w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/Gatwards-jewellery.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



What certification you should you ask for when purchasing gemstones? 



Diamonds and coloured gemstones can be certified, but you don’t necessarily need a certificate when you purchase a piece of fine jewellery. Most reputable jewellers can tell you where the gemstone came from and its carat weight. Certified diamonds will be more expensive because the certification process is very detailed and specialised. You can also send the piece of jewellery to one of the main laboratories – such as the IGI or the GIA to have it certificated. It is a good idea to get a valuation for insurance purposes from a registered valuer and then you will have all the information. 



How can you be sure that diamonds have been ethically sourced?



The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme was established in 2003 and imposes extensive requirements on its members to enable them to certify shipments of rough diamonds as &#8216;conflict-free&#8217;. The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Diamond_Council">World Diamond Council</a> created a System of Warranties (that has been endorsed by all KPCS participants inlcuding the UK), where all buyers and sellers of diamonds have to confirm that they are conflict-free. The Kimberley Process is exclusive to diamonds though and no such system exists yet for coloured gemstones.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/diamond-ring-canva-1000x667.jpg" alt="Diamond ring on woman's hand engagement wedding ring" class="wp-image-78557" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/diamond-ring-canva-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/diamond-ring-canva-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/diamond-ring-canva-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/diamond-ring-canva.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Is it worth considering a lab-grown diamond? 



Lab-grown diamonds have been the subject of much debate in the jewellery industry. As they can now be mass produced, they are cheaper than natural diamonds and the quality is just as good &#8211; they have excellent colour and cut to the naked eye and jewellers have to use specialist technology to tell the difference. But we don&#8217;t know if they&#8217;ll hold their value long term, so that is a risk to purchasing one. And the carbon footprint required to make them is enormous, with lab workers often working long hours in difficult conditions, so there&#8217;s still debate as to whether or not they are more sustainable and ethical than natural diamonds.



When it comes to vintage pieces, how can you be sure of the quality and provenance?



An independent valuer, registered with the NAJ, would be able to give you that information. Whenever we purchase second hand or vintage pieces, we get a valuation from our registered valuer, so that we can determine a fair price for our customers.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/Vintage-ring-unsplash-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-78559" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/Vintage-ring-unsplash-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/Vintage-ring-unsplash-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/Vintage-ring-unsplash-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/Vintage-ring-unsplash.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Should you go away and think about it, or try a few different shops before committing to purchasing an expensive piece? 



Yes it’s a good idea to take your time to make sure you are 100% happy. We encourage our customers to take pictures on their phone of the piece of jewellery so that they can look at it in their own time. You should feel comfortable coming back into the shop and trying the piece on as many times as you like before committing to the purchase. It&#8217;s important not to feel pressurised as it is so personal and at Gatwards, we take pride in helping customers to find something that they will treasure for a lifetime. My advice would be to walk away if you’re feeling pressurised in any way.



Should you insure your jewellery before leaving the shop with it?



Your contents insurance should hopefully cover you if anything happened between leaving the shop and getting home. However, if it is a high value item, you should insure your piece of jewellery as soon as possible. Most jewellers will be able to recommend specialised jewellery insurance, or you can speak to your current insurer about adding the piece to your policy. Most insurers will then ask for an independent valuation each year.



<a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/gatwards-jewellers-hitchin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">To find out more about Gatwards of Hitchin, click here</a>.

How to buy a forever piece of jewellery

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