How to Choose Jewellery
Choosing the perfect piece of jewellery can be confusing! A beautiful piece of jewellery is always going to be a really personal thing, but with so many styles out there to pick from it can seem a little overwhelming.
The perfect piece of jewellery adds the finishing touches to your outfit, reflecting your own personal style, but with so many glittering options out there it can be difficult to find the perfect piece for you. A beautiful piece of jewellery is the exclamation point of your look and an important part of creating personal style – so what steps should you take when choosing jewellery? Laings of Glasgow bring you an insight.
What’s your budget?
We know it’s a boring point to start off with, but deciding what you can and want to spend is really important. If you have a clear idea of what your budget is it can really help to narrow down your search and it means you won’t be distracted by shiny things that are little more than you were planning to spend!
This could also mean looking into the different styles of jewellery you would be interested in. For instance, body jewellery can come in all different shapes, sizes and materials, offering you a world of choice, within a budget.

What material is for you?
The gold, or metal, that you choose forms the base of the piece and helps to dictate its look. White gold or platinum is one of the most popular choices at the moment, with a stunning sheen. Yellow gold has a warm glow to it, whilst rose gold has a soft, romantic hue.
What kind of gem are you looking for?
The jewels that make up the design are what brings the piece of jewellery to life. For generations, diamonds have been the gem of choice with their endless glittering appeal. A coloured gemstone, however, can also add a touch of personality and unique style. The radiant June birthstone – also known as the pearl – is another jewel that has been loved for centuries for its timeless elegance.
A statement or classic piece?
Now you have to think about whether you want the piece to be a talking point or a simple, finishing touch. It’s worth thinking about whether you like going big and bold with your style or if you prefer simple and delicate pieces. Statement pieces tend to be distinctive designs, whilst classic pieces can easily be worn every day and are more subtle.
Would you prefer something a little more unique?
If you’ve got a particularly unique style one option is to go down the bespoke route. With this, you can design your own piece of jewellery and it will be exactly what you want. It’s ideal if you’ve got a very particular idea of your dream piece of jewellery! If you’re a fan of vintage chic you could have a look at vintage pieces and re-create the glamour of a bygone era.
Are you a fashion follower?
If you love your designer labels you don’t have to forget this when you’re looking at jewellery. High-end fashion houses such as Gucci also have stylish jewellery lines that will satisfy any label-lover. There’s also a host of stylish brands, such as Roberto Coin, Chimento and Fope, that can add a touch of Italian style to your look.
Do you have a favourite cut?
The cut of the stone can help to create the look of a piece of jewellery. For diamonds, the round brilliant is the most popular shape as it really emphasises the stone’s sparkle. However, there are also the fancy cuts – emerald, marquise, oval and pear – if you’re looking for something a little different.
Make sure you go to the right jewellers!
This could be the most important point. By going to a reputable jeweller, you’ll be treated to expert advice, quality assurance and a glittering selection.
Do you have a top tip for Jewellery buying?
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I am very indecisive when it comes to buying anything, but in particular, jewellery!
It can be hard can’t it, trying to make sure you get the right piece.
Never really thought about it. It’s usually a case of “can I afford it, and do I like it enough to pay that amount for t”. 🙂 Although most of my jewellery is costume anyway.
This is so helpful and I’ll definitely be referring to it when buying a ring soon, especially in terms of the material I choose and the cut!
I love jewellery and I ask myself similar questions before going in with a purchase!
I think I just get lost in the awee and ahh moments and sometimes end up walking away buying nothing because instead of liking one piece I tend to like them all lol
I choose what suits me in my price range
I’m currently digging raw cut jewelry. I think its so pretty and unique!
Everything looks very pretty! BUT my little budget goes for traveling and sometimes for artisan jewellery to surprise my girlfriend…
Choosing the right jewelry involves different factors and it’s nice to know what you want. These are very good guidelines, especially when it’s your first time.
I never know how to pick the perfect piece of jewellery – thanks for your advice 🙂
It is so hard isn’t it and there is a lot of misinformation around as well which is never good.
I don’t really wear much jewellery anymore but when I do it’s always silver.
I have some lovely rings for a night out 🙂
Dani x
some great tips for finding jewellery, it’s not always easy choosing because they are so many choices
I totally agree it has to be one of the hardest things to buy sometimes.
I don’t wear a lot of jewelry, but I always tend to prefer a lovely delicate rose gold piece!
Rose gold is definitely an on-trend colour at the moment 🙂
Diamonds! Diamonds! Diamonds! Diamonds! Diamonds! Diamonds! Diamonds! Diamonds! all for under £10 please 😉
Oh gosh if only that was possible I would be a happy bunny.
I’m not a huge jewelry wearer, so I didn’t know so much went in to picking them out. Whenever I do, I wear silver.
Timing is amazing as just yesterday I was searching for matching earrings & amazed at how my preferences for different metals/colors has changed over the years. I do like today’s emphasis on more natural colors
oh see this is something I have a lot of but I think I may just have to go and treat myself as so many beautiful pieces here
great post! I have such a hard time picking out pieces, I often just give up, since as you say, it’s overwhelming! Too many choices haha 🙂
I am not a big jewelry wearer, but I did enjoy reading this. I have often wondered about why people choose the pieces they do. Maybe I will try to get something now that I know what I really need to be looking for.
Jewellery makes the perfect accessories to an outfit
These are great tips. I like simple gold or silver, but will sometimes add color depending on what I am wearing.
I love silver but it doesn’t love me. ? Great list.
Fantastic tips on choosing jewellery. I usually go for classic pieces in white gold – those are my favourite! 🙂
I prefer silver jewellery to gold as i always think silver looks better
I am the same but I can’t wear silver in my ears, so I have to be expensive and have white gold.
I do love jewellery and I think if you have specific tastes in can be easier to narrow down the choices because it can be so tough!
Most definitely, I’m after something with an opal in at the moment so it’s fun to look at all the different ones you can get.
I definitely suffer from “paralysis of choice” when shopping for things like jewelry. Breaking it down like this is a great idea. Thanks for the tips!
It is so hard isn’t it I still have a whole host of rings in my Etsy out box, can’t decide which to buy.
Looks so high-class jewelries! I like it all. Great choice! Its totally amazed me.
There is such a huge choice out there isn’t there, it’s hard to pick a favourite.
I used to work for a couture jewelry company- I’ve been obsessed over since. These are great tips on how to pick out jewelry. Budget is definitely something to consider first!
Oh my goodness I would have NO money if I worked somewhere like that haha.
Great post, the perfect jewellery can really make an outfit!
It really can, it is amazing the difference. x
I wear rose gold but sometimes I am not sure whether to be minimalist or buy a statement piece so this is a great checklist x
It is so hard isn’t it!I lovesilver more than gold coloured pieces often. x
Love these tips, I always tend to go to the same jewellers time and time again as I love the stuff they do x
It is great when you find the perfect place for you! That is awesome.
These are all good tips! It would be useful for thinking about buying someone jewelry as a gift too!
Oh gosh buying jewellery as a gift is always so hard isn’t it!
Those rings are so pretty. The big ones are very unique
I have to admit I love big rings but my fingers are just too small for them lol
My engagement/ wedding rings are square cut in yellow gold. We will celebrate our 20th next year and want to renew our vows as well.
Oh wow congratulations on your 20 years next year, and have a wonderful renew of your vows.
I really like Cartier’s simple pieces, I have one of their rings and love it. Anything simple and elegant is right up my street! Great food for thought in this post.
Oh I bet they are absolutely beautiful <3
I mainly wear silver for everyday jewellery, however I do wear yellow gold on special occasions and my engagement ring and wedding/eternity bands are all in yellow gold. I think jewellery is definitely a personal choice.
It really is everyone has different tastes, I love seeing what others like.
I only wear silver or platinum. My wedding/engagement rings are platinum so I like everything to match.
Oh I bet they are beautiful, I have to admit I like to stick to the same metal as well.
Such beautiful jewellery x
Oohhh you’ve made me want more beautiful jewellery
Makes such a difference to all our outfits