Shopping for the perfect piece to add to your jewelry collection is a fun and exciting experience. However, with such a wide array of options to choose from, making a final decision can be difficult. To make it more challenging, the market for pre-owned gold jewelry has grown significantly in recent years, which may leave you wondering whether it’s better to buy new or secondhand. While some people might simply prefer one over the other, there are pros and cons to each. Here are a few factors to consider before your next purchase.

New Jewelry

Buying new jewelry means you’ll be the original owner. You can make sure the piece is properly cleaned and cared for so it doesn’t get damaged. New pieces are also likely to hold more sentimental value then a pre-owned item that you know once belonged to someone else. When you get new jewelry, there’s endless opportunities for customization as well. You can create a design from scratch or add to an existing piece to make it truly representative of your style and personality. For most people, the biggest disadvantage of new jewelry is the price. Typically, you should expect to pay more for brand new items than those that are secondhand. 

Old Jewelry

Aside from being more affordable, pre-owned gold jewelry is usually considered a better investment than new pieces. Since items depreciate the most in value after being purchased new, secondhand jewelry actually ends up retaining its value longer. The lower price tag generally means you can also get more for your money. Another benefit is that many pre-owned pieces are from discontinued collections, making them a rare and exclusive find. Additionally, antique and vintage jewelry may come with a piece of history.

One of the drawbacks of secondhand items is that outside of engravings, there are limited options for customizing pre-owned jewelry. You have to choose a piece that you’re truly satisfied with as is. There’s also the risk of unscrupulous sellers who are less than forthcoming about an item’s authenticity or condition. To ensure you don’t run into this, you must do your due diligence in selecting a retailer.

Whether you’re looking for new or pre-owned gold jewelry, you’ll find one-of-a-kind pieces at Steve’s Precious Metals in Redding, CA. We’re proud to be one of the most trusted retailers in the community and will take the time to discuss the best options for each customer’s unique needs. We carry a broad selection of items, from bridal jewelry to everyday fashion statements. Call (530) 223-0170 to make an in-store appointment, or visit us online to browse current inventory.