Pricing Gold Chains Like Jewelers

December 31, 2008 by Afshin Yaghtin · 2 Comments

Gold chains are by far the simplest types of gold jewelry to price. Learn how to price gold chains like professional jewelers!

The most important thing to look for is the gram weight of the gold chain in question. Once you have determined the gram weight, you are equipped for price comparisons.

Of course, keep in mind that price alone is not always the sole factor. Purchase jewelry only from reputable jewelry stores, and make sure they have a strong return policy, an established reputation, and excellent customer service.

Pricing Basics

Let’s use a 3mm gold rope chain for our pricing model. If a gold rope chain costs $450.00 and weighs 14.0 grams, you can do the math and realize that you are being charged $32.14 per gram of gold that is in that chain.

Quick Formula: Price of Gold Chain / by Gram Weight = Price per Gram.

You find another 3mm gold rope chain priced at $500.00. This chain appears to be $50 more expensive. Upon closer examination, the chain weighs 16.5 grams. Using the above simple formula:

$500 divided by 16.5 = $30.30 per gram.

The second chain is actually the better deal when you consider the gold content ($30.30 per gram of gold vs. $32.14).

This is hypothetical of course and prices can vary significantly from store to store. We have found that most online jewelers charge an average of 30% more for the same gold chain as Apples of Gold Jewelry.

This is why we are not afraid to disclose what many other jewelers fear to share.

Watch out for jewelers who do not disclose gram weights

Jewelers to stay far, far away from are ones who do not disclose the gram weight of their chains or who use a wide range to list the gram weight–such as, “Chain weighs between 16 – 23 grams”.

There should not be more than a maximum of a 10% variance in the gram weight of a gold chain or substantial piece of gold jewelry. So if a gold chain is advertised at 10.0 grams, it should weigh somewhere in the 9 – 11 gram range (and that is being liberal).

Reputable jewelers will also honor the gram weights of their chains by adjusting the price of a gold chain if the chain turns out to contain a significantly less gram weight than advertised.

There’s Always an Exception to the Rule

pink-diamond-jewelry There are always a few exceptions. It is often not customary to advertise gram weights of wedding bands, diamond rings, and gemstone rings (although if asked, jewelers should always disclose the weight if available).

The reason being that items such as wedding bands or diamond rings, for example, are not solely based on the precious metals content. Much larger factors come into play, such as design, the labor of love and time it takes to create such rings, and in the case of gemstones and diamonds: the quality and rarity of the stones weigh far greatly than the few grams of gold such rings often contain.

These types of fine jewelry are often sold by the piece, rather than by the gram (don’t be surprised if a jeweler takes it personally when the mistake is made of evaluating such items based on gram weight alone. Just hang your head in shame at this point and swiftly apologize).

Price Matching

Jewelers who want your business will do their best to price match or beat other advertised prices. Of course, keep cool and reasonable. Don’t expect a quality jeweler to match the price of a gold chain you found at a shoddy looking jewelry website whose prices haven’t been updated for 5 years and who don’t provide a customer service phone #. Identify and compare with jewelers’ real competitors to get a better price.

Gold Volatility

gold-volatility Lastly, keep in mind that gold prices can be volatile and the gold chain that you saw advertised at $300 today may soon hit $350 if gold prices continue to rise, as historical gold prices have indicated over the last several years.

Likewise, with a significant downturn in the price of gold, you should expect gold chain prices to decrease over time.

Keep in mind that other factors such as inflation, increased business expense, and the struggle for many businesses to survive in tough economic times, may play a role in determining whether to increase or decrease the price of gold jewelry.

The price of gold is a large determinant of the price of gold jewelry, but it is also often a guideline–not a stringent policy.

Best Jewelry Gifts for $125 and Less!

December 8, 2008 by Afshin Yaghtin · Leave a Comment

Apples of Gold has selected its best 15 jewelry gift ideas ranging in price from $65 to $125. Free FedEx shipping is included.

1. Diamond Harmony Cross Pendant in 14K White Gold, Price: $125

The elegant, architectural, polished lines of this cross embody balance and harmony. One diamond set in the center symbolizes the light and love of God.

2. Love Knot Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold, Price: $85

Elegant, beautifully polished love knot earrings symbolize eterntal love in 14k yellow gold. Also available in 14k white gold.

3. Beveled Globe Smoky Quartz Ring in Sterling Silver, Price: $95

This simple nickel-free sterling silver ring brandishes a majestic, genuine bevel-cut 12mm smoky quartz gemstone.

4. 14K Rose Gold Hoop Earrings, Price: $115

14K Rose Gold is the newest trend in hoop earrings. Measuring 1 1/8″ in diameter and 2.75mm in thickness.

5. Tinkerbell Pendant in 14K Solid Gold, Price: $99

Official Disney Fine Jewelry. Also Check Out Mickey, Pooh, Cinderella, and more Disney Jewelry.

6. Men’s Titanium Cross Pendant, Price: $65

One of our most popular men’s crosses. Made with pure titanium in a brushed finish with polished beveled edges.

7. Garnet Gemstone Stud Earrings set in 14K White Gold, Price: $125

Also available in amethyst, emerald, sapphire, ruby, tanzanite, and more gemstone stud earrings (prices may vary for different gemstones).

8. Sterling Silver Spinner “Love” Ring, Price: $95

A hand-crafted nickel-free sterling silver band surrounded by a spinning ring, engraved with the word, “Love”.

9. “The Arca” Men’s Titanium Bracelet, Price: $125

Forza Tesori has created an awesome, two-toned air craft grade titanium bracelet for guys who know a solid investment when they see one. The bracelet has a brilliant finish with shiny accents and smooth lines that are comfortable in any setting.

10. Bible Pendant in 14K Gold (Bible Opens), Price: $125

Our 14k gold Holy Bible Pendant Opens with numerous pages to reveal the Lord’s Prayer in the beautiful King James Version.

11. Two-Toned Dual Hoop Earrings in 14K Gold. Price: $95

Uniquely made and finely crafted in 14k two-tone gold, our dual hoop earrings are a perfect fit. Measures approx. 3/4″ in size and is light and extremely comfortable on the ears.

12. Heart Hoop Earrings in 14K Gold, Price: $65