Different tips could work well for you, depending on the type of jewellery you wish to purchase. All the trouble that you go into selecting a good diamond piece greatly differs from the factors you'll consider when selecting a great pearl necklace or a splendid pair of sterling silver earrings. Surprisingly, no matter how varied your preferences are, some basic tips apply to general jewellery buying. Check out the list to find out what they are.

1. Remember the things you need to ask the jeweller. All your research may have given you a fair idea on the jewellery item you wish to purchase, but don't depend entirely on them. Keep a list of questions to shoot the jeweller or a jewellery appraiser. You may want to inquire about warranty information or the worth of a gemstone, for instance.

2. Remember the size you are looking for. Without you or your friend doing any fitting, the jewellery you buy may be a wasted investment if you buy the wrong size. Fit is very vital when you're purchasing rings and bracelets. You can skip this tip if you're into other jewellery items (pendants, necklaces, earrings and brooches) but if you have time to spare, try fitting the pieces to check how they look on you and to assess how comfortable you feel wearing them.

3. Remember your budget and paying options. Just like Christmas shopping, jewellery buying requires some careful planning. This usually involves not just the item you wish to buy but your saving and fund-raising plans as well to make the purchase. Whether you pay by credit card, debit card, check or cash, define which amount qualifies as overspending. Condition your mind not to show any interest on items that exceed your planned budget.

4. Remember your plan and stick to it. Doing so not only lets you stay within your budget but also saves you valuable time. If you intend to get your best friend a necklace and you already did extensive research on the details you will be looking for, by all means, hunt for that perfect necklace. Changing your mind in an instant to get a bracelet or an anklet instead renders you ill-equipped to make a sound buying decision. In fact, doing the latter is similar to groping in the dark: without anything planned, you do not know what you ought to be looking for.

5. Remember your warning flags in tandem with your original plan. Knowing what to look for in the jewellery piece you're particularly interested in is fine but knowing what to avoid is even better. The former might confuse you as there are a number of pieces that might all share the good qualities you're searching. On the other hand, the latter functions as your make-or-break checklist so that if you catch one warning flag, you can ditch the jewellery piece and evaluate the next item. The usual warning flags include a hefty price tag, poor workmanship, wrong fit, and a stone, style or material that does not match your preferences.