You have consulted birthstones charts and want to buy jewelry. Are you looking for some ways to save money? There are many factors that contribute to the cost. Some are obvious. Others may not have occurred to you.

Identity

The birthstones are gemstones. Some are obviously more expensive than others. The birthstones chart currently used in the United States contains less expensive alternates for most months. There are many other lists:

1. Astrological charts use different time periods that combine months.
2. Old historical lists often assign the gemstones to different months and may substitute a few different stones.
3, Different countries have their own lists.

You can find these different birthstone charts on many websites.

Quality

The term genuine gemstone simply means that the stone has the necessary characteristics for its identity. The quality of color and clarity affects the price. Inclusions of other materials can detract from the clarity and reduce the value.

Color

Today many gemstones are color enhanced. Heat treating, diffusion, radiation, oiling, and dyeing are means of improving color. The gemstone industry assumes that these processes have been used, and sellers often do not volunteer the information. Ruby, sapphire, topaz, tanzanite, aquamarine, citrine, and others are routinely heated. Emerald is oiled. Beads may be dyed.

Assuming other qualities equal, natural color gemstones will be the most expensive. Dyed stones will be the least expensive.

Size

Gemstones are sold by weight. The larger the stone, the higher the price per carat. For example, one carat total weight of several small rubies will cost less than a one carat single ruby. Do not compare weight of different kinds of gemstones. They have different densities. A 1 carat ruby is not the same size as a 1 carat diamond.

Beads

When rough gemstone material comes out of the mine, the highest quality is set aside for cutting into loose stones for settings. The lower quality is used for beads. Why? Because drilling a bead hole wastes valuable weight.

Beaded jewelry may cost less. The difference in quality is not always obvious. The best quality gemstone beads are often tiny faceted rondelle shapes. The more valuable gemstones, such as ruby, emerald, and sapphire are seldom made into large beads, unless they are dyed or contain many inclusions. If you want natural color birthstones, you can probably find them as beads at an affordable price.

Lab Created or Synthetic Gemstones

They have the same characteristics as natural gemstones, but not the same inclusions. The process contains similarities to the natural creation, but time and quality are controlled by man. These high quality stones are expensive, but should cost less than the same quality mined gemstone.

Imitation Birthstones

They may be other less expensive gemstones that are dyed. Howlite is used to imitate turquoise. Glass imitations were popular in the 1940s and 1950s. They were often set in 10k gold rings. You may find them in antique or vintage jewelry stores. Prices will vary and may be determined by value as a collectible.

Swarovski crystal is a popular substitute as a birthstone. The colors are named after gemstones. Imitations should cost less than genuine gemstones.

Pearls

Pearls are organic gemstones created by oysters (salt water) or clams (freshwater). Natural pearls found by diving are rare and most expensive. Today almost all genuine pearl jewelry is cultured on pearl farms. The clam or oyster is induced to create the pearl. Pearls are sorted according to quality, size, and shape. gold hardness may be dyed. These characteristics determine price.

Imitations are man made, usually by coating glass, crystal, or plastic. Faux is a French word for false and indicates imitation. Again, quality will determine price.


Precious Metals

The cost of gold and silver has increased drastically. They are also sold by weight. Heavy ornate settings, clasps, or beads can increase cost. Different kinds of metal are priced from high to low in this order: 18k, 14k, 10k gold, vermeil (gold plated sterling silver), sterling silver, gold filled, gold plated, silver plated, gold or silver tone base metals.

Beaded Jewelry

Beaded birthstone jewelry has other options for lower prices. Tiny spacer beads reduce the number of birthstone beads needed. They can be silver, gold, inexpensive gemstones, or glass seed beads. Look for other less expensive beads in the design, or just a few birthstones as focal points.

Designer

This term can raise the price. Designer jewelry implies special talent, design experience or education. In reality, anyone can advertise as a designer. Jewelry that carries the name of a well known store, name brand, famous designer, or celebrity may cost more. Endorsements are expensive. If fashion jewelry containing imitation gemstones and base metal is sold in a well known or upscale clothing store, it can cost more than jewelry with genuine gemstones sold on a website.

Custom Made

Birthstone jewelry that requires extra time, new design, buying new or unusual materials can be expensive. Instead use the seller's existing design with substitution of in stock stones or beads.

Middlemen

The number between the mine and the jewelry seller is one of the biggest factors affecting price. A hobbyist who buys materials from a retail store adds a middleman. A seller who designs and makes jewelry and buys beads or loose stones directly from the cutter eliminates distributors. Ask questions. Today it is easy to buy from jewelry makers. Look for their websites. Attend craft fairs or gem shows.

Overhead

Does the seller have to pay any of these business overhead costs? Store, warehouse, office; employees; business records; website design, upkeep, hosting; photography; advertising; credit card processing. Buy from a business that is run from a home. Look for information on the About Us page.

Mass Produced Jewelry

Large volume selling can mean cheap prices. Materials are bought in large quantities. Even handmade items are produced by a large number of workers repeating the same design. Usually the jewelry is imported from countries where labor is cheap. You can find this jewelry in chain stores, large websites, discount stores. Quality may be affected by time deadlines, boring repetition, or inexpensive construction materials. Few or one of a kind jewelry cannot be offered.

Shipping and Packaging

It is never free. It must either be included in overhead or paid as added cost by the buyer. Actual shipping costs vary. You can check them on the shipping carrier's website if you know the location of the seller. First class mail is inexpensive for small, light weight packages.

If you buy directly from a country where labor costs are low, the savings may be offset by high international shipping. Returning an item would be expensive. Handling costs also vary. Fancy boxes and packing materials can raise the price.