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From seaside-inspired shell earrings, and statement glass designs fashioned from sand, to precious gemstones and destination-inspired bracelet charms, jewellery makes for a sentimental travel souvenir. As a jewellery-loving traveller, I’ve lost count of how many pieces of jewellery I’ve bought while venturing across the world.
While I still own and cherish most of the jewellery I’ve bought while travelling to this day, it’s surprising just how many of these purchases I’ve grown to regret whether due to paying too much, purchasing a low-quality item, or choosing something I’m unlikely to wear on an impulse buy. As enticing as it can be to treat yourself to a flash piece of jewellery to remember your travels by, it pays to be aware of what to look out for when buying jewellery as a souvenir.
What to know about buying jewellery abroad
Check that jewellery is genuine
When buying jewellery abroad, one of the biggest challenges you’ll face is knowing how to tell if jewellery is genuine or fake. When shopping for gold or silver, look for a hallmark or stamp to confirm purity. Be aware of the different categories of gold (i.e. white gold, yellow gold, rose gold and black gold) and corresponding caratage (the purity of gold, alloyed with other metals). The higher the caratage, the purer the gold; pure gold is 24 carat, while 18 Carat only contains 75% gold mixed with other metals, like copper or silver. Take a look at the jewellery metals guide offered by Sunshine Diamonds for a more in-depth guide on how to identify real gold.
Similarly, you could be offered synthetic gemstones when buying jewellery abroad. While these manmade gemstones often look the part, when viewed close-up, they lack the imperfections found in natural gemstones. If the gemstone is extremely clear, this could be another indication that it’s fake. Among the most commonly faked gemstones are rubies (easily mistaken for garnets), blue sapphires (very similar to iolite and blue spinel) and diamonds (almost identical to cubic zirconia and moissanite, so be wary if you’re planning on treating yourself to a sparkly new tennis necklace while on holiday!)
Don’t get ripped off on price
One of the biggest mistakes you could make when shopping for jewellery in another country, is paying too much for something that simply isn’t worth it. Nobody wants to get scammed or ripped off by dodgy jewellers while on holiday.
Besides keeping an eye out for fake jewellery when shopping for holiday souvenirs, you should be mindful of prices, too. This can be even more of an issue if items aren’t clearly labelled in the shop, as the dealer could hike the cost if they think you’ll go for it (although this could also work to your advantage if you’re clued up on costs, as you could haggle for a more reasonable price!)
It’s only too easy to get carried away when something shiny and new catches your eye while travelling, knowing you won’t be heading back anytime soon. However, just with any expensive purchase, do your due diligence. Whip out your phone, and compare the cost you’ve been quoted with similar products online; if there’s a significant difference, it might be a sign that you’re about to get conned.
Beware of low quality jewellery
If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Just as you should be wary of paying too much for jewellery, you should be equally aware of the potential dangers of paying too little. Often, this could be an indication of a lack of authenticity, or quality – even if you spot jewellery that looks like the real deal. Often, this could be an indication of a lack of authenticity or quality – even if you spot jewellery that looks like the real deal. This is definitely something to be conscious of when shopping for jewellery abroad, especially if you’ve got your heart set on investing in quality items, or perhaps searching for something unique and looking to buy 00 gauge ear plugs.
It’s a little different if you’ll just be buying some cheap friendship bracelets or handmade beaded jewellery on the beach, of course; in that case, you’d certainly expect to part with much less cash than you might if you splashed out on a signature gold or silver piece, for example.
Resist impulse buys
Last, but by no means least – in fact, probably one of my top tips for buying jewellery as a travel souvenir – is to resist the temptation to make quick, sudden purchases at the drop of a hat. Often, you’ll only come to regret these impulse buys.
Personally, I always find myself going through Martin Lewis’ Money Mantra whenever I’m faced with the lure of a last-minute purchases. If you’re skint, you ask yourself: Do I need it? Can I afford it? If you’re living on more of a comfortable budget, ask yourself: Will I use it? Is it worth it? If you answer no to any of these questions, then you shouldn’t be making the purchase.
Whether you’ll be shopping for someone special or simply treating yourself, jewellery can make for a truly thoughtful travel souvenir, that’ll be worn and loved for years to come. However, it’s important to be mindful when buying jewellery abroad in order to avoid any spending regrets when you arrive home.
Store jewellery souvenirs carefully
Just as I regret some of the jewellery souvenirs I’ve bought on impulse over the years, so do I regret the cherished pieces I’ve accidentally broken, or lost; had I taken more care to look after them properly, perhaps I’d still be wearing them today.
I bought the cutest clam shell earrings during my second stay in Grenada, made by a local lady using shells from the beach. I was gutted when I arrived home and unpacked, only to discover they’d been crushed to bits. If you’ll be buying jewellery abroad, take a jewellery box or bubble wrap with you for safe-keeping.
While India’s ‘Pink City’, Jaipur is famous for its dusty pink buildings, and the majestic Hawa Mahal (‘Palace of the Winds), it’s a top destination for precious gemstones. Visiting a local jewellery shop in 2016, most of the jewellery was well above my price range aside for a tiny gold nose ring, studded with colourful gemstones. I fell in love with it that day and wore it ever since until, one day, I took it out to clean it and couldn’t find it afterwards. I hope it’ll turn up eventually, but l kick myself for losing it and constantly wish I’d found somewhere safer to store it when not in use.
What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking of buying jewellery as a travel souvenir?
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