Category: Shopping Tips

You’re shopping online for the perfect gift for a loved one–or maybe even yourself. Suddenly, the perfect watch or earrings appear on the screen.

Your eyes open wide–what a fantastic price! In fact, it almost seems to good to be true.

Have you ever been in this situation? Before you pull out your credit card, you need to be sure the jewelry you’re looking at is the real thing.

Sadly, fake jewelry has flooded the market in recent years. One current scam in Ontario has taken unsuspecting buyers for hundreds or even thousands of dollars for fake gold jewelry.

Whether you’re shopping online or in a store, it takes a trained eye to spot fake jewelry. Read on to learn 6 expert tips for spotting fake jewelry that looks real.

1. Examine the Website

Let’s start with the assumption that you’re shopping for jewelry online. This is the easiest place for scammers to sell fake jewelry since you can’t physically inspect it before you buy.

If you see a great deal online, does that automatically mean it’s fake? Not necessarily, but you need to proceed with caution.

Take a good look at the website.

Are the photos high-quality? Are there any spelling or grammatical mistakes or strange wording? This is often the case with websites made in a country where English isn’t the first language.

Next, compare the price of the item to similar websites that feature the same item. Look at sites known to sell high-quality gold or silver jewelry. If you see something advertised for $20 that sells for $100 on other sites, there’s a good chance it’s fake.

Here are a few other warning signs to watch out for when shopping online:

• Extra words in the URL such as “sales” or “deals”
• Vague or absent contact information
• Sites that don’t accept credit or debit card payments
• Unclear or unstated refund policy
• Poor reviews from other buyers

When in doubt, go with your gut. If necessary, do some research on a site like the BBB’s Scam Tracker to ensure the company is legitimate.

Remember–a deal that seems too good to be true usually is.

2. The Seller’s Reputation

Let’s consider another scenario. What if you find the watch of your dreams advertised on a site like eBay, Gumtree, or Facebook Marketplace?

True, plenty of legitimate users sell authentic jewelry on these sites. But because anyone can sign up to sell anything, you need to exercise some caution.

Your best bet is to check the seller’s reputation. Read reviews from other buyers to see how satisfied (or dissatisfied) they were with their purchase. Steer clear of any seller who received a lot of negative feedback.

Another thing to consider is the photo(s) of the item. Did the seller take a photo of the actual item he’s selling, or did he pull a stock image from Google?

A final factor to consider is the seller’s return or refund policy. It’s standard to offer anywhere from 7-14 days to return jewelry you’re not satisfied with.

If the seller lists a zero-refund or return policy, beware. Otherwise, you could end up with a piece of fake, worthless jewelry and no way to get your money back.

Because of the risks associated with buying jewelry online, many savvy shoppers choose to make their purchases in-person. Read on for some more tips to ensure you make a wise purchase.

3. Check the Hallmark

All authentic, high-quality jewelry is required by law to be “hallmarked.” This is true whether the piece is silver, gold, platinum, or palladium.

Common examples include a “stamp” of 14 Carat Gold or 950 Platinum. These stamps certify that the metal of the item is pure and authentic.

Keep in mind that scammers often “stamp” fake jewelry with such a hallmark to make it appear legitimate. They may also stamp something with the name of a known jeweler, such as Cartier or Tiffany & Co.

Take a close look at the font, spelling, and layout, as many of these stamps appear authentic from a distance. If in doubt, take the piece to a reputable jeweler for a professional opinion.

4. Check the Construction

Next, examine the actual construction of the jewelry.

If it’s a watch or bracelet, how do the links appear? Do they have a solid, uniform look, or have they been pinched together?

If the piece has a stone, such as a ring or a pendant, take a good look at the setting. Is the stone properly mounted, or is it glued in place?

These may seem like obvious points, but they’re easily overlooked at first glance.

5. Check the Stones

When shopping for jewelry, it’s vital to remember that real gemstones aren’t perfect. Even high-quality diamonds or gemstones will reveal tiny flaws when examined closely.

In contrast, fake gemstones (including cubic zirconia) are made from a mixture of plastic and glass. They often appear perfectly smooth and unnaturally shiny.

That’s fine if it’s the look you’re going for–lots of women rock costume jewelry. But beware of dropping big bucks for a shiny gemstone that turns out to be a fake!

6. Check the Paperwork

Any legitimate piece of jewelry you purchase should arrive with some certification and other documents.

Diamonds, for example, are always accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Many jewelers also provide manufacturer details and instructions for cleaning and care.

Examine any such documents for the quality of printing as well as any spelling or grammar mistakes. Low-quality documents are a sure sign of a low-quality product.

How to Spot Fake Jewelry: Now You Know

You work hard for your money. Don’t make the tragic mistake of spending it on fake jewelry!

Before you make your next purchase, review these tips to ensure you’re buying authentic jewelry at a fair price.

Looking for more helpful beauty and fashion advice? Check out our latest posts for more money-saving tips.

How much are you willing to spend on jewelry? Some designers charge thousands of dollars for one delicate piece. Some even in the hundreds of thousands range.

That’s absurd! There’s no need to break the bank when it comes to jewelry.

You can find exquisite pieces from affordable designers online. They’re high quality, well made, and gorgeous designs.

Style shouldn’t come at a hefty price. You don’t have to go broke when affordable jewelry brands exist. Keep reading for eight places you can buy inexpensive jewelry online.

1. Etsy

The number one stop for affordable jewelry is Etsy. This powerhouse of designers has something for everyone. No matter your style, you can find a handmade, one of kind gem for you.

Etsy is awesome because it allows independent designers to sell their work. When you buy something from an Etsy seller, you’re supporting a person. Not a giant corporation.

There’s also a high chance that the piece you buy is 100% unique. Everything is handmade and no two pieces are identical.

You can search for your specific jewelry needs like material type and size. Also search by themes, styles, and designs. If you like a designers work you can often ask for custom pieces made for an extra cost.

Prices vary from $1.00-$100.00.

2. H&M

Are you someone who tends to lose their jewelry? One day you’re wearing earrings, the next day they’ve disappeared. Your friends and family have stopped buying you jewelry for gifts.

If that’s you, it’s super important not to spend on a fortune on jewelry.

You want the freedom to wear trendy statement pieces but without the price tag. Enter H&M, the mecca of cheap on-trend jewelry.

Since fashion experts choose everything at H&M, you can guarantee each piece is in style.

Plus, everything’s so cheap you won’t feel guilty for losing them. You might even start receiving jewelry for your birthday again.

Prices range from $3.99-$29.99.

3. Machete

You can wear Italian-sourced jewelry without paying for insane shipping fees. Machete is Atlanta-based but uses materials from Italy.

Each piece is extremely lightweight and comfortable to wear. There’s nothing worse than sore earlobes from heavy hardware.

Besides gorgeous necklaces and earrings, Machete also makes hair accessories. You can add hair ties, clips, and bands to your outfit. Their most popular items are hoop earrings, stud earrings, and pastel hair clips.

Prices range from $9-$78. Affordable and chic!

4. Vrai & Oro

Dainty, simple jewelry pieces are all the rage right now. There’s something about delicate metal that makes an outfit look expensive.

Luckily, the pieces themselves don’t have to be pricey. Vrai & Oro specializes in simple jewelry for an affordable price. And, many of their pieces have ethically sourced diamonds.

Since they’re owned by parent company Diamond Foundry, Vrai & Oro gets discounted diamonds. Each design is made in the US, so you can rest assured that your diamond jewels come from an ethical place.

If you’re looking for a unique diamond engagement ring, this is your store.

Prices range from $55-$85 which is incredible for diamond jewelry!

5. Think Engraved

Nothing says “I love you” like a personalized necklace. Whether your mom, sister, or best friend’s birthday is coming up, engraved jewelry makes a great gift.

At Think Engraved, you can find the perfect rings and bracelets for any occasion. They specialize in engagement rings, prom gifts, and men’s rings.

For men to wear jewelry, it must feel masculine and classy. Thing Engraved only uses the best quality of sterling silver and 14k gold.

Some of their more popular items are the birthstone rings and necklaces. These make great gifts and stylish accessories. They even customize the engraved writing; you can find more info here about their designs.

Prices range from $24.99-$79.99.

6. Dotoly

This affordable online store targets pet lovers and animal enthusiasts. All jewelry is furry-friend inspired. There are pet themed pieces as well as wild animals.

For the sloth lovers, there’s a ring that has a tiny sloth clinging to your finger. Have a specific breed of dog you love? You can shop by animal and breed for your specialized preference.

They offer a range of ring, earring, and bracelet styles. The materials used vary between gold, silver, and copper. Some designs are even size-adjustable for the most comfortability.

If you’d prefer a more unique piece, check out the handmade section. These designs use materials like resin, clay, and shrink plastic.

Prices range from $9.99-$29.99. You won’t find a better deal!

7. Amelia Stardust

You’re quirky and eclectic. You want jewelry that depicts pop culture while also adding style to your outfit. Amelia Stardust is your ultimate affordable jewelry destination.

This brand is for unique and fun shoppers. Earrings come in the shapes of hot dogs, planets, and lightning bolts. You can even find subtle Harry Potter references, like the Deathly Hollows earrings.

Many of their pieces are throwbacks to 90’s fashion. Check out the plastic coil chokers and beaded anklets. Besides jewelry, they also sell patches, enamel pins, and hats.

Prices range from $1.00-$24.

8. Cents of Style

Jewelry should make you feel great when you wear it. At least, that’s what Cents of Style aims to do with their pieces. Each design tries to bring empowerment and strength to its wearer.

Pendant necklaces say phrases like “Actually, I can” and “Soul Sister”. Cuff bracelets boast messages of self-worth, confidence, and fierceness.

Besides metal materials, many of their pieces use vegan leather for a more natural style. Designs can go with a variety of outfits from day to night.

Prices range from $9.95-$19.95.

Want More Stores That Sell Inexpensive Jewelry Online?

It shouldn’t cost a fortune to wear stylish jewelry. Luckily, finding affordable pieces has never been so easy. There are hundreds of awesome inexpensive jewelry online stores to find your next necklace.

Check out the eight online stores above for gorgeous, affordable, and fun pieces.

For more tips on finding affordable jewelry and other frugal living ideas, read more on the blog!

The CBD market is expected to grow by 700% in the next couple of years. Use the best CBD oil beauty products to improve your health and appearance all at once.

Over 55% of CBD product users are women. In 2018, CBD beauty products are not only inevitable but in demand.

Here are the best CBD beauty products for this year:

1. Best CBD Oil Product: Lord Jones High CBD Pain & Wellness Formula

Lord Jones High CBD Pain & Wellness Formula is a body lotion that contains high amounts of CBD. By using CBD oil for skin, this lotion gives you a cooling sensation that soothes sore muscles, skin conditions, and joint pain.

This formula absorbs into your skin easily, making it ideal for anyone who wants a lightweight but potent product. CBD also contains fatty acids and natural emollients that nourish your skin.

Women who suffer from cramps find relief with this Lord Jones product. That includes women with endometriosis.

People who’ve used this lotion compliment its relaxing smell. This product features the Lord Jones Signature Fragrance. This fragrance blend contains notes of green citrus, sage, and mint.

There’s also a fragrance-free version of this Lord Jones lotion.

2. Herb Essntls Body Lotion

Herb Essntls Body Lotion is made with cannabis sativa seed oil. This lotion also contains organic ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, and chamomile. It’s rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that are beneficial to your skin.

This lightweight product is made for all skin types. It’s highly recommended for anyone with eczema because it reduces itching and inflammation.

If you’re looking for something a little more versatile, this next product will tickle your fancy:

3. Revive CBD Balm

Revive CBD Balm is made by LEEF Organics. This organic balm treats sore muscles and joints, fights inflammation, promotes relaxation, and enriches your skin with nutrients.

It’s so effective at fighting menstrual cramps, some users report experiencing relief within 5 minutes of application.

This product combines organic whole flower CBD extract with calendula, grapeseed oil, cacao butter, lavender, and comfrey.

You can also mix this balm into a cup of coffee and drink it for CBD oil benefits. Don’t worry – You won’t get high and it’s legal. Discover more information about the reality of CBD oil.

Store this product in the refrigerator to help it return to its natural consistency.

4. Sagely Naturals Relief & Recovery Cream

The Relief & Recovery cream by Sagely Naturals combines CBD oil with essential oils for a potent punch. This CBD face cream was created by Ph.D. chemists in the United States. Use this cream to relieve tired, stressed, or fatigued muscles and joints.

This product contains high amounts of CBD along with peppermint and menthol (for cooling and anti-inflammatory properties), safflower seed oil (for skin nourishment and hydration), and argan oil (rich in Vitamin E and essential fatty acids).

Some people with chronic pain report that this product is so effective, it’s replaced their need for Bengay and IcyHot.

5. Sunday Goods Bath Bomb

Bath bombs improve your skin, making them an ideal beauty product. To use a bath bomb, you simply throw one into the bath, get in, and reap its benefits.

The CBD bath bombs by Sunday Goods contain 25 mg of CBD. These bath bombs use aromatherapy effects to relax you and enrich your skin.

There are 2 bath bomb types to choose from: Invigorating and Tranquil. The Tranquil bath bomb contains essential oils like lavender and bergamot which not only relax you but improve your mood.

Invigorating, on the other hand, has essential oils like grapefruit, vanilla, and sweet oranges. This bath bomb is good for treating depression, anxiety, and stress. Its effects are described as “euphoric,” “relaxed,” and “happy.”

If you live in a state where cannabis is legal, Sunday Goods also carries bath bombs with THC. THC is the active ingredient in cannabis that makes you high. This brand also sells CBD/THC blended bath bombs.

6. Vertly Hemp-Infused Lip Balm

The hemp-infused lip balm by Vertly contains CBD. This lip balm comes in peppermint and rose flavors. It comes in a blend with organic ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, cacao butter, kokum butter, and jojoba oil.

Using this lip balm lets you enjoy its anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains antioxidants which help your skin fight against aging.

The manufacturers boast that this lip balm calms you. This product is ideal if you deal with anxiety.

7.Milk Makeup Kush Mascara

Kush Mascara by Milk Makeup is vegan and uses CBD oil as a binding ingredient. Most mascaras use beeswax, which is an animal product.

The CBD oil gives the mascara a creamy finish while hydrating your eyelashes. Unlike regular mascaras, this product conditions your eyelashes and allows for minimal tugging.

This product is talc-free and cruelty-free.

The mascara brush uses heart-shaped fibers to lift and curl your lashes.

8. Khus + Khus Sen Face Serum

The Sen face serum by Khus + Khus is a multi-purpose serum for your skin. This serum has anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. It also fights acne, hydrates skin, and improves your overall skin health.

This product is ideal for sensitive skin, eczema, and preventing wrinkles. It’s made with a unique blend of ingredients such as lavender, frankincense, and black currant seed oil.

Kiss your dead skin cells goodbye and say “hello” to healthy skin. Using this product promotes healthy cell growth in your skin with ingredients like Somalian Frankincense Co2.

Become More Beautiful With CBD

Around 44% of women feel unattractive without wearing makeup. The best CBD oil beauty products will boost your confidence and enhance your beauty.

Using CBD oil is 1 of the wisest investments you’ll ever make in your health.

Invest in yourself and see what else the world of beauty has in store for you. You won’t regret it.

Have you ever noticed how much jewelry the man in your life wears? While most people think these kinds of accessories are for women, many men love to wear jewelry.

Whether it be a watch on their wrist, a ring on their finger, or even earrings and chain necklaces, men definitely know how to wear jewelry. In fact, most men feel naked without their go-to pieces!

There’s nothing wrong with expanding your man’s collection, though. Before you get him another bottle of cologne for his birthday or send dad another new wallet for Father’s Day, see what kind of men’s jewelry you can buy.

Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect men’s jewelry piece.

1. Consider His Go-to Style

Some guys wear nothing but gym clothes and simple styles all the time while others can be seen in a suit any day of the week. There’s also the guys who love the laid-back hipster look and those who prefer to be more put-together and preppy.

Which kind of guy is the man in your life? Think about this before you go shopping. Understanding his style will come in handy as you navigate all the options of men’s jewelry in the store.

2. Pay Attention to the Material

Just as there’s a noticeable style difference between a plain t-shirt and a flannel that’s clearly been thrifted, there’s a difference between a leather watch band, a gold watch, or some sort of athletic material. This goes for bracelets and necklaces/chains, too.

Pay attention to your man’s preferred material before you go shopping. The last thing you want to do is find the perfect bracelet only to realize you need something made of metal, not leather.

3. Choose a Color

Another detail worth focusing on right off the bat is the color of men’s jewelry you’re looking at. In the same way that you have a preference between gold and silver or brown and black, your man does, too.

Think about this as you browse men’s rings, bracelets for men, and more. Maybe even consider his favorite pair of dress shoes or the color of the belt he wears every day before narrowing down your options.

4. Understand Proportions

As you start to get a better idea of what your man might like, think about what will actually look good on him. Not every guy can pull off a huge watch with a big, flashy face. On the other hand, some guys are built too thick for thin watch bands or small necklace chains.

You have to imagine the men’s jewelry on him. This way, you’re not just shopping for what catches your eye the most in the store, but what will look perfect for his body.

5. Know His Fit

Have you ever had to get a ring resized because your boyfriend didn’t know what it was? Your man is going to have to go through the same thing if you don’t know his size.

You’re also going to need his wrist measurement for a watch or bracelet, and it wouldn’t hurt to have some sort of idea about how long he likes his chains.

6. Stick with the Classics

Maybe you already have the right sizes written down and you know exactly the kind of color and material your guy likes. Shopping for men’s jewelry should be smooth sailing, right? Not necessarily.

The next thing to consider is how flashy you want to be. Even if your boyfriend is known for lavish suits and over the top tie patterns, he needs something that’s going to complement all of his looks.

Always go with the classic jewelry pieces over the flashy ones. Such a move makes it easy for your man to wear his new jewelry when going to work, on a night out, and sometimes, even to the gym!

7. Consult a Jeweler

If you’re really at a loss for what to buy or where to even begin, consult a jeweler. Whether the person behind the counter is a man or a woman, he or she has seen plenty of ladies like you come into their store. They know how to take a description of your man and his style and run with it.

Before you know it, the jeweler has all kinds of men’s necklaces, earrings for men, plenty of watches, and much more for you to choose from. Not to mention, they can help you make the final decision if you’re stuck between two options.

8. Ask a Guy Friend

While it’s always great to make friends with the jeweler, another thing you can do is bring a guy friend along. Bring your man’s best friend when you go shopping or ask one of your buddies to join you.

Either way, make sure you have a man present. He can help point you in the right direction and offer the kind of male perspective you need to make the best choice.

9. Look at the Price

Just when you think you’ve found what you’re looking for, check the price tag. It’s one thing to discover an amazing piece of men’s jewelry and another to be able to afford it!

More often than not, you don’t have to break the bank. Simply keep looking until you find the best jewelry item that fits your budget.

10. Consider How Long It Will Last

The final thing to think about is how long the jewelry will last. This is both in terms of style and durability.

Style comes down to what is hot now and what is always timeless. Keep this in mind when you’re tempted to go for something trendy over a classic item.

More so, take a second to consider how strong the materials are. Invest in real precious metals and strong diamonds/stones whenever you can. This way, you can trust the jewelry you buy will last for many years to come.

You can click for more about different diamond cuts, strengths, and sizes.

Styling Men’s Jewelry with Different Outfits

Whether you’re shopping for the most stylish man you know or you’re looking for men’s jewelry to give him a bit of a fashion boost, your guy needs to know how to pair his new jewelry with various outfits. This way, he can go from the office to the dancefloor to a casual date night while wearing what you’ve bought him.

But, being fashionable doesn’t mean breaking the bank! For tips on saving money on men’s jewelry like chains, rings, and more, click here.

As a mom, we know that you love dressing up your child in the latest styles and trends.

But when it comes to the top looks of the season, it can be incredibly tough to find out where to buy cheap baby clothes. You don’t want your child to look less than their best (or have to buy from unethical companies.)

Still, sometimes it can be tough to justify the sky-high prices of children’s clothing.

In this post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about how to get the best kid clothes without having to spend half of your paycheck.

Whether you thrift, clip coupons, or look for giveaways online, follow these steps to ensure that your child always looks like they just stepped off of the runway.

1. Scour for Coupons

The best way to score the best kid clothes for a fraction of the original price?

Head online to coupon sites (and sites like our own) that are dedicated to compiling all the latest coupons, giveaways, and deals all in one place.

Look for sites that collect coupon codes, offer you advice about upcoming sales, or tip you off about how to score freebies from your favorite companies.

Also, take a look at how to save on shipping costs when you’re browsing through the websites of your favorite children’s clothing retailers.

For example, this company, Kids With Style, offers completely free shipping on orders that are over $75.00. Make sure that you focus on hitting the free shipping minimum when you shop online by buying in bulk, like before the start of a new school year or holiday season.

2. Sign Up for E-Newsletters

Of course, if you really want to get the best kid clothes for half the price, we strongly suggest signing up for the e-newsletters of your favorite clothing brands.

You may receive a discount of anywhere from 10-50% just for signing up in the first place. Plus, you’ll also be among the first to learn about flash sales and in-store events where you can score the same clothes for less.

You may even be able to get coupons for things like you or your child’s birthday. Plus, if you can get your friends to sign up for their newsletter as well, you may get a discount code sent to you.

This way, you can find out about the trends in the bestchildren’ss clothes while also learning how to save!

3. Re-Create the Looks for Less

If you’re struggling with where to buy cheap baby clothes, then it’s probably because you haven’t yet explored the best option of all: thrift shops.

As a mom who loves to save, you have a hard time justifying shelling out some serious cash for clothing that your child may outgrow in less than a year.

And while you want to score inexpensive baby clothes, you also want your child to look stylish.

This is where thrifting comes into play.

After all, you’re not the only parent who has clothing that their child has already grown out of! You might be surprised by the high quality of design and brand names that you can find in your local thrift shop.

Check out this awesome guide for some incredible life hacks about how to thrift for children’s clothes. Remember that, if you don’t want to hit the thrift store, you can always hit up your mom friends for hand-me-downs!

4. Write Your Favorite Companies

You might be surprised by just how effective letting baby and kids clothing companies know how much you love their products can be.

If you have the time — and want to score some freebies — take the time to write to the brands you love and tell them why you love their clothes. Even if they don’t hook your kid up with a new wardrobe, they’ll likely send you a free piece or a coupon for a percentage off your next purchase.

You can also offer to write an online review in exchange for free products. You’ll get to test out the hottest trends on the children’s runway without having to pay the price!

5. Promote the Best Childrens Clothes on Social Media

Are you a popular mommy blogger? Do you have a larger following on social media? Do you run your own children’s product company?

If you have any kind of a strong digital presence, then you should leverage your Internet fame (no matter how A-list or D-list) in order to score free stuff from your favorite kids clothing companies.

Reach out to companies and offer to write a blog post on their best-selling clothes if they send them to you for free. Offer to upload a cute photo of your child wearing pieces from a new collection, and promise to promote the brand for a few months afterwards.

You’ll likely be surprised by how many children’s clothing companies ask you to become an official brand ambassador. Plus, the more times you do it, the more clothing companies will start to take notice.

Need More Ways to Save on the Best Kid Clothes?

Whether you’re on the hunt for inexpensive baby clothes, or just want to make sure that your six-year-old looks sharp for school picture day, we hope that you’ve learned it’s possible to get the look for less.

By hitting up the thrift shop, visiting coupon sites, or even just leveraging your own social media following, you can get fabulous deals on the best kid clothes.

Of course, we also know that children’s clothing isn’t the only thing that you’re looking to save some serious cash on!

Whether you want to find ways to cut corners on baby food, diapers, or even vacations for you and your other mom friends, we’re here to help you to make it happen.

Spend some time on our website and blog to find out more about how to spend less and experience more.