Annual Jewelry Budget?

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

Curious if people rather buy a few smaller things vs. saving up for a larger piece?

I think for me it depends on what I want as a curated collection. I have a wishlist that I maintain and keep removing/adding items as and when I decide on whether I really want them or not. In general, I like to let things marinate on my list for at least a year (unless I come across a really great deal). I also have a personal rule of 1-2 items a year.

I want some items that are small (or lower in value) and some that are much, much higher in value. There are some pieces I will need to save for years to buy. So once I decide I want them, I put some money aside every year for those, and in the meantime buy the cheaper items that I wanted so that I scratch the itch. I haven’t been collecting for very long but that’s the strategy that I plan on employing.

 

[Trekkie]

No, but I do save up for what I want. Sometimes it takes a while and other things have to take priority

Growing up all I wanted was a 1ct old cut. I thought 1ct was huuuge I didn’t know what an old cut was but even as a child I knew some diamonds sparkle differently. I joined PS 10 years ago and found out why I have a 1.2ct old cut now but DSS has set in so I want a 2ct for my 40th in 2024 Again, no set budget, just saving up until I can comfortably afford it.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Curious if people rather buy a few smaller things vs. saving up for a larger piece?

I definitely wait for larger items and rarely buy small things unless it is for my daughters.

I don't have a jewelry budget. We have savings for travel and gifts.

 

[yssie]

I do set a budget at the beginning of the year, but I can't remember the last time I didn't blow it, so...

I usually have a pretty clear vision of what I'd like in my collection, and those wants sort themselves into near-term and long-term naturally; the sorting is predominantly cost-based but I definitely have a tendency to focus on one "type" of jewellery at a time - in 2015 it was earrings, 2018 was statement bracelets, 2019 was pearls.

I've not had any meaningful jewellery regrets for nearly a decade (ignoring $100 here, $50 there sorts of costs). I take that fact as clear indication that my failure to observe my own budget isn't of consequence

 

[tyty333]

No budget (and I mean that not in a good way ). If I have a big birthday or a big anniversary then I get something on the bigger side.
Regular birthdays then I get smaller/less expensive jewelry if I want it (think gold earrings, gold bracelet).

 

[Horsegirl76]

I limit myself to one to two pieces per year. Otherwise I would probably want to buy everything I like. I usually reward myself with one/two pieces at the end of the school year.

 

[Elizabeth35]

No budget. DH is generous and would pretty much indulge me with anything I ask for.
Okay--maybe up to $40K-50K but I don't really want anything more. Not in accumulation mode at this point in life.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Jewellery and budget = oxymoron.

cheers--Sharon

 

[1ofakind]

DH can not survive without a budget/plan/spreadsheet for everything. He has rubbed off on me quite a lot, lol. So yes there is a sparkle budget but there is also flexibility. I also have a little side business that I turn over profits mostly to sparkles. DH is very OK with that as I am frugal by nature...I save tons of money on other things.

Now that I think about it....I should probably get a cut of that 'savings' to go towards sparkly things too. Maybe it's time to renegotiate the budget!!

 

[Polabowla]

Umm I do want all the jewelry.... shh don't tell dh.
I'm lucky to have beautiful pieces but there are just so many more beautiful ones out there!

 

[lilmosun]

No budget, no discipline, an impulse buyer and a bit of a hoarder

I have my savings, 401K etc...taken out of my paycheck so I don't "see" it..and the rest goes into my checking account to cover my bills and free spend.

I have trouble justifying "big" purchases, even when I have the money saved, so I don't have any big "expensive" jewelry pieces (in PS terms). The sad part is I have no problem buying lots of smaller things that add up quickly.

Sometimes I look at all my jewelry and think about how I could really have some of those pieces I drool over. But truthfully, I like changing up my jewelry and I can't bring myself to sell things. Occasionally when I have (short lived) guilt from a buying spree, I will force myself to put a few things up for sale...but whatever doesn't sell right away, I am just as happy keeping.