Jo Munro
The Savvy Shopaholic
It is no secret I love to shop. One of my favourite categories to shop is jewellery. I never leave the house without at the very least a pair of earrings and more often than not, a ring. I can change my whole outlook on life wearing a gorgeous ring, cuff or pendant to brighten me up.
I love to purchase that stunning unique piece that speaks to me, that marks a moment in time and has some significance. My tastes range from the ultra modern to the timelessly traditional. I have so many meaningful pieces in my collection that I feel like my jewellery drawers are autobiographical. Ask me about a piece I am wearing and I will have a story about it.
I confess some pieces are shamefully expensive and some not so but all valuable to me. Even my well chosen, less expensive items look good because I have applied some savvy strategies. Yes, you really can have Luxe for Less!
My Mother taught me some valuable lessons I am guided by to this day.
Lesson 1. An item doesn’t have to be expensive to look expensive.
I would like a dollar for every time someone has complimented my 1 ct diamond heart shaped studs. They are set in a beautiful 18ct yellow gold setting. They look like, act like and sparkle like they cost me $15k when really they are good quality cubic zirconia in a very good quality gold setting.
Lesson 2. Listen to experts and industry insiders
If you can pick the brain of someone in the industry bringing you the best take advantage of it. When I bought rose gold chains from Italian artisans from Arezzo (one of the four Italian jewellery districts) I was fascinated to hear their advice and understand what dictates the best. When purchasing diamonds understanding the four C’s. Clarity, Colour, Cut and Carat weight determines what identifies a quality diamond. Even when selecting a modern sterling silver piece or two tone modern design from Tiffany I want to know the insider secrets. This is how I learned about and have selected my jewellery collection.
With a good eye for quality and some savvy insider advice, beautiful jewellery can be picked up for a song. The trick is to look for great design, beautiful workmanship and good quality metals.
Imagine my delight when I came across The Online Jewellery Company (let’s call them OJCO). I was browsing online for some gift suggestions for my Christmas Buyers Guide and happened upon ojco.com.au.
Wow, they ticked all the boxes for me.
- OJCO ARE the insiders bringing amazing quality and delivering aggressive pricing due to the fact they are so well placed in the jewellery industry. It is like shopping with a wholesale insider.
I Love, love, love this.
Yes they have beautiful artisan chains from Italy and stunning real diamond rings at almost ridiculous pricing. Whilst drooling my way through their current Diamond Ring Sample Sale I had to keep checking the information as there are gorgeous 9ct gold diamond band rings for sale priced less than what I have paid for Cubic Zirconia’s in the recent past – yes, really!! OJCO have even more than the standard jewellery fare they also regularly curate a selection of slick, modern pieces. I was so impressed by their range and reach.
- OJCO are not offering the same old same old.
They have masculine modern pieces for men in stainless steel and black leather. If you are buying for a loved one starting their jewellery collection peruse the OJCO Austrian Crystal pieces set in gorgeous sterling silver settings. Yes, they are Stellux from the best crystal company in the world, Swarovski of course! I love the gorgeous bling rings – Such a festive Statement… I would love to wear the flower one to Christmas lunch!
If you are yearning for something fun for the one you love check out the charming heartbeat necklace in rose gold plate with 1ct CZs for $79.90. It sure beats the standard heart-shaped necklace sold in every shopping mall … no pun intended! There are so many gorgeous pieces that are so well made it is impossible to guess what the stones are.
When I saw their classic 11ct CZ silver tennis bracelet on sale for under $100 I had to look twice! The perfect little treat to pop on your wrist for the holidays! It is so beautifully made no one will question the authenticity… Are they diamonds? Let’s keep it our secret shall we?
OJCO have such a wonderful range from the sleek youthful ultra modern pieces that scream designer to pieces that look like they are family heirlooms and will be for some time.
- OJCO have an easy to access Gift section.
If you are looking for wonderful pieces for your loved ones this Christmas you can not go past OJCO gift section with gifts under $50, $100 and $200 for her and for him. There are fabulous stocking stuffer items like fun cuff links ($20) and collar stays. Not to mention the elegant array of personalised jewellery and beautiful religious/spiritual jewellery for those special occasions.
The more I browsed the more excited I got by the range, the designs, the quality and of course the wonderful value.
- OJCO offers great brands
The OJCO website is also home to some of my favourite brands like Seiko watches, Thomas Sabo and the breathtaking Galeiras Goldsmiths and some brands that are new to me but will not be strangers for very long.
I can feel a whole new chapter in my jewellery biography about to be purchased. I think I might need a new jewellery drawer. Lucky for me OJCO also have Zip pay which will allow me to power shop now and pay later no interest! Now you can see why I love, love, love OJCO!
The success of the online market has positively impacted the price we pay, the quality delivered and how products come to market. The best news is that the ease of online communication has also opened opportunities for shoppers to avoid the costly middleman and shop with the experts. Now you can shop like an insider too!
