Collaborative / Partnered Post - My Jewellery Obsession And 4 Things That You Need To Know Before Selling Your Gold Jewellery*

Ever since I was a little girl I've loved jewellery, one of my most treasured memories of my grandma, is emptying out her jewellery drawers and playing jewellery shops with all of her necklaces, bracelets and brooches. I remember being bought the odd thing as a child, but as soon I was old enough, I couldn't get enough of the stuff, and I asked for it as presents, and when I could I bought my own - I don't care whether it's new or vintage, costume jewellery or the real thing, I am a real jewellery obsessive, as you can probably tell from these pictures of just some of my collection.

I am always loathed to get rid of things, but tastes change (clown necklaces anyone?), things get broken, and every now and then sense kicks in and I try and make my collection a little bit more manageable. I'm not one for throwing things away so I usually pass my unwanted pieces on to friends or family, or I take them to the charity shop. You can't give away everything though, so what do you do with those more special but still unwanted pieces, or even necklaces that are tangled or earrings that are broken, well if they're made of gold or any other precious metal, then you can of course sell them.

Selling gold jewellery for cash is still something that's extremely popular with a lot of individuals, especially during the tough economic climate in the UK. This is because gold is still something which is both sort after and valuable, and even though the prices have gone down a bit lately, there is still good money to be made selling your unwanted gold jewellery. I must admit I've actually sold quite a few pieces in the past, as I say tastes change, things break, and sometimes it's better to have the money in your hand rather than sitting unloved in drawer somewhere.

Anything involving money can be a bit of a minefield though, it's better to be safe then sorry, and it's important to think about it long and hard before you make any decisions, so if this is something that you're considering, then there are four important things to consider before you hand over your unwanted gold jewellery for cash.

Selling your gold online can be more profitable...

There are lots of different places whereby you can sell your gold jewellery, such as jewellers, cash for gold stores, kiosks in shopping centres, pawnbrokers and of course via online companies. Although it might seem like the most scary and complicated one, the last option may be the best one because internet stores tend to give you a higher valuation for your gold. The reason for this is because the online world is more competitive. You can easily compare quotes via the internet so companies need to stand out and give you the best price out there.

You can sell gold which is broken or tangled...

A lot of people deter from trying to sell their gold for cash because it is broken or their jewellery is all tangled. People think that this means the company in question will not accept their gold and thus it is worth nothing or very little. However, this could not be further from the truth. The worth of your gold is calculated based on the weight of it and how many carats it is. So, if you have got an old tangled gold necklace and it is broken, you can trade this in so you can buy new jewellery, whether you’ve been brave and recently got a nipple piercing, or a helix piercing or you simply want to add to a new and more on trend piece to your collection.

You should never have to pay for a valuation of your gold...

A lot of people, including some people that I know have unfortunately ended being up tricked by companies who charge them to see how much their gold in worth, either that or they take a valuation fee off the final offer. You shouldn't have to pay money in order to learn how much you can sell your gold for. After all, this defeats the object of selling your pieces in the first place, okay you want to get rid of something but at the same time you also want to make a bit of extra cash. You need to ask for a free quotation; moreover you need to ensure that there are no obligations involved. Make sure that you don't have to go ahead with the transaction just because a company gives you an estimate.

You can receive your cash quickly...

More and more people are turning to selling their gold for cash because of its quick payment solution. This is a much more attractive option in comparison to payday loans and credit card spending. Nevertheless, some people do not realise just how quickly you can receive cash for your gold. It is not a drawn out process like auction websites and alike. Instead you get an instant valuation and once the gold is received , from most buyers you will get your money within 24 hours. This is great because it means that cash for gold can solve problems such as unexpected costs and expensive bills. Just make sure that this is the case and you're dealing with a reputable company who won't leave you hanging and waiting for your money.

As I say even though the price of gold has fallen compared to say a few years ago, it's still something worth considering if you have some unwanted or broken pieces just lying in the drawer and you could do with some extra cash for some home improvements, a holiday or even just to buy some new pieces of jewellery. The key thing is to be careful, make sure you know what you have, and shop around, in my experience the valuations varied dramatically, so get a few different quotes, it might take a bit of time but it will be worth it in the long run. Hopefully this post has given you something to think about, just consider some of the things that I've mentioned, do your research and pick a reputable company and you should be quids in, and you could be ready to add some new pieces to your jewellery collection - I can honestly say that I probably don't need any more jewellery but I don't think that's going to stop me buying more x Are you a jewellery obsessive like me? Let me know in the comments x

*Collaborative / Partnered Post

AD - Spreading The Cost Of Winter Fashion And Some New Online Discoveries*

Purely based on my own experience of talking to people, watching You Tube videos, reading magazines and reading blogs, I've discovered that when it comes to fashion, people roughly fall into two categories, there are spring and summer people, there are are autumn and winter people.

I definitely fall into the autumn and winter camp, I love jumpers, cardigans, warm scarves, and chunky and practical winter boots! Don't get me wrong I still love t-shirts and sandals but whether it's down to my body shape, my lifestyle, or even plain old personal preference, I love to cover up and to get warm and cosy.

At the moment I'm in my element, the shops at the moment are full of fabulous colours and fabulous winter styles but lets be honest, who really wants to brave the high street when it's cold and pouring with rain, or brave that out of town shopping centre when it's full of Christmas shoppers? Not me! At least not all of the time anyways/ I'm 100% in favour of supporting local businesses and our high streets, but sometimes especially when your health isn't the best like mine, it makes a lot more sense to do a least of some of your shopping online.

Although online shopping is a relatively new thing, distance shopping isn't a modern invention by any means, people have been shopping from catalogues since the 1800's and whilst I'm not quite that old, I have fond, childhood memories of circling things in my mam's mail order catalogue and trying to rest the huge, heavy book comfortably on my tiny knees!

Now pretty much every store has some sort of online or mail order shopping presence, and although catalogues aren't always the first place that you may think of when it comes to online shopping, in some cases they probably should be your first port of call no matter what you're looking for, but especially when it comes to shopping for winter fashion for the whole family.

Online catalogues are probably one of the best alternatives to actually getting out there and braving the high street. Not only is the whole shopping experience less stressful and less time consuming but you also have the added benefits of choice, convenience, easy price comparisons, the occasional option to spread the cost , and of course lots of special offers, all at your fingertips. If you're interested in picking up some new winter fashion pieces and you would like to spread the cost or at what can be an expensive time of year, or make your life just a little bit easier by shopping online, here are 2 online catalogues that may not have heard of that might be right up your street.

Fashion World

When it comes to clothes shopping, Fashion World really is the creme de la creme when it comes to catalogue shopping. Although like me, you may not have necessarily heard of Fashion World, you'll definitely have heard of some of the brands that they stock and some of their sister stores, websites and catalogues. Part of the JD Williams & Company group, one of the leading purveyors of mail order catalogues in the UK, Fashion World makes shopping quick, and easy. As well as a huge variety of women's clothing in sizes 12-32, Fashion World also stocks a range of men's and children's wear, as well as home items, electricals and Christmas gifts - so you can stock up on some winter fashion pieces and of course some festive gifts for both friends and family at the same time - convenient, guilt free shopping - what more could you want?!

Madeline 

If you're looking for fashions just that bit different, and with a bit more sophistication, and class then Madeline should probably be your first port of call. Established way back in 1977 Madeline are of one of the pioneers in the mail order fashion business and have operations both in the UK and in mainland Europe. They're easy to navigate online catalogue contains a wide variety of high fashion clothing, shoes and accessories that are perfect for this time of year. Focusing entirely on female fashion, the site contains everything for the autumn and winter season, from winter boots, to cosy scarves, smart work wear, sparkly evening wear and comfortable, yet stylish casual clothing. Madeline is considered by many to be the site for people who know what top fashion is all about and I can see why. Whilst often veering towards the classic their clothes seem to have enough of an edge to make them appeal to the most fashion conscious women out there, be it in the cut of a garment, in the shape of a collar or a seem or even in the buttons or on a trim, they really do seem to offer something that's just that little bit different. 

If you're anything like me then I know you'll probably need no excuse to go shopping, so I won't be responsible for any purchases made because of this post ;) I know I've definitely made a wishlist after checking out both of these online catalogues, and it's definitely made me wonder just how many other catalogues and shopping sites there are that I haven't discovered yet x The Internet really is a wonderful thing when it comes to shopping or even window shopping, it's easy, in a roundabout way it can save you money, it's convenient and you do it all from the comfort of your own home.

*AD

Ups and Downs, Goods and Bads

It's Monday so that means it's goods and bads time I am a bit thin on the goods this week :(

Bads

• Usual one for me but money - sorry to be materialistic but I really think my life would be improved a 100% if we had a bit more money
• Aches and Pains - when will it end :(
• People letting me down - I place too much trust and expectations on people and they never seem to live up to it
• I snapped my thumbnail right the way down yesterday and it is so sore!!

Goods

• I lost 2lbs this week I have a long way to go but I am determined to stick to it this time
• I have had a few parcels come - more on these later in the week x
• All you lovely people that bought from my blog sale I really do appreciate it - there are still a few bits left including some MAC and Benefit if your interested - click here to have a peek 
• I may have a little trip to the Metro Centre or Ikea this week - don't worry though I won't be spending I still have some vouchers left over from my birthday :)

I just want to say thanks again to the new followers I've had this week I really appreciate it :) I have a few posts planned for this week including 2 reviews, some goodies that I won, and maybe a overseas ebay haul from May so I hope you'll stick around x

Goods and Bads

I'm sorry that I haven't managed to do one of these since before my holidays but hopefully this one will be one big catch up x

Goods

• I had a fabulous holiday - the food and the weather were amazing I really and properly relaxed for the first time in ages
• I bought some gorgeous things, that I am loving using especially my bits from VV's, Lithe pigment, and my Estee Lauder Stay In Place Cream Shadow
• Currently waiting for a few parcels some things for me and some Christmas shopping I've started early this year and I feel great about things already
• I have new make up storage :) - I went to Ikea last week with my mum and we got some new drawer units to house all my make up and nail polishes - we also made a few changes in my room too - It's ongoing but I can't wait to show you when I'm finished - if you'd like to see that is ;)

Bads

• If you follow me on twitter you'll know that my auntie was taken to hospital seriously ill whilst we were away -she has an aneurysm on her aorta :( It was touch and go for a few days but she is stable again and has been allowed home to rest before having serious heart surgery towards the end of this week or the beginning of next week :(
• I don't really feel as though I have any right to complain when I look at her situation but I really haven't been well over the last two weeks - maybe my holidays have caught up with me, or maybe I've been doing to much work on my room but I feel awful and have pains everywhere. My mum thinks I should go back to the doctors but I have to say I'm not keen, apart from the fact all they can do it give me more painkillers, my doctor has left the practise :( , and one of the others is on maternity leave so I would more than likely get a locum and have to explain my illness history from day one :( If I still feel this bad next week I will have to go
• Money - need I say more I have a little bit of savings for Christmas but I really need to get listing on ebay again

Sorry that was a bit if a misery post I will try to be more positive next time - oh and another good more new followers - huge thanks my lovely people I really appreciate it, and all your lovely comments even if I don't always respond xxx

Bill Paying and Mini Spend

A little update for you readers.
So far this month I have made payments to a catalogue, a store card and a credit card, and my phone bill has came out by direct debit !!
So far so good as long as I don't buy anything every little will surely help.
OK I have bought a few bits but they were allowed or classed as urgent or essentials. My monthly mags and a few bits from the Avon sale to go towards my Mothers Day pressie (Aren't I good thinking ahead!!!) are classed as allowed in my money saving plan and a Memory Stick for my new lack of optical drive laptop and my prescription are essentials.
Must admit I have been majorly tempted by a few bit bought by some of the handbag girls including a gorgeous Primark dress and shoes, and some lovely jewellery I saw on the Dorothy Perkins website - must stay strong though!

The Last Hurrah!!!!

Well the spending ban starts today !
I had a so called last hurrah last night and bought a few essential bits from ASOS (well maybe not that essential ), a couple of craft bits and some cashmere and flannel sheets!
From now on nothing I don't need comes through this door and I will hopefully go someway towards paying my debts off!

Shopping Bargain !

Due to aforementioned nasty letter from the bank my purse strings are indeed tightening before my holidays! I have listed some bits on ebay to try and make a bit of cash but in the meantime I am looking in the bargain basement of the fashion world!

I managed to get this fab tunic dress from George at Asda for only £2 in the sale - Bargain!!!

Ears, Photos, Nasty Letters and Hummus !!!!

I don't think I ever have a week which doesn't involve some sort of drama.

All my plans for last week pretty much disappeared. I felt yucky pretty much all week... By Saturday I felt bleurghhhhhhh forcing me to cancel my opticians appointment and to cancel my trip to the Newcastle / Wigan game (Sorry Again Dawn!) Typical the game in the game I miss Newcastle win their first home game since February! (Which reminds me good luck at West Ham Nobby we will miss you x)

Anyways I had a doctors appointment for today anyways and it only turns out I have an ear infection!!!!!!! Cue the nice pic of me with cotton wool and ear drops in which I have decided to treat you all too - fan bleedin tastic!!

It always seems to be the way when your feeling yucky things go wrong and you end up having to rush round and do things you never expected too and this week has been no different. My new passport photos were rejected because I was wearing glasses!!!! so I had to shell out £3.50 to get another set done - fingers crossed my new set are OK - I am rapidly running out of time!!!! Then today I got a rubbishy letter from the bank cue more running around and stress! Least said about this the better really but its all sorted now!!!

On a positive note I got some super dooper Yankee candles this week, in Jasmine, Baby Powder, Sheer Gardenia, and Pineapple Citrus - I love my smelly candles! Also made some lovely hummus today too which is yummy so very pleased about that! I also found out that my mate Helen (of Prospero the bear fame) is definitely coming up this month so that is something to look forward too!

Plans for the rest of the week plenty of rest, card making and making my mums birthday meal on Friday :) - I am also taking the kitties for their injections, planning on doing some ebay listing, some blogging and maybe a bit of light yoga, hmmm - I think though I will take each day as it comes my life never seems to go as planned