Jewelry Shopping

A Jewelry Shopper’s Checklist

(from  http://ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/products/pro02.shtm)

When you’re in the market for a piece of jewelry for yourself or someone you love, shop around. Compare quality, price and service. If you’re not familiar with reputable brick-and-mortar jewelers in your area, ask family members, friends or co-workers for recommendations. At the store:

• Ask about the refund and return policy before you buy.
• Check for the appropriate markings on metal jewelry.
• Ask whether the pearls are natural, cultured or imitation.
• Ask whether a gemstone is natural, laboratory-created or imitation.
• Ask whether the gemstone has been treated, whether the change is permanent and whether special care is required.
• Make sure your sales receipt includes any information you relied on when making your purchase, like the gem’s weight or size. Some jewelers may give you a grading report from a gemological laboratory.

If you are planning to shop for jewelry online:

• Shop with companies you know or do some homework before you buy to make sure a company is legitimate. You might check a reputation by entering the outlet’s name and the word ‘complaints’ before giving them your business.
• Get the details about the product, as well as the merchant’s refund and return policies, before you buy.
• Look for a street address to write to or a phone number to call if you have a question, a problem or need help. Call the number to test. You may want to know if the seller is in another country.