How to Shop in a Jewelry Store
Purchasing
jewelry
can be a daunting, anxiety-inducing task. It requires significant consideration of your desired type of jewelry, finish and gemstone as well as budget. Once you have done your research, made these preliminary determinations and identified a reputable jewelry store, here is how to behave like a fearless consumer.
Step
1
Examine jewelry made of gold, silver and platinum for appropriate quality markings. The requirement and significance of quality markings will vary between countries. In the U.S., the purity of gold is measured in karats (K) or (KT). Gold jewelry is not required to be marked and can range from 10K (42 percent gold) to 24K (100 percent gold). Silver stamped "sterling" or ".925" (92.5 percent silver) meets the U.S. government standards for solid silver. Platinum is marked "Pt" or "Plat" and can range from 500 (50 percent platinum) to 1000 (100 percent platinum).
Step
2
Discover whether gemstones and pearls are imitations, laboratory-created/cultured or of natural origin. Also ask whether gemstones and pearls have been chemically-treated and will require on-going special care. It can be extremely difficult for a novice eye to tell the difference, but an ethical jeweler will willingly disclose this information.
Step
3
Check the cut, clarity, color and carat (weight) of gemstones as these elements influence their value. U.S. jewelers utilize the grading system of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Very valuable gemstones should be accompanied by GIA or a similarly expert organization's documentation. Do not be afraid to ask questions to fully understand the grading system and its use in price determination.
Step
4
Ask for the store's refund and return policy before purchasing jewelry. It should give you reasonable time and accommodation. Paying with a major credit card will also provide you recourse should problems arise.
Step
5
Tell the jeweler to write all important information conveyed during the transaction on the receipt. A grading report from a gemological laboratory may also serve as documentation of a gem's weight, size and other such assertions by the jeweler.
Step
6
Attempt to resolve any problems with the jewelry store. If you are dissatisfied with the jeweler's response, contact the local Better Business Bureau or another consumer protection agency.
Tips & Warnings
Avoid buying "blood diamonds" and other gemstones that are mined to finance conflicts in Africa and other regions. Ask to see whether there is a written guarantee on the invoice that comes with gemstones. There is an international humanitarian effort to ensure the mining industry respects human rights and the environment.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2049983_behave-jewelry-store.html
Purchasing
jewelry
can be a daunting, anxiety-inducing task. It requires significant consideration of your desired type of jewelry, finish and gemstone as well as budget. Once you have done your research, made these preliminary determinations and identified a reputable jewelry store, here is how to behave like a fearless consumer.
Step
1
Examine jewelry made of gold, silver and platinum for appropriate quality markings. The requirement and significance of quality markings will vary between countries. In the U.S., the purity of gold is measured in karats (K) or (KT). Gold jewelry is not required to be marked and can range from 10K (42 percent gold) to 24K (100 percent gold). Silver stamped "sterling" or ".925" (92.5 percent silver) meets the U.S. government standards for solid silver. Platinum is marked "Pt" or "Plat" and can range from 500 (50 percent platinum) to 1000 (100 percent platinum).
Step
2
Discover whether gemstones and pearls are imitations, laboratory-created/cultured or of natural origin. Also ask whether gemstones and pearls have been chemically-treated and will require on-going special care. It can be extremely difficult for a novice eye to tell the difference, but an ethical jeweler will willingly disclose this information.
Step
3
Check the cut, clarity, color and carat (weight) of gemstones as these elements influence their value. U.S. jewelers utilize the grading system of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Very valuable gemstones should be accompanied by GIA or a similarly expert organization's documentation. Do not be afraid to ask questions to fully understand the grading system and its use in price determination.
Step
4
Ask for the store's refund and return policy before purchasing jewelry. It should give you reasonable time and accommodation. Paying with a major credit card will also provide you recourse should problems arise.
Step
5
Tell the jeweler to write all important information conveyed during the transaction on the receipt. A grading report from a gemological laboratory may also serve as documentation of a gem's weight, size and other such assertions by the jeweler.
Step
6
Attempt to resolve any problems with the jewelry store. If you are dissatisfied with the jeweler's response, contact the local Better Business Bureau or another consumer protection agency.
Tips & Warnings
Avoid buying "blood diamonds" and other gemstones that are mined to finance conflicts in Africa and other regions. Ask to see whether there is a written guarantee on the invoice that comes with gemstones. There is an international humanitarian effort to ensure the mining industry respects human rights and the environment.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2049983_behave-jewelry-store.html
