Some ways to locate reputable jewelry store
By Dennis Rockstroh
San Jose Mercury News
With Valentine’s Day just eight days away, many of us are thinking about buying jewelry for our sweethearts — and maybe even our spouses.
It is better to know what you are doing when making such expensive purchases.
So the Better Business Bureau has issued a checklist to help you avoid the pitfalls of jewelry buying.
Here are some ways to locate a reputable jewelry store, the bureau says:
• Check the store’s reputation by consulting with friends, relatives or co-workers who have shopped there.
• Be sure the store has a longstanding, solid reputation in the community and in the industry.
• Get a report on the business from the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org.
This will give you better insight into the company’s history.
Even one unanswered complaint can earn a business an “unsatisfactory” rating.
Avoid businesses that earn this rating.
• Find out what organizations the jeweler belongs to and their membership requirements. Many trade organizations require strict adherence to good business practices before accepting a store for membership.
• Ask about the gemological and appraisal education of the store’s salespeople.
Before you make a jewelry purchase, here are some more suggestions from the bureau:
• Educate yourself about the special features of the particular jewelry (pearls, gemstones, gold, platinum, etc.) you are considering. The Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov) offers an online booklet on buying jewelry, as does the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org).
• Shop around. Compare quality, price and service.
• Ask about the store’s refund and return policy. Carefully read all warranties and guarantees and ask questions if the terms are unclear.
• Make sure the jeweler writes on the sales receipt any information you relied on when making your purchase, such as the gem’s weight or size. Some jewelers will supply a grading report from a gemological laboratory.
If you are shopping for jewelry online, the bureau suggests:
• Shop with companies you trust. If a store is unfamiliar, check with the bureau for a report. Stores that meet standards for ethical online business practices are authorized to display a BBBOnLine Reliability seal on their Web site.
• Get product details as well as the merchant’s refund and return policies.
• Look for an address to write to or a phone number to call if you have a problem or need assistance.
• Print a copy of the receipt for your records.
And if all this is too complicated, think chocolate.
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