Some ways to locate reputable jewelry store
\nBy Dennis Rockstroh
\nSan Jose Mercury News<\/p>\n
With Valentine’s Day just eight days away, many of us are thinking about buying jewelry for our sweethearts — and maybe even our spouses.<\/p>\n
It is better to know what you are doing when making such expensive purchases.<\/p>\n
So the Better Business Bureau has issued a checklist to help you avoid the pitfalls of jewelry buying.<\/p>\n
Here are some ways to locate a reputable jewelry store, the bureau says:<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\u00c2\u00a0Check the store’s reputation by consulting with friends, relatives or co-workers who have shopped there.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\u00c2\u00a0Be sure the store has a longstanding, solid reputation in the community and in the industry.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\u00c2\u00a0Get a report on the business from the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org.<\/p>\n
This will give you better insight into the company’s history.<\/p>\n
Even one unanswered complaint can earn a business an “unsatisfactory” rating.<\/p>\n
Avoid businesses that earn this rating.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\u00c2\u00a0Find 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.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\u00c2\u00a0Ask about the gemological and appraisal education of the store’s salespeople.<\/p>\n
Before you make a jewelry purchase, here are some more suggestions from the bureau:<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\u00c2\u00a0Educate 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).<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\u00c2\u00a0Shop around. Compare quality, price and service.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\u00c2\u00a0Ask about the store’s refund and return policy. Carefully read all warranties and guarantees and ask questions if the terms are unclear.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\u00c2\u00a0Make 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.<\/p>\n
If you are shopping for jewelry online, the bureau suggests:<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\u00c2\u00a0Shop 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.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\u00c2\u00a0Get product details as well as the merchant’s refund and return policies.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\u00c2\u00a0Look for an address to write to or a phone number to call if you have a problem or need assistance.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\u00c2\u00a0Print a copy of the receipt for your records.<\/p>\n
And if all this is too complicated, think chocolate.<\/p>\n
Here is how to reach Action Line:<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\u00c2\u00a0Mail: San Jose Mercury News, 750 Ridder Park Drive, San Jose, Calif. 95190<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\u00c2\u00a0E-mail (most efficient): action line@mercurynews.com<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\u00c2\u00a0www.mercurynews.com. Click Columnists, then Action Line.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\u00c2\u00a0Phone recording: (888) 688-6400<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\u00c2\u00a0Fax: (408) 288-8060<\/p>\n
Please include full name, address and phone number.<\/p>\n
Because of the volume of requests, I cannot respond to everyone.<\/p>\n
For tips, self-help, news and discussion, see the Consumer Action Line Web log at http:\/\/blogs.mercurynews.com.
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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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[411],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n