Finding a Jeweler

If you follow these guidelines, you should be successful in finding a jeweler who is reliable. Chances are the longer the store has been involved in the community, the more solid it is. Asking friends, neighbors or business associates about their experiences with various retailers can be an excellent way to select a jeweler and it can steer you away from the wrong jeweler. If you have doubts, contact your local Better Business Bureau, Jewelers Board of Trade or Chamber of Commerce.

Maintaining the fine jewelry you have purchased will be important as time passes. Ask if the jeweler is able to clean, size, engrave, restring or remount jewelry. Be sure to inquire about the time period for returning jewelry. Ask whether you will be allowed an exchange or a cash refund, if this is of concern to you.

Find out if the store's "discounted" jewelry was ever sold at the regular price and for how long. It is also wise to compare actual value from jeweler to jeweler, so you have a better sense of relative cost for items of similar quality.

Selection is an important factor in choosing a jeweler. Determine if it reflects your taste and meets your needs.

How long has the store been in business?
Has the store just opened recently, or is it well established? Chances are, the longer the store has been involved in the community, the more solid it is.

What is the jeweler's reputation?
Asking friends, neighbors, or business associates about their personal experiences with various retailers can be an excellent way to select an outstanding jeweler. Just as importantly, this could help you avoid choosing the wrong jeweler. If you are doubtful about a retailer, you might consider contacting your local Better Business Bureau, Jewelers Board of Trade or Chamber of Commerce for any negative reports.

What services does the jewelry store offer?
Maintaining the fine jewelry you have purchased will be important to you as time passes. Ask if the jeweler is able to clean, size, engrave, restring, or remount jewelry.

What is the store's return policy?
Be sure to inquire about the time period for returning jewelry. Also ask whether you will be allowed an exchange or a cash refund, if this is of concern to you.

Does the store regularly feature discounts?
Some stores continually discount prices as a means of attracting customers. Find out if the "discounted" jewelry was ever sold at the regular price and for how long. It is also wise to compare actual value from jeweler to jeweler, so you have a better sense of relative costs for items of similar quality.

Does the store offer a wide selection of jewelry?
As in any retail store where you enjoy shopping, selection is an important factor in your choice. Compare the selection a jewelry store has to offer, and determine if it reflects your taste and meets your needs.

What information can the store share with you?
Does the store provide you with information that will help you select and care for your fine jewelry? Booklets and brochures should be available to you to help guide you in your purchases and answer questions you may have.

In gauging what to spend on a diamond engagement ring, jewelers often recommend using two months salary as a guideline. In fact, 65% of men aware of the guideline feel it is a useful tool in deciding what to spend.

Because every diamond has its own characteristics, and no two stones are exactly alike, knowledge of the diamond industry and the nature of diamonds require years of extensive study. It is important to purchase your diamond from a jeweler who is a Graduate Gemologist. In comparing stones for the best combination of the 4C's only a Graduate Gemologist can truly explain all the factors that make up a fine gem."