Before laying down your 'plastic' to buy a string of pearls or bracelet or jewelry, read all you can about it so you are a well education purchaser. Match up the quality, customer service and price of competing offers. b. Get all the details about the online or store return policy and their refund policy. a. Carefully read all warranties and guarantees and ask questions if the terms are unclear. Ask for a gemological report for any purchase related to precious gems and a sales receipt.

The saying goes 'if you don't know your jewels, know your jeweler'. Well, checking on the reputation of the sale that you making is of paramount importance when buying diamonds, pearls, watches or jewelry. We suggest that you look into the store's standing in your town. Find out what organizations the jeweler belongs to and their membership requirements. Obtain as much information as you can about the store you are entertaining using from the Better Business Bureau. Determine if the store's sale people have any gemological and appraisal education.

If you do buy that ring, bracelet, watch or jewelry online, before you do so, see if the site posts a Better Business Bureau Reliability seal on their site. Obtain all details related to your purchase in writing including their exchange and refund policies. Pick up the phone and speak with a representative of the web based site to reconfirm purchase details. In addition, be sure that you document all conversation and details of the transaction. Last thought - enjoy your beautiful jewelry purchase.