Before laying down your 'plastic' to buy a string of pearls or bracelet or 18k findings, read all you can about it so you are a well education purchaser. Make sure you check out not only the price of the item relative to the quality but also the customer service you will receive after the purchase. a. Ask about the store (or online) refund and return policy. c. Ask about the seller's guarantee and/or warranty on the item being bought. Obtain a written sales receipt and, in writing, any information you relied upon in your purchase.

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 18k findings. A good indicator of the store's reliability is if they are well respected in your city. If the jewelry store is a member of any trade organizations, determine what they are and investigate the requirements to belong. The BBB is an excellent source of investigation on a business. Determine if the store's sale people have any gemological and appraisal education.

If you do buy that ring, bracelet, watch or 18k findings 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. Talking with a representative of the web store is always a good idea so that you have some personal contact. Having written that, paperwork trail is extremely important when making an online jewelry purchase. Finally, you and/or your loved one should enjoy and cherish that new jewelry or 18k findings purchase.