Before laying down your 'plastic' to buy a string of pearls or bracelet or antique mexican 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. f. Specifically inquire about the return and refund policies. c. Ask about the seller's guarantee and/or warranty on the item being bought. Always get everything you relied upon related to the purchase in writing (e.g. sales receipt; gemological report; purchase details).

Investigate the 'store' from whom you are making a purchase. Whether it's a brooch, pendant, necklace or antique mexican jewelry, understand the stores reputation by checking with others that have made purchases including friends or relatives. Be sure the store has a long-standing, solid reputation in the community. See if they belong to any trade organizations which usually require strict adherence to good business practices before accepting a store for membership. 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.

When buying diamonds, pearls, rubies or antique mexican jewelry on the Internet, look for a BBB Reliability seal to indicate membership in the BBB. Document the details related to your purchase for future use, if necessary. Call the online store and get confirmation as to the particulars of the purchase. In addition to the phone conversation, get everything in writing. With all that accomplished, wear that jewelry or antique mexican jewelry as often as possible.