Before laying down your 'plastic' to buy a string of pearls or bracelet or beach jewelry, read all you can about it so you are a well education purchaser. Compare price, service and quality. c. Inquire about how you would get a refund or return the item if dissatisfied. f. Don't buy without getting a warranty or guarantee with the item being purchased. Always get everything you relied upon related to the purchase in writing (e.g. sales receipt; gemological report; purchase details).

We can't think of another purchase category beyond jewelry where the reputation and honesty of the seller is more important. Do all you can to investigate the business practices of the jeweler whether you are buying precious stones, gold, platinum or beach jewelry. A good indicator of the store's reliability is if they are well respected in your city. Find out what organizations the jeweler belongs to and their membership requirements. Obtain a report on the business from the Better Business Bureau. Determine if the store's sale people have any gemological and appraisal education.

Whether you want to purchase a watch, earrings, string of pearls or beach jewelry online, look for the Better Business Bureau Reliability Seal. Be sure to get all the particulars related to your purchase in writing as you do not want to have any disputes without evidence of what you believe was represented. Determine where they are geographically and call to speak with a person to confirm details or get clarification. Further to the telephone call, be sure that the purchase is well documented including all representations. Finally, you and/or your loved one should enjoy and cherish that new jewelry or beach jewelry purchase.