Before laying down your 'plastic' to buy a string of pearls or bracelet or book jewelry making, read all you can about it so you are a well education purchaser. Be sure that you comparison shop for quality, price and customer service. d. Be sure you understand and can live with the store (or websites) exchange and return policies. f. Don't buy without getting a warranty or guarantee with the item being purchased. Get a sales receipt and, in writing, all the pertinent facts related to the item you are buying.

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 book jewelry making. 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. Don't forget to look into the background of your jeweler through the BBB - they are an excellent resource. You ant your jeweler to have a gemological and appraisal certificate.

A good indicator of a reliable site for getting that string of pearls, or bracelet or book jewelry making, is the BBB seal of reliability. Get all the product details in writing (for example by email) including refund policy. A conversation with a sales person from the online store as you want to 'get personal' as if you had visited a 'bricks and mortar' store. Further to the telephone call, be sure that the purchase is well documented including all representations. Lastly, wear that jewelry or book jewelry making often and enjoy it.