Before laying down your 'plastic' to buy a string of pearls or bracelet or brooch, read all you can about it so you are a well education purchaser. Compare price, service and quality. d. Be sure you understand and can live with the store (or websites) exchange and return policies. a. Carefully read all warranties and guarantees and ask questions if the terms are unclear. If you are purchasing precious gems, obtain a gemological report and also get in writing any information you relied upon in your purchase.

So, how does one find a jeweler that is trust worthy. Whether you are buying diamonds, rubies, a watch of brooch, investigate the store's reputation. Be sure the store has a long-standing, solid reputation in the community. Determine what professional trade groups your jeweler belongs and what the requirements are of membership. Obtain as much information as you can about the store you are entertaining using from the Better Business Bureau. Dealing with knowledgeable staff is a must. See if they have a gemological background.

The BBB Reliability seal is a good indicator of the online store's compliance with good business practices and a seal you should look for when buying diamonds, watches, pearls or brooch. 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. 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. Even though you have had a conversation, make sure that all aspects of the purchase are well documented in writing. Lastly, wear that jewelry or brooch often and enjoy it.