Before laying down your 'plastic' to buy a string of pearls or bracelet or champagne color diamonds, 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. b. Review any guarantees or warranties that come with the purchase. Be sure to get, in writing, on the sales receipt, any information you relied on when making your purchase, such as the gem's weight or size. Some jewelers will supply a grading report from a gemological laboratory.

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 champagne color diamonds. Look into the 'buzz' about the company that you are contemplating making your purchase. You want to find out if the jeweler is a member of any industry organizations and what requirements are necessary to be a member. The Better Business Bureau in your area is a resource you should use when evaluating a prospective jeweler. Dealing with knowledgeable staff is a must. See if they have a gemological background.

Whether you want to purchase a watch, earrings, string of pearls or champagne color diamonds online, look for the Better Business Bureau Reliability Seal. 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. Having written that, paperwork trail is extremely important when making an online jewelry purchase. With all that accomplished, wear that jewelry or champagne color diamonds as often as possible.