Before laying down your 'plastic' to buy a string of pearls or bracelet or costume jewelry collecting, read all you can about it so you are a well education purchaser. Compare price, service and quality. b. Get all the details about the online or store return policy and their refund policy. a. Carefully read all warranties and guarantees and ask questions if the terms are unclear. Ask for a gemological report for any purchase related to precious gems and a sales receipt.

So, how does one find a jeweler that is trust worthy. Whether you are buying diamonds, rubies, a watch of costume jewelry collecting, investigate the store's reputation. A good indicator of the store's reliability is if they are well respected in your city. Professional trade organizations set 'standards'. Determine if your jeweler is a member of any such organizations. The Better Business Bureau in your area is a resource you should use when evaluating a prospective jeweler. Determine if the store's sale people have any gemological and appraisal education.

If you do buy that ring, bracelet, watch or costume jewelry collecting online, before you do so, see if the site posts a Better Business Bureau Reliability seal on their site. Prior to purchasing, get all details about your purchase in writing. 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. In addition, be sure that you document all conversation and details of the transaction. With all that accomplished, wear that jewelry or costume jewelry collecting as often as possible.