Before laying down your 'plastic' to buy a string of pearls or bracelet or crystal jewelry, read all you can about it so you are a well education purchaser. Match up the quality, customer service and price of competing offers. 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. 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 crystal jewelry. We suggest that you look into the store's standing in your town. Determine what professional trade groups your jeweler belongs and what the requirements are of membership. Get a BBB report on your jewelry store prior to making any purchase. Determine if the store's sale people have any gemological and appraisal education.

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 crystal jewelry. 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. Call the online store and get confirmation as to the particulars of the purchase. That having been said, getting everything represented in writing is very important. Finally, you and/or your loved one should enjoy and cherish that new jewelry or crystal jewelry purchase.