by Cristina Miranda
Consumer Education Specialist, FTC
Nothing says 鈥淏e My Valentine鈥� more than a box of chocolates, flowers, and a poetic love note.
Unless it鈥檚 a heart-thumping piece of jewelry!
If you鈥檙e thinking about buying jewelry for your sweetheart, there are a few things to know about platinum, gold and silver, and gemstones, diamonds and pearls. A little knowledge can help you avoid buyers鈥� remorse.
1. Set expectations. Decide on your budget and the type of jewelry you want to buy before you shop. Avoid impulse purchases. Learn more with our Jewelry Buying Guide.
2. Research jewelry sites and stores before purchasing from them, or shop from those you鈥檝e had experience with. You can check a site or store鈥檚 reputation online by entering 鈥渃omplaints鈥� and its name in a search engine to find any red flags.
3. Understand the terms manufacturers use to describe the jewelry. If you know the terms that jewelers use to describe markings or what the jewelry is made of, you鈥檒l be better able to evaluate it and decide if it is truly worth the price.
4. Know the refund and return policies before you buy. Make sure the phone number is visible on the sales receipt in case you need to call with a question or a problem. Sales receipts also should have details about the item, which might include a gemological report from a laboratory.
Most concerns about buying jewelry can be addressed by contacting the jeweler. However, if you still aren鈥檛 satisfied with the outcome of your purchase, file a complaint with the FTC, the Better Business Bureau, the Jewelers Vigilance Committee鈥檚 Alternative Dispute Resolution Service, or contact your state Attorney General.
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