How to Know When to Trust Your Jeweler

Anytime you purchase a piece of fine jewelry, there is a lot that goes into the purchase, including dealing with the emotion behind the meaning of the jewelry and the price that it costs to buy something of value for somebody you love. Because of the pressure that is involved with this purchase, it is important to have a good relationship and a good understanding of the jeweler you are purchasing from.

• Check the Better Business Bureau rating.

The BBB is a reputable source that can provide good information to buyers about the business they are purchasing from. Most jewelers have a listing with the BBB. Always double check their rating with the BBB compared to what they represent on their website to ensure that they are honest and reputable. This will give you a good idea of the type of company you are working with.

• Find out if they are part of the Jewelers Board of Trade.

This is another reputable association that many jewelers are a part of. It does not cost to be listed with the JBT, but doing so shows that the jeweler is a part of a larger network and has been recognized as a legitimate and reputable source for fine jewelry.

• Ask for a certification with purchase.

When you purchase an expensive item, you should always receive some paperwork that goes along with it and shows the value of the item that you just bought. This paperwork not only helps show you the value, but it is also required by insurance companies if you want to insure your fine jewelry. Prior to purchasing, ask your jeweler if you will receive this important document to make sure you can trust that they stand behind the product.

• Find grading levels from a third party.

The Gemological Institute of America is a third party diamond grading institute that many jewelers use to provide ratings on the quality of the diamonds they sell, giving the end consumer more confidence that what they are purchasing is high quality. There are certain pieces where this rating is readily available through the jeweler. A reputable jeweler will be able to provide this to you from a third party grader, such as the United Gilsonite Laboratories (UGL) or European Gemological Laboratory.

Go online today to research professional jewelers. For example, visit http://www.frontjewelers.net for more information on what to look for when working with a jeweler and how you can have confidence in your purchasing choices.

Amanda is an avid writer. She highly enjoys writing about jewelry. Please visit http://www.frontjewelers.net for more information.