alone valuing precious material, is no easy task even for the expert - and
the best way for you to be happy with your purchase is to be informed before
you buy.
Read on to learn some useful tips before making your jewellery purchase -
Useful Info On Selecting Gems & Jewellery
Buy from a trusted jeweller or one who has been recommended:
Ask around and get recommendations, ask friends for an introduction to a
jeweller that they are satisfied with. If this is not possible, check on the
jeweller through a government certifying body or some other authorising body
who has certified the jeweller.
A good jeweller will be clear and transparent in his explanation of the
piece and will guarantee that the product is what he/she says it is. Also,
the right jeweller will be there when the piece needs to be cleaned,
restrung or remounted.
Find out if the jeweller provides other services (such as assaying and
hallmarking) and check how their return or trade-up policy works. Finally,
ask if the jeweller is affiliated with one of the jewellery trade
organisations and also, if that association requires a code of conduct for
its members.
Value for money:
Ask around and window shop before you buy - do not be misled by huge
discounts, which may be a gimmick to attract people into the shop. Compare
jewellery prices before you buy. The lowest price is not an indication of
the best value; diamonds and coloured stones vary greatly in quality and
price. Although the price of diamonds is relatively standardised to size and
quality, coloured gemstones are not and if you are making a major purchase,
finding out the correct value of the piece is important.
The most accurate method of establishing value is through an appraisal from
an independent gemmologist preferably certified by an authorised body.
Prices can vary greatly on similar items from vendor to vendor. So, lacking
an independent appraisal, you should at least shop around and compare prices
on items of similar quality.
Gemstone and diamond quality is a major factor in calculating the accurate
value of a piece of jewellery. Get a detailed receipt giving materials,
weights and number of stones, sizes and quality. Also get a money back
guarantee if returned within a reasonable period so that you can have the
jewellery evaluated by an independent appraiser.
Look for the registered trademark and quality mark:
Whenever possible, look for quality marks such as hallmarks (which state the
karatage of gold in the piece) as well as certification for the stones.
There are also quality marks for silver and platinum - make sure your
jeweller either stamps his jewellery with a quality mark or has it assayed
and hallmarked by a central authority.
Get it in writing:
When buying fine jewellery, ask the jeweller to write a complete description
on your receipt. For gold jewellery, ask for the karatage; for diamonds, the
cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight (the weight of the centre stone and
total carat weight if there are side stones); for coloured stones, ask for a
description of overall colour and carat weight and if the stone is of
natural origin or has been treated in any way. All this information should
be included on the bill of sale.
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