With Valentine’s Day approaching, many consumers are thinking about buying jewelry for their sweetheart.  The Better Business Bureau offers a checklist to help you find the finest quality jewelry at the best value.
 
To locate a reputable jewelry store:

• Check the store’s reputation by questioning friends, relatives or coworkers who have shopped there.
• Be sure the store has a long-standing, solid reputation in the community and in the industry. 
• Obtain a report on the business from the BBB (www.bbb.org).  This will give you better insight into the company’s past performance history.
• Find out what organizations the jeweler belongs to and their membership requirements.  Many trade organizations require strict adherence to good business practices before accepting a store for membership.
• Ask about the gemological and appraisal education of the store’s salespeople. 

• Educate yourself about the special features of the particular jewelry (pearls, gemstones, gold, platinum, etc.) you are considering.  The Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov) offers an online booklet on buying jewelry, as does the BBB (www.bbb.org).
• Shop around.  Compare quality, price and service.
• Ask about the store’s refund and return policy.  Carefully read all warranties and guarantees and ask questions if the terms are unclear.
• Make sure the jeweler writes 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.

• Shop with companies you trust.  If a store is unfamiliar, check with the BBB for a report.  Stores that meet standards for ethical online business practices are authorized to display a BBBOnLine Reliability seal on their Web site.
• Get product details, as well as the merchant’s refund and return policies.
• Look for an address to write to or a phone number to call if you have a problem or need assistance.