Whether buying gold jewelry for yourself or a loved one, deciding what and where to buy fine jewelry can be a tough decision. Gold jewelry is an item you’ll cherish for many years to come – maybe even a lifetime! So, you’ll want to make a wise choice. Here are some quick do’s and don’ts to remember when buying gold jewelry.
Do Buy Gold Jewelry from a Company You Trust
When you want fine jewelry, choose a company or Web store that specializes in fine jewelry. Don’t expect to find the best of jewelry at a company that offers everything including the kitchen sink! A specialist can assist you personally and provide a wider variety of gold jewelry.
When searching online, be specific in your searches, and do research on the company before making a purchase. Check to see if the company is affiliated with a professional trade association such as the Jewelers of America (JA) or the online Better Business Bureau.
Do Look for Guarantees or Warranties
Before buying gold jewelry from a company (online or offline), get a detailed explanation of their return policy in case the jewelry is not what you expected or has a defect. Some will offer manufacturer’s warranties as well.
Do Shop for Quality, not Just Discounted Prices
It’s tempting to buy fine jewelry at a discount to get a great bargain. But, what are you really getting? With gold jewelry, for example, find the karat or quality mark on the actual jewelry to see if it’s real gold or not. And remember, the karats are an indication of what percentage of gold is in the jewelry piece. 24K is pure gold, 18K is 75 percent gold, 14K is 58.3 percent gold, and 10K is 41.6 percent gold. So, what is the other percentage? It is usually made up of alloy, or different metals that add form and strength to the jewelry item.
[...]






