Unless you’re really knowledgeable about jewelry or if you work in an industry where you encounter it all the time, it is highly recommended you get a jeweler if you’re buying a gem or a piece of jewelry. A professional jeweler will help you make an informed decision so you can make good choices whether you’re buying an investment piece or getting something to give to a loved one. Then again, not all professional jewelers are trustworthy and it can be pretty confusing to know what to look for when choosing the right one for you.
If you’re intimidated about finding a jeweler you can trust on, it’s totally understandable since jewelry tends to cost a lot. The pressure doubles especially if you’re set on finding a princess cut diamond engagement ring for your partner or a gem to start or to add to a collection. Well, the rule is that while it is generally true that if the price is too good to be true then there must be something fishy going on. Sometimes, it could be because they get their diamonds and other precious gems directly from the source.
It can be a little confusing and scary but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re curious to know how to find a trustworthy jeweler, here are some ways:
Complete Credentials
The initial thing to look for when finding a jeweler is their credentials. They should be able to show their certification from a reputable school like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). It’s considered to be one of the best schools in America who produce accredited and highly-trained professionals. GIA graduates are known to be knowledgeable in all kinds of diamonds and gemstones and therefore they would be great candidates if you’re looking for a jeweler you can trust.
Excellent Reputation
Good reviews from their clientele is also a hallmark of a good and trustworthy jeweler. This is especially true if they have “regulars” or patrons who frequently go to them to have jewelry looked at. An excellent reputation can mean good reviews on review websites and by word of mouth from their clients and even competitors.
Fair Policies and Warranties
Investing or buying jewelry is not cheap and a lot of people have second thoughts about their purchases if they don’t feel secure if something goes awry. A trustworthy jeweler has fair policies and warranties that exist to assure their customers that they are in safe hands. They will usually offer good return policies and jewelry warranties. Additionally, they may also offer repair services and offer custom design for those who want unique pieces.
Fair Pricing
Not all jewelers are legit and this goes the same for anything they sell. If you’ve been looking at jewelry for a while you may notice that there are ads about offering jewelry at really high discounts and it could be a red flag. Some of these stores offer markdown-priced jewelry to let you think that the items they have are at the cheapest they ever will when in fact, it has the same price at other stores. Fair pricing is a mark of a good and trustworthy jeweler.
Remember that if a jeweler is of good reputation, they don’t need to do shady advertising to sell more. Now, there may be instances that jewelers do indeed have sales every now and then but it’s usually just a few percentage below average retail price. If you’re unsure, you can do a bit of research before proceeding with your purchase.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
All the things mentioned above can be a little overwhelming considering that it’s already nerve-wracking to purchase jewelry if it’s your first time. That is why is never a bad idea to ask questions if you have any. You’ll find that your decision-making will get easier once you’ve confirmed details and erased any doubt and that you’ll have a trustworthy jeweler that you can count on.
Do you have any advice on how to find a trustworthy jeweler? Share your suggestions in the comment box below.
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