Jewelry

In Valentine's season, consider these tips for a good jewelry store experience - Idaho Statesman (blog)

Jewelry stores across the country are prepping themselves for one of the busiest times of the year. According to the National Retail Federation consumers spent an estimated $18.2 billion on Valentine’s Day last year, with at least 10-percent spent on jewelry. With such a popular industry, it should come as no surprise that Better Business Bureau Northwest + Pacific received more than 100 complaints against jewelry stores in 2017.

Common complaints to BBB against jewelry stores allege poor craftsmanship, issues returning items, and problems with guarantees and warranties.

Consider these tips when shopping for jewelry:

▪  Shop around. Once you begin looking, be open with the store staff on how much you’re willing to spend. This will help you stay within your budget. Consider online stores as well as ones with physical locations. Anyone operating in Boise must have a Precious Metal Dealer License obtained through the city.

▪  Know the return and warranty policy. When spending a lot of money on jewelry, it’s a good idea to ask about the return policy and warranty. If the item breaks, you’ll want to know how long you have to get it fixed or exchange it for another one. If you’re buying jewelry online, first check out BBB’s guide to savvy online shopping.

▪  Get documentation. If your jewelry is of higher quality, ask for a certificate of replacement cost or an appraisal listing the qualities of your gemstones or precious metals to accompany your receipt. If the piece comes with a gemological certificate, be sure to get the original and keep it with your receipt. This can help with reselling in the future.

Looking to cash in on that old jewelry? If you’re considering a pawnbroker, make sure they have the proper licensing. Businesses in Boise must have their pawnbroker license obtained through the city. Get a few estimates to determine the market value of your piece.

You might consider using a mail-away service. While this can be an easy and quick way to sell your items be sure you understand all the terms and conditions of the sail before you mail the jewelry. Take pictures of your jewelry before you send it. Know how long it takes to receive an offer and how long you have to accept or reject that offer.

Before you visit any store, check bbb.org to find a trustworthy BBB Accredited jeweler near you. Read through a business’ complaints and Customer Reviews to see others’ experiences. You can also ask family and friends for recommendations.