When you are shopping for precious stones, it is important to be aware of the many scams that are out there. If you aren’t careful, you could end up paying a lot of money for a worthless piece of jewelry. Here are some tips to help you avoid being scammed when buying jewelry.
Test Authenticity
It’s essential to take a good look at the stones you’re getting so you’d make sure they’re as clean as the seller is trying to convince you. There are some ways to determine whether a diamond is fake or real and they are effective only if you do it right. One such method is testing the stone’s fluorescence with ultraviolet light.
Another option is the fog test. You can do it by breathing on the stone and seeing how long the condensation lasts. If it’s a fake, the condensation will disappear almost immediately.
A third popular method is testing the diamond with a loupe which is basically a magnifying glass. This way you can check for inclusions which are tiny crystals that naturally form inside diamonds during their formation process.
Call An Expert
Give the item you want to buy to a certified gemologist or have them appraise it for you. This will ensure that you are not being taken advantage of and that the item is worth what you are paying for it. You can find a gemologist on the internet.
When buying an expensive piece of jewelry, make sure to get a certificate of authenticity from the seller. This document should include information about the materials used in the piece, as well as the name and contact information of the person who made it. If possible, get a second opinion on the value of the piece from another expert before making your purchase.
If you are buying jewelry, be sure to ask for a report from either the Gemological Institute of America or the European Gemological Laboratory. These reports will detail the quality of the diamond and give you an idea of its value.
Interview The Seller
Always ask your seller a series of questions about the stone and about them. These should be the following:
- Get the name, address, and telephone number of the seller, as well as their email address.
- Learn where they got the stone from and who sold it to them.
- If they had the stone cut or polished, ask for the name and contact information of those businesses as well.
- Ask how long they have had the stone.
- Find out if they have had it appraised and by whom.
- Get a description of the stone in their own words, including its size, weight, color, clarity, and any other features that stand out to them.
Having these questions answered will help you to understand where the stone has been and who has had a hand in its journey to you.
Visit Only Credible Stores
You have to run background checks on every store you’re considering visiting. Research is critical in this instance because it will help you determine whether the store is credible. Checking reviews online is a good way to start. Make sure that the reviews are from credible sources, such as other jewelry stores or review websites. You can also ask people you know if they have any recommendations.
When visiting the store, pay attention to how the staff treats you. Are they professional? Do they seem knowledgeable about the products? If not, it might be best to look elsewhere. Also, take a close look at the merchandise. Is it high quality? If it seems fake or low quality, there’s a good chance it is.
Do A Lot Of Research
There are tons of different popular gemstones, so it’s important that you do a lot of research on the one you’re interested in before making any purchasing decisions. You should start by reading up on the different properties and characteristics of the stone, as well as doing some price comparisons between different retailers.
This is especially important if you’re looking to buy an expensive piece of jewelry, like an engagement ring. You’ll want to be sure that you’re getting the best possible value for your money, and doing your research ahead of time will help you to avoid being scammed.
Don’t Be Impulsive
Impulsivity is your worst enemy, and scammers will try to convince you to make a purchase on the spot. They will tell you that the piece is rare, and if you don’t buy it now, you may never have another chance. They might say that they are only in town for a few more days and then they’ll be gone. While it’s true that some pieces are one-of-a-kind, and you may not have another chance to buy them, it’s not worth risking being scammed.
Buying stones and jewelry isn’t an easy task as there are lots of shady stores. That’s why you need to test it yourself and call an expert. Interview the seller to see if they know their business and visit only credible stores. Do a lot of research on the subject and never let them trigger your impulsivity. You’ll only be buying the highest quality from now on!