| Whether buying gold jewelry for yourself or a loved | | | | remember, the karats are an indication of what |
| one, deciding what and where to buy fine jewelry can | | | | percentage of gold is in the jewelry piece. 24K is pure |
| be a tough decision. Gold jewelry is an item you'll | | | | gold, 18K is 75 percent gold, 14K is 58.3 percent gold, |
| cherish for many years to come - maybe even a | | | | and 10K is 41.6 percent gold. So, what is the other |
| lifetime! So, you'll want to make a wise choice. Here | | | | percentage? It is usually made up of alloy, or different |
| are some quick do's and don'ts to remember when | | | | metals that add form and strength to the jewelry item. |
| buying gold jewelry. | | | | Don't be Hasty |
| Do Buy Gold Jewelry from a Company You Trust | | | | Look around at several gold jewelry pieces before |
| When you want fine jewelry, choose a company or | | | | making a decision. Consider the price of the jewelry as |
| Web store that specializes in fine jewelry. Don't | | | | well. Ask about these factors to determine if the fine |
| expect to find the best of jewelry at a company that | | | | jewelry is worth its price: karat weight, total weight, |
| offers everything including the kitchen sink! A specialist | | | | engravings, design, look and feel, ornamental detail, and |
| can assist you personally and provide a wider variety | | | | the finish. |
| of gold jewelry. | | | | Don't Buy from Suspicious Companies or Persons |
| When searching online, be specific in your searches, | | | | If you have an uneasy feeling about buying fine |
| and do research on the company before making a | | | | jewelry from a particular person or company, don't do |
| purchase. Check to see if the company is affiliated | | | | it. The jewelry could be stolen or fake. Either way, you'll |
| with a professional trade association such as the | | | | lose in the long run. Always choose a reputable |
| Jewelers of America (JA) or the online Better | | | | company that specializes in fine jewelry and/or gold |
| Business Bureau. | | | | jewelry. |
| Do Look for Guarantees or Warranties | | | | Don't Forget the Clasp and Measurements |
| Before buying gold jewelry from a company (online or | | | | If buying for others, find out what size gold jewelry |
| offline), get a detailed explanation of their return policy | | | | they wear, such as ring size, neck size, wrist size, or |
| in case the jewelry is not what you expected or has a | | | | ankle size. Whether it's gold necklaces, gold earrings, |
| defect. Some will offer manufacturer's warranties as | | | | gold bracelets, gold bangles, or other types of jewelry, |
| well. | | | | you'll need to know the size and style that fits you or |
| Do Shop for Quality, not Just Discounted Prices | | | | your loved one. Also, examine the clasp to be sure it's |
| It's tempting to buy fine jewelry at a discount to get a | | | | easy to attach and of good quality. |
| great bargain. But, what are you really getting? With | | | | Use these tips as a starting point to get the gold |
| gold jewelry, for example, find the karat or quality mark | | | | jewelry you need. The right gold jewelry piece can be |
| on the actual jewelry to see if it's real gold or not. And | | | | worn for a lifetime! |