What About Bargains & Discounts?
Protecting yourself from jewelry scams
Jewelry is the gift of lasting beauty, but if you are susceptible to mail-order and discount promotions, TV commercials, street peddlers, and even some friends offering glittery bargains that sound tempting, your enjoyment and the jewelry may tarnish sooner than you expected.
40% to 60% Off?
The public is being bombarded by outlets offering so-called discounts so exaggerated that you should question whether they are true discounts:
- • Was the merchandise ever sold at the regular price? For how long?
- • Was the "retail" or "former" price purposely inflated then lowered to lure you into thinking you're saving money?
There is nothing wrong with legitimate discounts... but deceptive pricing offers you no bargain.
Always Look for the Karat Mark
When buying gold jewelry, always look for a karat mark such as 14K or 18K, with the manufacturer's trademark.
Make sure the mark appears on a part of the chain besides the clasp. Sometimes, if only the clasp is marked 14K, the chain may not be real gold.
Anything less than 10K gold cannot be legally marked or sold as real gold.
Genuine & Counterfeit Watches
Be wary of promotions for genuine name-brand or counterfeit watches for as low as $10, or familiar brands that normally sell for $2,000-$5,000 offered at unbelievable prices. These watches are not genuine, carry no manufacturer's warranty, and have little value.
To avoid this scam:
- • Be wary of extremely low-priced items
- • Look for correct spelling of brand-names and karat gold marks
- • Ask for a warranty
- • Check with your local jeweler
Mail-Order Bargains
Anyone considering a mail-order bargain should check beforehand with the Better Business Bureau in the postal area of the promoter. Because most promoters are reached only at a post office box number rather than a street address, it is very difficult to contact the firm directly in the event of non-receipt or dissatisfaction.
Summing Up
Compare quality and service, and ask questions! A Jewelers of America member is a professional jeweler whose reputation is based on integrity and service in the community—someone who will be around after you've made your purchase. Your jeweler can answer your questions and offer a selection of the newest styles in all price ranges.
Shop with Confidence
Buy from a jeweler you can trust. Singer's Jewelers has served the Capital District since 1955.
Call 518.464.4748