Jewelry Bargains and Discounts:
Let the Buyer Beware
Part II
3. There are significant differences in the quality, and so the value, of gemstones.
The color, cut, clarity and weight of a stone will significantly influence its value.
The "$10.00 Emerald" you see advertised may not even be worth that much!
4. Know the difference between carat and point size. There are promotions in the marketplace
that count on the customer not reading the advertisement carefully. A .25 ct. (carat) diamond is
entirely different from a .25 pt (point) diamond. If you are unsure of anything when making a
purchase, ask your jeweler. An educated customer is our favorite customer at Kingston Fine Jewelry.
5. Use the gold mark as a guideline for purchase price. When buying gold jewelry, always look
for a karat mark such as 10K, 14K, or 18K along with a manufacturer's trademark. Look for the marks
on the clasp of the chain. Beware of "layered" or "gold kote" which apply to a thin layer of gold bonded
to a base metal. Such coating will wear off quickly with use. Anything that is less than 10K cannot be
legally marked or sold as real gold. Layered gold jewelry cannot have a karat marking unless it is
qualified "14K gold-filled" or "14K gold electroplated."
6. Be very careful about ordering mail order or over the Internet unless you are dealing with
a known, reputable dealer. Even then, realize that what you see, and subsequently buy on-line, may appear
very different when seen "live."
We at Kingston Fine Jewelry look forwarding to greeting you at our shop and helping
you select the perfect piece of jewelry, a piece to bel treasured for a lifetime.
 | Index of Previous Articles |
| Table of Contents |