GETTING WHAT YOU PAY FOR

You find rough edges or bumps, you should double-check the quality markings. You should, in fact, beware of them. Fine precious metals too expensive to be used in any except the most finely made jewelry. If you like the jewelry anyway and the price is so inexpensive. (another indication that it may not be a precious metal) that you fell you can afford to take a chance, go ahead. Otherwise, back off.

In buying vermeil jewelry, you want to be especially careful. By definition, vermeil is sterling silver with at least 10-karat gold electroplated on it in a design. There are no laws or regulations enforcing , definition, however. As a result, the silver base may be any .

Silver-like metal and the gold only a thin wash or not gold at all. Sterling silver has to be marked. So, in buying vermeil, be sure to look for the sterling (.925) marking and to rub the gold. Keep in mind, too, ', the gold-regardless of how heavy the coating is-is only electroplated on the silver. That means vermeil must be cleaned very carefully to avoid "cleaning off" the gold if you have to polish the silver.

SETTINGS AND CLASPS

In buying any jewelry, you want to look at more than the quality marking. Sometimes what you want to look for depends on the type jewelry. Here are two general guidelines:

*Be satisfied that the metal is what it is supposed to be.* Inspect the clasps and settings, if gems are involved.
Check any and all links carefully, regardless of the type of jewelry. This precaution holds true for belts that may be made of metal .well. Any chain is only as strong as its weakest link-and any jewelry is only as strong as its weakest link. The links may be an integral part of the jewelry or they may be u re to connect the jewelry to the clasp or catch. The links should be well made, with no separation where the link is joined to form a circle. A link that is bent or is slightly apart may give way under wear, letting the rest of jewelry or part of it slip through.