TEN RULES FOR BUYING JEWELRY

Before going on to where to buy jewelry, however, here are ten that summarize the guidelines for buying jewelry:

1. Buy jewelry as you would any other luxury item-b, it's beautiful, you like it, and you can afford it.

2. Do not buy jewelry as an investment. You have to cc - manufacturing costs, overhead, and profit, all of which increase f cost of jewelry above the value of the gems and precious used.

3. Do not look for bargains or "sales" in fine jewelry precious metals and gems. You get what you pay for, and . for what you get in most cases.

4. In buying precious metals, insist on seeing the karat plastinum, or sterling silver marking. Look for hallmarks as standar quality.

5. Inspect precious metals and settings for rough spots or edges that indicate less than quality care was taken in finishing the jewelry.

6. Beware of blue, colored, or tinted lights that can change the color of gems. Insist on seeing a gem in daylight or under white fluorescent light. Make sure the light is good and is strong.

7. Check gems from all angles, moving them under the light. although this precaution is essential with star and eye gems, it is also nesessary for other gems.

8. Ask about a verification or certification of authenticity from CIA of any gem that might be questionable and of all diamonds carat in size and above.