Discount Jewelry

Tips on Buying Jewelry online at discount prices:

     Many people want to buy their jewelry at discount prices and still want top quality. It is a reality that you can have both when you shop in online jewelry stores. Because you wont be paying full retail prices, you can buy the exact same pieces that you see at your local jewelry store at smaller costs. This means you can purchase even better items than you thought you could afford with decent savings.

Here are some typical promotions you should be wary of.

- 40% off, 60% off: There is always a great number of merchants (even well-known ones) that offer jewelry through ads and promotions claiming "so-called" discounts that are so exaggerated you should question whether they are true discounts. Look for information about whether the merchandise was ever sold at regular price and for how long. Also, be aware that the retail or former/reference price may purposely been inflated and then lowered to make you think you are saving money. There is nothing wrong with legitimate discounts, but deceptive pricing will offer you no bargains. To avoid being ripped off, shop around and compare quality, service and price and ask questions about the piece of jewelry you are looking to purchase.

- Always look for the karat mark - 14K or 18K: When buying gold jewelry always look for a karat mark such as 14K or 18K, with the manufacturers trademark. Make sure that the mark also appears on part of the chain besides the clasp. Sometimes the clasp is marked 14K, but the chain may not be real gold. Anything less that 10K gold cannot be legally marked and sold as real gold.

- Genuine and counterfeit watches for cheap: Be wary of promotions for genuine name-brand or counterfeit watches for as low as $10, or familiar brands that would normally be sold for $2000-$5000 being offered at unbelievably low prices of $50. These watches are not genuine and carry no manufacturers warranty and have little value. Usually, certain brand names are stamped on the dials by the seller. To avoid these scams - be wary of extremely low-priced items and look for correct spelling of brand names and the karat gold mark. Ask for a warranty and check the item out with you local jeweler.

- Mail-order bargains: Anyone considering a mail-order bargain should check beforehand with the Better Business Bureau in the area of the promoter. Because most promoters are reached only by post office box number and not real street addresses it is very hard to contact the firm directly in event of non-receipt or dissatisfaction. The Better Business Bureau could provide useful information before you make any commitment.
Overall, remember to 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 and is someone who will be around after you have made your purchase.

Discount Jewelry Stores:
- http://www.discount-values.com/directory/Discount_Jewelry - good list of discount jewelry stores
- http://www.top-jewelry-stores.com - list of discount jewelry stores online