A jewellery buying checklist

Identify what you are buying

Ask for the metal, purity, any plating, net metal weight and stone description. Distinguish natural, laboratory-grown and imitation stones, and ask about treatments. For important stones, consider an appropriate independent report.

Read the complete invoice

Separate metal value, workmanship, stones, tax and other fees. Record return, resizing, repair and warranty terms. A verbal promise is difficult to compare later; retain written documents and payment records.

Inspect the actual piece

Try the fit and clasp and check dimensions. Online, verify the seller’s identity, photographs of the exact model and the return policy. A large product image does not establish the real size or weight.