When it comes to fine jewelry, trust isn't optional - it's essential. After all, fine jewelry is an investment of not only your finances, but your time and energy as well. There is an emotional investment in choosing the perfect birthday celebration piece for your mom or designing a dreamy engagement ring for your soon-to-be-fiance. You'll want to be sure that the piece you are investing in will be of high quality, worthy of it's price, and sure to last a lifetime. But how exactly do you determine the trustworthiness of a jeweler before diving into a purchase? Here are just a few things to consider when choosing a jeweler:
1. Ask how their pieces are made and repaired.
Jewelers who make their pieces in-house will be more than happy to share the details of that process with you. They may even be willing to show you around the shop where all the work is done. A vague answer about their process may indicate outsourced work or convoluted parts sourcing.
2. Look for a well-rounded team.
A good sign of a trustworthy jeweler is a healthy balance of staff that goes beyond a sales team. Employing skilled craftspeople beyond the public-facing sales team indicates investment in more than just making money. They may have an appraiser, gemologist, bench jewelers, a CAD department, and administration to name a few options. These factors may help you better determine what's going on behind the scenes.
3. Look for certifications and credentials.
Many organizations exist in the jewelry industry and offer credentials to experienced professionals who invest in continuing education. For example, GIA (Gemological Institute of America) offers an Applied Jewelry Professionals (AJP) program, as well as gemology degrees. Jewelers may also be members of trade alliances, such as MJSA (Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America), or obtain certifications to indicate their commitment to ethical practices and meeting or exceeding industry standards. They may belong to organizations such as AGS (American Gem Society) for which membership requires adherence to strict ethical standards and continuing certification. You can often search for local jewelers directly from an organization's website or ask your potential jeweler about their credentials and certifications.
4. Communication should be open and available.
A jeweler you can trust will always be transparent with you. They should be easy to contact should you have questions but are unable to visit in person. They should always explain your options and educate you about the various factors at play in any decision, whether it be choice of stone, metal, or design. Fine jewelry is an investment, and with so many choices to be made, clarity and accessibility are of the utmost importance. A good jeweler will also ask YOU questions! It's important for them to know about the wearer of the jewelry in order to make educated recommendations. They will want to make sure you are informed and confident at each step of the buying or designing process by clarifying any questions they may have in order to best serve you.
5. Read their reviews.
A jeweler's reputation is everything. Having a good quantity of high quality reviews indicates a strong reputation and customer base. Are people telling their stories, sharing photos, explaining their experience? Jewelry tells a story, and it should inspire its wearer to do the same. Google reviews are a great place to start, but a jeweler may also pool testimonials to their website or post their customer's words of praise on social media. Great reviews provide external verification that all the attributes your jeweler claims to have are really there.
There are so many factors to consider when choosing a jeweler to work with, whether for an upcoming engagement or repair of a family heirloom. The process of choosing a jeweler doesn't have to be daunting, though. By keeping these things in mind, you'll be on track to feeling confident in your choice of jeweler.
At JAB Jewelry Works, we pride ourselves on transparency, craftsmanship, and stellar customer service. Reach out to us today for expert guidance and jewelry services you can trust. Call/text (724)941-8300 or email designs@jabjewelry.com.
