Buying Jewellery

1. Always get a receipt or valuation, whether the purchase is for new or secondhand jewellery.
2. The receipt should show
(a) the carat of the gold
(b) the weight , particularly for bracelets or chains
(c) color and clarity (for diamonds)
If black spots in a diamond are visible to the eye, don't buy.
Use a 20X magnifying glass to inspect the diamond for faults
3. A gold chain or bracelet clasp stamped 18ct doesn't necessarily mean that the item is 18ct overall.
4. Beware of replica diamonds, particularly moisanite, which has almost the same properties as diamond, but not the value.5. In making a buying decision, be aware that new 9ct gold is valued at about $40 per gram. Under normal circumstances, new bracelets and chains will sell for between $30 and $40, whilst secondhand they will be about $17 and at auction, about $11 per gram. Les Ambor