Buy safely
Get it in writing. Check the report.
What to do before you pay, what karat and "gold filled" marks mean, how to check a GIA report, and where to go if something goes wrong.
Before you pay
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Check the seller and get policies in writing
Before buying, look up what others say about a seller by searching its name with the words complaint or review, and get its refund and return policies in writing.
Source: FTC Consumer Advice, Buying Platinum, Gold, and Silver Jewelry
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Put the details on the paperwork
Make sure your sales paperwork includes what the seller told you, including the stone's origin, weight or size, treatments and special care needs.
Source: FTC Consumer Advice, Buying Gemstones, Diamonds, and Pearls
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What a GIA colored stone report covers
A GIA colored stone report states the type of gemstone, whether it's natural or synthetic, and whether there are any detectable treatments.
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Verify a GIA report online
GIA Report Check lets you confirm that the information on a GIA report matches what's archived in GIA's database. You look it up by entering the report number.
Source: GIA, Report Check
Metal marks
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What karat marks mean
Karat marks show how much of a piece is pure gold, out of 24 parts. Jewelry marked 18K is 18 parts gold mixed with six parts other metal.
Source: FTC Consumer Advice, Buying Platinum, Gold, and Silver Jewelry
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No maker's trademark, no sale
Near the karat mark, look for the name or US registered trademark of the company standing behind it. The FTC says if there's no trademark with the karat mark, don't buy it.
Source: FTC Consumer Advice, Buying Platinum, Gold, and Silver Jewelry
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What gold filled means
Gold filled, gold overlay and rolled gold plate describe jewelry with a layer of at least 10 karat gold mechanically bonded to a base metal. It isn't solid gold.
Source: FTC Consumer Advice, Buying Platinum, Gold, and Silver Jewelry
Where to check and where to complain
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GIA Report Check
Enter a GIA report number to confirm the report's details match GIA's archived database record.
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Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) mediation
Nonprofit trade group that helps consumers and jewelers with jewelry purchase-related disputes.
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ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Where the FTC says to report a jewelry purchase problem you couldn't resolve with the seller. It also lists your state attorney general as an option.
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econsumer.gov
The FTC points shoppers here to report a problem with jewelry bought from a company located outside the US.