Choosing a JA Jewelry Professional

When you buy a dazzling piece of fine jewelry, you’re making an important purchase. Equally important is the decision of where you’re going to make the purchase. Jewelers of America (JA), the national association for retail jewelers, has more than 10,000 members across the United States – all JA jewelry professionals.
When you have your heart set on the jewelry you’ve always wanted, don’t let yourself be dazzled into selecting a jeweler you may not be happy with later. Before you select a jeweler, be logical, be thorough and don’t be afraid to ask questions. As a consumer, you have a right to know about the fine jewelry you are purchasing and the jeweler making the sale.

A Lasting Relationship With Your Jeweler

The right jeweler should be one you can rely on for all your jewelry purchases, year after year. From gifts for loved ones to treasures for yourself, the jeweler with whom you do business should educate and inform you when you’re making a purchase.

Your jeweler should be there to guide you in selecting fine jewelry of lasting quality and beauty that will enrich your life and the lives of those you love. Your jeweler should also be there to help you properly care for your jewelry so that it can give you years of enjoyment.

A JA jewelry professional can do all these things and more. Your jeweler should be on the same level as your doctor, lawyer or accountant — trusted individuals who have mastered the unique but necessary skills required by their professions.

When you are ready to find a jeweler, look to a Jewelers of America (JA) member. JA jewelers will not only help you with your purchase but they will also be there in the future to answer your questions.

Is Your Jeweler a JA Member?

If you see the "J" mark on the door, the jeweler is a member of Jewelers of America, an association that promotes and reinforces integrity and professionalism among jewelers. JA is a professional organization with standards of conduct and business ethics that its members agree to follow.

These standards include a commitment to maintaining the highest level of personal and professional integrity, as well as treating customers with courtesy and respect.

JA members also keep pace with industry and fashion trends and are able to provide the most up-to-date merchandise and information for their customers.

When you see the "J" mark, you know you are bringing your business to professionals with the skill and knowledge to help you make the right selection of quality jewelry within your budget.

How Long Has the Jeweler Been in Business?

Has the store just recently opened, or is it well-established? If the store is new, be sure to visit it and talk to the sales staff and, if possible, the manager or owner. This is a great way of assessing the professionalism of the store and it helps you establish a personal relationship with the jeweler. Ask yourself a series of questions: How does the sales staff treat you when you enter the door? Do they answer all of your questions? How is the store designed? Does it look like time and effort went into making the store look inviting? How is the jewelry displayed? Do you feel comfortable in the store and would you be comfortable shopping there on a regular basis?

Whether you are shopping at an established or a newly opened retailer, you should ask the same questions. What types of merchandise does the store offer? What services are available? Is a manager or owner available if you need to talk to them? More importantly, what are the credentials of the staff and management? Do they have experience or formal training in jewelry, retailing or management?

What Is the Jeweler’s Reputation?

Asking friends, neighbors or business associates about their personal experiences with various retailers can be an excellent way of selecting an outstanding jeweler. This can also help you avoid choosing the wrong jeweler.

What Services Does the Jeweler Offer?

Maintaining the fine jewelry you have purchased will be important to you as time passes. Ask if the jeweler is able to clean, size, engrave, restring or remount your jewelry.

Does the store have a trained diamontologists on the premises? Diamontologists have studied the unique properties of diamonds. If you are interested in purchasing diamond or gemstone jewelry, a gemologist can guide you to an appropriate purchase that matches your taste, budget and lifestyle.

A bench jeweler is trained in the fabrication and repair of jewelry. This individual can repair your jewelry, resize your ring and reset a stone. Highly experienced bench jewelers can often custom design a piece for you.

In some stores the gemologist can be the same person. In larger stores, several people may be employed as gemologists. Sometimes the owner wears all of these hats. In all cases, having trained gemologists on site is an important component of the professional jewelry store.

Does the Jeweler Offer a Wide Selection?

As in any retail store where you enjoy shopping, selection is an important factor in your choice. Look at the selection a jewelry store has to offer and determine if it reflects your taste and meets your needs. Remember, a professional jeweler will help you develop a jewelry wardrobe that meets your budget, tastes and lifestyle. Jewelers can almost always special order jewelry for you and some may even be able to custom design a piece. Simply ask if these services are available.

What Information Can the Jeweler Share with You?

A professional jeweler is also a consumer educator who understands your need for information. Does the store provide you with information that will help you select and care for your fine jewelry? Booklets, brochures and other materials should be available to help guide you in your purchases and answer questions you may have.