Seven Tips to Consider When Purchasing Jewelry While on Vacation

You have heard the expression "buyer beware". When you are on vacation and venture out to shop, especially for jewelry, there are a few key things that you need to be aware in order to make sure that you are safe and that you are not being ripped off.

1. Purchasing from a street/beach vendor does not guarantee that you are going to get a "bargain" in some cases people have paid much more from these vendors than if they would have purchased it from a reputable store. Also, there is no guarantee that the item is genuine. Sterling silver can be stamped 925, but could be metal. Also, the gemstone could be a simulated stone.
2. Do purchase your jewelry from a reputable store that has a return policy for merchandise that can be returned in a reasonable amount of time for a full refund, not a store credit if you are not satisfied with it.
3. Be aware of "deals". If the price is too good, be cautious.
4. When entering a jewelry shop make sure that no one follows you in or follows you out.
5. Never shop alone.
6. When making a purchase, especially an expensive piece, don't put it on to wear out of the store. You do not need to draw attention to yourself.
7. Be a good negotiator. Try to get the best bang for your buck. Even the finest jewelry shop will have some flexibility in price.

There are so many tourists that travel to destinations that are known for their beautiful beaches and 5 star hotels, but the citizens are dirt poor. You need to be very careful when shopping to insure your safety.

Use Caution When Travelling With Jewellery

Having just returned from a two week Christmas vacation from a 'beach resort', I was so surprised to see the number of ladies wearing their expensive and sparkling diamond jewellery as well as heavy gold chains and bracelets. While for most of us our jewellery is like our second skin when travelling, you are taking all sorts of chances and risks when you are wearing your jewellery--potentially losing them, standing out in the crowd and risking your safety.

In so many of these communities, the locals are constantly begging for money whether you are walking along the beach or in the downtown core. While it is heartbreaking to see people living in the conditions that they do, for them, it is also about daily survival. Tourists are their golden opportunity and if you stand out, you are an easy target.

I leave all my jewellery at home with the exception of my gold wedding band and a cheap $9.00 watch--those are the only two pieces that I wear.

Blending in with the other tourists and locals is key--you do not want to stand out and attract attention to yourself. If you wear flashy jewellery you are are projecting an image of wealth and taking risks for your safety.

Last year, one of my customers was walking downtown while on vacation and she felt perfectly safe, until a local woman came up behind her and tried pulling off her 2 carat diamond ring. She screamed and struggled and it scared off the assailant and salvaged her ring, but she was devastated by the experience.

Did you know that many people also lose their jewellery while on vacation - suntan lotion can make rings slip off and when you go swimming in the cold ocean, your fingers shrink and your rings will slide off.

I don't want to scare any one, just to make you aware. Going on a vacation is wonderful, but by taking certain precautions, you will minimize the risk of being a target and ensuring your safety.