Buy from a Jewellery Shop
Jewellery must be of satisfactory quality and fit for purpose. You can inspect the item in person before you buy. It is also beneficial to speak to the staff of a jewellery shop about the item’s manufacturing and/or stone (if any) and how to care for it.
If you are unsure, ask the jeweller to demonstrate how to use an eyeglass or jewellers loupe. Finally, take a good look at your purchase. After you leave the jewellery shop, it will be easier to claim that scratches or marks were not due to wear and tear. But, make sure you ask about returns and insurance.
Returning your jewellery
Although large retailers may extend your legal rights, it is not a guarantee that smaller jewel shops will. Ask the retailer about a returns policy that extends your statutory rights. No rights are available if the item is not fitted after you’ve had a chance to try it on. Fair wear and tear is not considered a fault. You also have no rights if the item does not fit due to your failure to follow any instructions that were provided at purchase.
Don’t assume that other Welsh jewellery can withstand the same level of wear and tear as yours. Instead, ask the retailer for permission and make sure the return period is written on the receipt. Your statutory rights do not allow you to return an item unless it is defective due to misuse, accident or non-compliance with the care instructions. You must locate your proof that you purchased the item. You are responsible for proving where and when the item was purchased.
The jeweller should be contacted immediately to report the problem. If the jewellery was bought locally, go to the jeweller. Bring the item, any packaging (if available) and proof that you purchased it with you. If the item is not available to you, phone or email the trader. They will usually ask for the item to be inspected. You should take a picture of the item showing any faults or problems.
A minor fault that was discovered at the time of the sale can be accepted if the item has been worn only a few times. You can claim a replacement or refund for any repair that isn’t satisfactory. The repair of Jewellery should be completed within a reasonable amount of time, and without causing any significant inconvenience. The item should be returned to its original condition. If that does not happen, you may be able to argue for a replacement or compensation in the form a money sum or the cost of the item’s repair. If the item can’t be repaired or replaced economically, you may request a reimbursement. If you and the retailer are not able to come to an agreement, or if they are NAJ members, you may contact us to lodge a complaint.
Online Jewellery Ordering, via a TV Channel or Mail Order
When you purchase jewellery on a website, TV channel, or mail order, you can rely upon images and descriptions to determine whether you want to make the purchase. Here, the law provides additional protection. The Consumer Contracts Regulations give you 14 days from the date you receive your goods to cancel any contract for goods ordered by phone, mail, or fax.
Your Jewellery order can be returned or cancelled at any time after it arrives. Cancellation is possible if you don’t love the goods or you have changed your mind. The cooling-off period is typically fourteen days. Cancellations can be made at any moment up until the 14th day following the day you receive the goods. To cancel an order, you must inform the seller in writing. This can be done by fax, mail, or e-mail. To prove you sent the letter and track its progress, you should send it by Royal Mail Special Delivery.
You must cancel the agreement within 30 days if the seller has already charged you for the goods and services. The amount refunded must be sufficient to cover the original purchase of jewellery and delivery charges. However, if this is stated in the contract, you will need to pay the shipping costs to send the goods back to them. The seller cannot charge any additional charges for handling or restocking. You can contact NAJ members if there are any problems. If they aren’t, you should contact trading standards.
Jewellery valuation certificates
If the value of the jewelry you received from the jeweller exceeds your home contents insurance’s single item limit, be sure to inform your insurer. If the jeweller has provided you with a valuation certificate, it should contain enough information for your insurer to arrange a replacement item in the event that it is lost or stolen. This will include a digital photo of the jewellery and a description of all precious stones.