Antoinette Matlins' Tips on How to Avoid Diamond Rip-offs

1. Buy from someone who is both knowledgeable and accessible, someone you know you can find later if you discover that what you purchased was misrepresented. Also, don't ignore small, independent jewelry stores. Contrary to popular belief, small, independent jewelers sometimes offer better quality and value than big mall chain stores—and often have an in-house gemologist who can reliably answer all your questions.

2. Ask the right questions. Be sure to ask about the quality of the stones—color, clarity, weight, and so on—and if the diamonds have been treated in any way.

3. Get the facts in writing. Be sure that the quality description and all representations of the diamond or jewelry are included on the sales receipt. And don't fall for the old "let our bonded guard escort you to get it appraised before you buy" scam. If they won't put the facts on the sales receipt, something is wrong. Also, if they tell you that the diamonds are untreated, be sure that this is also stated on the sales receipt.

4. Verify the facts with an independent gemologist-appraiser who holds a respected credential from an organization such as the American Society of Appraisers ("Master Gemologist-Appraiser") or American Gem Society ("Independent Certified Gemologist-Appraiser"). This is the most important step to ensure that you have received what you paid for. And if you haven't, this is the key to getting your money back (as long as you've followed steps one through three above).

"One last thing consumers need to understand," adds Matlins, "is that regardless of store policy, if the consumer wants a refund, consumer protection laws in all fifty states require vendors to refund money when there is evidence of misrepresentation. As long as consumers have made sure that the facts or representations made by the seller pertaining to quality have been indicated on the sales receipt or other document provided by the seller, consumers do have recourse. In many cases, the seller will refund the money immediately to avoid legal action that could result in adverse publicity."