JVC

Jewelers Vigilance Committee

The Jewelers Vigilance Committee was formed in 1912 to provide education and self-regulation to the jewelry industry. Members operate under the highest standards of business practice after pledging to comply with all laws applicable to the jewelry industry and make accurate representations about the products they sell.

The JVC constantly monitors the industry for compliance, and when a pattern or practice of non-compliance is detected, JVC refers the matter to appropriate law enforcement officials. JVC can even bring legal action themselves. Their main focus is education, and bringing about compliance through a greater understanding of the laws and how to apply them.

Visit JVC’s website to download their easy-to-understand brochures designed to educate you, the consumer. www.jvclegal.org

JVC’s Jewelry Buyer's Checklist

‘The Complete Consumer Guide to Purchasing Fine Jewelry’
When making a fine jewelry purchase, it's important to know what questions to ask. JVC, the jewelry industry's legal information organization, recommends you review the topics below with your jeweler or salesperson. Ask questions, comparison shop and collect the most complete information possible to make an informed decision about this special purchase.

Terms of Sale Questions

• Will the seller list all the information they have given you in writing?
• Is your purchase returnable? For how long? If so, do you receive cash, card credit or store credit?
• What is the policy if the item does not fit? Or, if it needs modifications? Is there a charge for adjustments?
• Does the item come with a warranty or guarantee?
• Are there any special care instructions or maintenance for the jewelry you are purchasing?

• The Four C's are the criteria used to value a diamond.
• Ask about the carat weight, color, clarity and cut (cut refers to the quality of cut, not the shape).
• Ask if the diamond(s) have been treated in any way (i.e. fracture-filled, laser drilled) and whether or not the treatment is permanent.

• Is the gemstone natural, laboratory created or an imitation?
• Has this gemstone been treated? If so, how?
• If treated, is the treatment permanent and has the treatment affected the gemstone's value?
• What is the country of origin of the gemstone?
• Is special care required?

• Are the pearl(s) natural or cultured?
• Has the pearl been dyed to enhance or change its color?
• If the pearl is dyed, is the treatment permanent? Did this affect the value?
• Is special care required?

• In addition to the specifics about precious metals, make sure that jewelry containing precious metal(s) is marked in compliance with the law.
• The item's karatage must be identified to you in some way (verbally, through signage, etc.).
• If an item is stamped to indicate the quality of metal it contains, it must have a trademark in close proximity to the quality mark. (A trademark is a symbol stamped next to the quality mark and may be initials or a logo to identity the make of the item.)

After The Sale
Should difficulties arise after the sale is completed, your first step should be to talk with the seller. If that proves fruitless and you feel outside intervention is necessary, you may contact JVC for advice. Should further action become necessary, JVC offers an Alternative Dispute Resolution Service, where JVC would mediate between the seller and the buyer to achieve a resolution. For further information, or if you have questions, please contact the JVC.