Beware of Buying Jewelry on Vacation – Warns “Today” Show

On Thursday, April 2, the Today Show broadcasted their investigation into purchasing jewelry while on vacation, and the warning to vacationers was clear: “BUYER, BEWARE!”

“Vacation Undercover”, the segment was called, told the story about jewelry that was purchased while on vacation. Leaving out the names of the stores that were “investigated” in the story, they focused on vacation spots like Cozumel, Mexico and Key West, Florida.

The gemstone that was purchased in Cozumel, Mexico was advertised and sold as sapphire, but was actually blue glass. The store sold it to the investigator for $350, claiming that it was worth $700 in the United Staes, and it was actually a piece of glass worth only $25.  At the store in Key West, Florida, a pair of “diamand stud earrings” were purchased by the producer for $3,200. They were supposedly appraised at $4,400. The truth was, the diamonds had less clarity and color (from the 4 C’s of diamonds) than the store had advertised and they were only worth $2,400.

You can read a more in-depth look at the story, but the warning was clear:

If you’re going to make a gemstone or jewelry purchased, be sure to purchase from someone with an established reputation with testimonials, like us here at BC Custom Jewelry.