AGA on Consumer Issues
The Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA) is dedicated to establishing the highest ethical and professional standards of practice for jewelers and gemologists.
Below are the immediate steps for the consumer to take if he or she believes they may have been the victim:
- Contact the credit card company (if one was used) and start a complaint file (this stops the clock on the 30-day period usually allowed for consumer complaints).
- Contact the seller immediately and explain the dissatisfaction. Try to work out a solution.
- Contact a qualified, independent gemologist appraiser who is not the owner or employee of a jewelry store to obtain an unbiased assessment of the jewelry.
- Try again to resolve the problem with the seller.
- If not resolved to your satisfaction, work with the appropriate parties to force a resolution.
- Send a detail description of the complaint and copies of documentation, to:
- The State Attorney General's office in your state, local District Attorney, Better Business Bureau
- The Federal Trade Commission
CRC-240
Washington, D.C. 20580
Tel: 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357)
The FTC does not resolve individual consumer disputes, your complaint, comment, or inquiry may help the FTC spot a pattern of law violations requiring law enforcement action. It can also help the FTC to recognize and tell people about larger trends affecting consumers. - The Jewelers Vigilance Committee
25 West 45th Street, Suite 400
New York, NY 10036
Tel: 212 997 2002 / 800 564 6582
The JVC offers services to consumers, for a nominal fee, to pursue remedies.