The Retail Jewellers of Ireland

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Choosing an RJI Jewellery Professional

When you buy a dazzling piece of fine jewellery, you're making an important purchase. Equally important is the decision of where you're going to make the purchase. Retail Jewellers of Ireland (RJI) is the national association for retail jewellers.

When you have your heart set on the jewellery you've always wanted, don't let yourself be dazzled into selecting a jeweller you may not be happy with later. Before you select a jeweller, be logical, be thorough and don't be afraid to ask questions. As a consumer, you have a right to know about the fine jewellery you are purchasing and the jeweller making the sale.

A Lasting Relationship With Your Jeweller

The right jeweller should be one you can rely on for all your jewellery purchases, year after year. From gifts for loved ones to treasures for yourself, the jeweller with whom you do business should educate and inform you when you're making a purchase.

Your jeweller should be there to guide you in selecting fine jewellery of lasting quality and beauty that will enrich your life and the lives of those you love. Your jeweller should also be there to help you properly care for your jewellery so that it can give you years of enjoyment.

An RJI jewellery professional can do all these things and more. Your jeweller should be on the same level as your doctor, lawyer or accountant - trusted individuals who have mastered the unique but necessary skills required by their professions.

When you are ready to find a jeweller, look to a Retail Jewellers of Ireland (RJI) member. RJI jewellers will not only help you with your purchase but they will also be there in the future to answer your questions.

Is Your Jeweller an RJI Member?

If you see the RJI logo on the door, the jeweller is a member of Retail Jewellers of Ireland, an association that promotes and reinforces integrity and professionalism among jewellers. RJI is a professional organization with standards of conduct and business ethics that its members agree to follow.

These standards include a commitment to maintaining the highest level of personal and professional integrity, as well as treating customers with courtesy and respect. RJI members also keep pace with industry and fashion trends and are able to provide the most up-to-date merchandise and information for their customers. When you see the RJI logo, you know you are bringing your business to professionals with the skill and knowledge to help you make the right selection of quality jewellery within your budget.

RJI Resources for the Professional Jeweller

A major benefit of shopping with RJI members is that these stores have access to many resources, which can make your jewellery shopping experience as enjoyable and rewarding as possible.

RJI is dedicated to promoting the professionalism of the jewellery industry. RJI members have joined with their colleagues to work toward this goal. RJI members are committed to promoting professionalism and outstanding customer service in their stores and throughout the entire jewellery industry.

RJI must have the respect and confidence of the public and the jewellery industry. For this confidence and respect, RJI members must maintain the highest possible ethical standards in their business dealings. Every RJI member must follow and agree to the ethical standards, principles and practices of RJI.

RJI members have access to special educational programs that keep jewellers up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques in the industry.

RJI offers its members numerous services that are passed along to you as special value-added features.

RJI provides its members with special publications that help educate you about jewellery and how to make a purchase.

In addition to looking for an RJI member, you should follow these guidelines as you search for a professional jeweller who is reliable and offers a wide selection of beautiful, distinctive jewellery for you to choose from.

How Long Has the Jeweller Been in Business?

Has the store just recently opened, or is it well-established? If the store is new, be sure to visit it and talk to the sales staff and, if possible, the manager or owner. This is a great way of assessing the professionalism of the store and it helps you establish a personal relationship with the jeweller. Ask yourself a series of questions:

How does the sales staff treat you when you enter the door? Do they answer all of your questions? How is the store designed? Does it look like time and effort went into making the store look inviting? How is the jewellery displayed? Do you feel comfortable in the store and would you be comfortable shopping there on a regular basis?

Many jewellery stores in your area are probably not new but have been in business for many years - some for several generations. If you are shopping at one of these retailers ask how long the store has been in business. Chances are, the longer the store has been involved in the community, the more solid its reputation. If it is a family-owned store, ask if the family actively manages the store.

Whether you are shopping at an established or a newly opened retailer, you should ask the same questions. What types of merchandise does the store offer? What services are available? Is a manager or owner available if you need to talk to them? More importantly, what are the credentials of the staff and management? Do they have experience or formal training in jewellery, retailing or management?

What Is the Jeweller's Reputation?

Asking friends, neighbours or business associates about their personal experiences with various retailers can be an excellent way of selecting an outstanding jeweller. This can also help you avoid choosing the wrong jeweller.

What Services Does the Jeweller Offer?

Maintaining the fine jewellery you have purchased will be important to you as time passes. Ask if the jeweller is able to clean, size, engrave, restring or remount your jewellery.

Does the store have a trained gemologist and a bench jeweller on the premises? Gemologists have studied the unique properties of diamonds and coloured stones. They are familiar with the various types of precious and semi-precious stones used in fine jewellery and can explain how to care for and clean your gemstone jewellery. If you are interested in purchasing diamond or gemstone jewellery, a gemologist can guide you to an appropriate purchase that matches your taste, budget and lifestyle.

A bench jeweller is trained in the fabrication and repair of jewellery. This individual can repair your jewellery, resize your ring and reset a stone. Highly experienced bench jewellers can often custom design a piece for you.

In some stores the bench jeweller and gemologist can be the same person. In larger stores, several people may be employed as gemologists and bench jewellers. Sometimes the owner wears all of these hats. In all cases, having trained gemologists and bench jewellers on site is an important component of the professional jewellery store.


What Is the Jeweller's Return Policy?

Be sure to inquire about the time period for returning jewellery.

Also ask whether you will be allowed an exchange or a cash refund, if this is of concern to you.


Does the Jeweller Offer a Wide Selection?

As in any retail store where you enjoy shopping, selection is an important factor in your choice. Look at the selection a jewellery store has to offer and determine if it reflects your taste and meets your needs. Remember, a professional jeweller will help you develop a jewellery wardrobe that meets your budget, tastes and lifestyle.

Jewellers can almost always specially order jewellery for you and some may even be able to custom design a piece. Simply ask if these services are available.

What Information Can the Jeweller Share with You?

A professional jeweller is also a consumer educator who understands your need for information. Does the store provide you with information that will help you select and care for your fine jewellery? Booklets, brochures and other materials should be available to help guide you in your purchases and answer questions you may have.

 

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