FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the aim of the Jewellery Council of SA?

● To promote a high standard of business ethics in the Jewellery Industry.

● To promote and protect the interests of the public in its dealing with the jewellery industry.

● To encourage and ensure fair trade practices in the Jewellery industry.

● To encourage and assist in the settlement of disputes by enquiry, conciliation and mediation.

● To promote a high standard of quality, design and workmanship in the Jewellery and Precious Metals Industry.

● To promote SA branded jewellery.

● To promote South Africa as a “Land of gold, platinum and diamonds.

How do I know my Jeweller is a member of the Jewellery Council of SA?

● The Jeweller can be asked if he is a member or not.

● The Jewellery Council can be phoned and you may ask if your Jeweller is a member or not.

● There will be a gold sticker on their door or a decal on their counter with the Jewellery Council of SA’s logo on.

Why should I deal with a member of the Jewellery Council of SA?

Our members have signed a “Code of Ethics” to which they have pledged to deal

honestly and professionally. Our motto is “Buy from a member with confidence”.

What is “White Gold”?

White gold is an alloy of gold mixed with white metals such as nickel, silver and

palladium. White gold comes in a variety of carats such as 9ct, 14ct or 18ct.

New white gold rings are coated with a hard protective finish of rhodium, a silver-

white metal like platinum. To keep a white gold ring looking its best, one should

annually replate the rhodium, since the coating with wear off over time.

How can the Council assist me when I have a complaint against a Jeweller?

The Council’s role in dealing with consumer complaints against its members may be summarised as follows:

1. On receipt of a complaint in writing from the consumer in respect of a member, the Council’s office contacts the member and attempts to mediate between the parties in order to bring about a satisfactory resolution of the dispute. The Council will also assist when clarity is required on a piece of jewellery by sending it to an independent jeweller for a written report. If diamonds are involved, the Jewellery Council Laboratory will assist.

2. Should the Council be unable to bring about the successful resolution of the dispute by consensus between the parties, the consumer is advised to seek legal advice or to approach a consumer protection organisation.

3. If, in the course of its role as mediator, it is apparent to the Council that its member has acted unethically, the conduct of the member is referred to the National Retail Panel for possible disciplinary action to be taken against the member in terms of the relevant Constitution.

TIPS FOR THE CONSUMER:

Deal with a member of the Jewellery Council of South Africa. The Council members each display a gold window decal in their windows.

When purchasing:

1. Ask the jeweller for as much information on the article as possible.

2. Make sure that you receive an invoice or receipt, which fully describes the article and the amount paid.

3. Try to establish a good ongoing relationship with the jeweller, who can become someone you can trust.

4. If there are larger diamonds set in the jewellery, request a laboratory certificate on the stones, which details the colour, cut, clarity and carat-weight.

When handing a piece of jewellery in for repair:

1. Make sure that you receive a remittance slip, which gives full details of the article, e.g., 15cm, 18ct gold Gucci chain with Italian clasp.

2. If there are diamonds or other precious stones set in the article, request that the jeweller inspect it, so as to clarify that the stone is in fact a precious stone.

3. If you are handing in a pearl necklace, make sure that the pearls are counted since pearls which are re-strung may result in the string being shorter, because it’s tighter.

When purchasing diamonds:

1. Insist on a Jewellery Council Diamond Laboratory Certificate that assures you of the highest standards. The Certificate will provide you with the characteristics of your diamond, i.e. the cut, colour, clarity and carat weight.

2. The exciting new Laser Inscription Service allows you to personalise your diamond with an infinite variety of messages, lasered onto diamonds as small as 0.30 carats.

What else does the Council do for the public?

The Council deals with the public on a day-to-day basis. Besides complaints, it also assists with career, employment opportunities as well as services available in the industry.