On March 15th, every year, we celebrate World Consumer Rights Day, which is all about empowering consumers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. This day has a quite amazing background. It was initiated by a group called Consumers International, which was founded way back in 1960. The consumer rights act 2015 is now known as a priceless tool that gives consumers a strong and independent voice in the marketplace!
Facts you need to know about consumer rights
When you decide to buy something rather expensive, such as gemstones, it is essential to establish an appropriate approach. Namely, you need to be familiarised with the consumer rights act, so you are not deceived if you experience some issues with the precious jewels you have bought or intend to buy. Therefore, understanding and acknowledging your rights is mandatory.
1. Consumers have the right to access complete information about the products or services they are interested in buying, including details on quality, quantity, potency, purity, and pricing.
2. Consumers have the right to seek compensation or redress for any unfair trade practices they may have encountered.
3. Consumers are entitled to the freedom to choose the products or services they prefer, and they should also have the option to select alternative options.
4. Hiring a lawyer to appear in a consumer court is not mandatory. According to the consumer rights act 2015, you can represent your case yourself.
Possible scenarios with gemstones and jewels
If you have decided to invest in expensive jewellery, you will probably want to know how to act when purchasing it. Moreover, it is good to be prepared in case of an unpleasant situation with the gemstones you bought. For that reason, I have selected some scenarios and problem-solving answers to advise consumers...
Purchasing from a jewellery shop
When buying gemstones in UK, you should expect the highest quality of jewels in jewellery shops. These shops give you the advantage of making sure you purchase the real stuff. No matter what kind of gemstone you are looking to buy, according to the consumer rights act 2015, you are entitled to conduct the purchase in a particular way.
Your rights in a jewellery shop dictate that you should be allowed to check the gemstone for any faults. Moreover, you can ask the retailer to give you a loupe to inspect your desired gem closer. If they refuse to provide this service, you can call on the consumer rights act.
Also, make sure to ask for documentation or insurance for the jewellery you intend to buy. According to the regulations, buying jewellery in UK comes with mandatory documents for the consumer.
Stolen jewellery
If your precious gemstones or jewellery get stolen, you can:
File a police report.
Check your insurance policies, such as jewellery insurance and homeowner insurance. Since different guides offer different recommendations check multiple sites to get a wide range of advice. Comparethemarket offers a guide that answers some of the more complex questions like 'does home contents insurance cover jewellery?' and 'is your jewellery covered when you go out?' and whether you need standalone jewellery insurance along with many other things.'
If your jewels were stolen from a safety box, review the terms and conditions of the safe box where your gems have been kept.
Stone fell out of a pendant
It is common for a gemstone to fall out of a pendant after wearing it for some time. However, there are steps you can take to manage the damage backed by the consumer rights act:
Take the stone to your jeweller for repair. They are experienced in repairing precious jewellery so you might get your gems in their original condition.
Ask for a refund if repair is not possible. According to the consumer rights act, a refund is possible if you have all the necessary documentation previously provided by the jewellery shop.
When you know the consumer rights act 2015, you can confidently demand fair treatment from businesses and service providers. You can also identify and report any rights violations to relevant authorities. However, you should also be aware that these rights differ from country to country. So, if you buy gemstones in the UK, you can rely on these guidelines 100%!
Gemstone Detective
Be sure. Be smart. Buy with confidence.
Comments