Month: August 2012

Recovering From Storm Damage To Your Home

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Who doesn’t enjoy a good storm?  One of the best feelings is a raging rain, thunder booming, lightning illuminating the sky all while the family is snuggled together enjoying some candlelight and a game of Scrabble.  The calm that is supposed to come after the storm does not always come.  Sometimes after the storm real work comes along in the form of storm restorations and storm repair.  Emergency restoration service companies spend the time during the storm preparing for the cleanup that will need to occur after the storm.

So much damage can occur to a home during a home.  Water damage, fire damage, wind damage, hail damage all this and more can occur when a ferocious storm boroughs through your area.  Nature is one powerful beast.  Storm damage is fierce.  Storms come in and with them they bring all of their ferociousness with them damaging your home.   Where does a homeowner turn once a storm has wreaked havoc on one of their biggest investments?

The first call to make when a storm has caused damage to your home is your homeowner’s insurance carrier.  From there it is inevitable they will come out for an onsite inspection of the damage and instruct you to call a flood/fire/storm restoration company.  The emergency restoration company will develop an action plan to restore the property to its original state.

Water damage in particular needs to be handles by the professional.  If an area affected by water damage and extend moisture is not treated correctly and dried thoroughly mold and mildew can quickly set in.  Water damage is simple to clean and react to in comparison then what is involved with mold removal.  Mold restoration is necessary as any mold left to grow will spread quickly and can lead to health problems such as headaches, runny eyes and noses, and coughing; or trigger attacks in kids and adults with asthma.  These are all very serious issues.

Most of the time storms wreak havoc on the outside of the home.  Some common damage from storms is siding damage or ripped off, broken window, down wires and fallen trees.  All of which can be handled with the help of storm remediation.  It s important that homeowners resist the urge to start cleaning up after the storm, downed power lines and fallen trees can still conduct large amount of electricity.

Another reason to resist immediately going out and beginning to clean up after the storm passes and the damage is done is because professionals will come in and board up, tarp the roof and pack up for homeowners.  This will keep homeowners safe while the insurance company and restoration specialist put the home back to its original state.

It is important to remember that no matter the size of the storm, damage can be done to your home that is sufficient enough to call in the specialists.  After a storm has passed through your area check your home inside and out to ensure damage has not been done.  Don’t always assume that when a small storm passes nothing could be wrong with your home.  The last time we assumed our home was fine and we did not check on it we woke up in the morning with a tree on our shed.  Don’t assume ever after a storm check out to see if damage has been done.

 

Dreamers Inc Restoration

Recovering From Water Damage To Your Home

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Water damage is one of the most disconcerting disasters to have to deal with and repair.  Most often water damage is the result of some other disaster.    Handling the aftermath of a flood, fire, tornado or hurricane leaves homeowners dealing with damage to a home’s interior, not to mention the foundation and structure itself.  Repairs to your home are costly and all consuming of your time.

All homes should be covered with homeowners insurance that helps cover a decent portion of the financial commitment involved in restoring your water damaged home.  The one thing insurance companies cannot cover is the stress and emotions that complicate the already overwhelming loss of your home and personal possessions. Insurance does not cover the nuisance created during the remodeling project or the bother associated with being without a home.  Hotels are wonderful and fun for vacations.  When one becomes your residence for an extended period of time it loses some of the excitement. This is something that insurance cannot cover when water or fire has damaged your home.

Water damage is not something that can only be caused by natural disasters.  Often leaks can occur within the home and go completely unnoticed until the problem is much bigger than the homeowner can handle on their own.  Maybe a pipe breaks in the wall or a water heater a leak which leaves a damp area.  The dampness quickly turns into a moisture problem which leads to mold and mildew issues which are best left to emergency restoration specialists to contain and clean.

Places to look within your home, to avoid larger issues are places most susceptible to moisture damage and build up.  Check under sinks, failures in pipes, leaky faucets, places with poor air ventilation and fixtures that are not sealed correctly, think kitchens and bathrooms.  One small leak, left unnoticed can destroy not only the drywall but also the flooring and furniture that is in the area of within the space of the leak.

In order to repair areas affected by water damage the first step is to remove the source of water.  In cases of an emergency situation such as a fire or flood professionals will first remove as much of the water from the premises as can be and the items that are saturated beyond repair.  This gets you down to a fairly clean slate to begin repairing the home.  If the affected area is small and caught early such as a leaky kitchen faucet it is best to turn the water source off, remove the water, thoroughly dry the area and replace the failed part.

Most homeowners are savvy enough to do basic water damage repairs on their own however consider the fact that even small amounts of water damage can lead to more repairs than meets the eye at first.    If this should occur that a small issue turns into something bigger than originally thought it is in the best interest of the homeowner to call in the professionals to handle the issue to prevent further damage from being done.  Emergency restoration companies exist to help homeowners with issues that arise from all types of problems be it water damage caused from leaky pipes or more seriously, weather related emergencies.

Dreamers Inc Restoration

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The Benefits Of Adding An Automatic Gate and Fence To Your Homes Landscape

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When someone pulls up to your home you want the first impression of your home to be one that signals individuality and character.  Homeowners struggle with ways to pull off an unforgettable first impression with their homes inside and out.  We spend millions of dollars each year on furnishings and landscaping to set our home apart from all the cookie cutter homes built within subdivisions today. We tend to want out home to be unique and eye catching without being over the top.  One way to add simple, classic to your home is with the addition of an ornamental, decorative fence enclosing the yard.  An automatic entryway gate will add security and finish off the driveway with class.

 

Automatic entry gates enhance many elements of your home’s landscape as well as adding beauty, privacy they also add security.  The addition of an automatic access entry gate helps to extend home security to the boundaries of the landscape especially when accompanied by a decorative fence.  Adding a driveway gate has become a popular option as people begin to worry more about home security.  The fence clearly marks the property lines while adding to the aesthetics of the home’s landscape.

 

In addition to the added security that a fence and gate entry system adds a gate also serves many other purposes.  One of the benefits is that the fence and gate help to contain family pets and children who are playing within the yard.  This is especially important when you live near an intersection or on a road that is highly traveled.  Kids are spontaneous and don’t always think of consequences when chasing their ball down.

 

When you do decide that a fence and automatic gate are going to be installed the options are endless.  There are a ton of different access entry control systems to choose from as well as how the gate will open, what material to use, the decorative style and colors.  One material that stands out in fencing and electronic gates is iron. Using iron you can feel confident knowing that you are getting a strong system that can endure the elements well.  An iron fence is far less likely to bend or break then a wooden fence and even some hollow aluminum fences.  Iron fencing now comes with power coating that helps create rust resistance.

 

You will have to determine how the gate will open also. Will you have a fence that can slide or swing open?  Consider the space the fence will be used in.  If the space is long however narrow a fence that swings in and out will be the best bet.  However if you have a space that is wider the best option would be a slide gate.  This eliminates the need for a long driveway for the fence to swing into.  Both are pleasing to the eye and offer a dramatic effect to any landscape.

 

As the owner of a gate you will need to consider the opener type.  Gate openers need to be powerful enough to substantiate the opening and closing of the gate unit.  You will want to buy a quality gate opener especially if the gate will be used each and every time you leave or enter the home.  The more you use the higher strength you will want and better quality you will desire for your gate opener.

 

As for entry access control systems again the options are endless.  You can choose from a wireless remote entry, a wired key pad, an intercom with key pad, a card opener which allows access only with the slide of a magnetic card or controllers that use remote controls.  This will depend on what you are looking for and how easy you want it to be to access for yourself and others.

 

Each of the numerous options you can choose from has benefits and drawbacks when it comes to your new fence and gate access system.  Narrow your options down on what will be the most convenient, long lasting, aesthetically pleasing option for you and your home.

 

SAC Fence

Some Things Are Better Left To The Professionals

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

It is one of the most daunting tasks homeowners must do to keep the homes aesthetic value as well as dollar value up.  Landscaping tends to leave many homeowners overwhelmed as it is often difficult to keep up with the growing list of ways to improve your home landscape.  It is so overwhelming that most of us hire professional landscape design companies to come in mow the lawn, prune the bushes, plant flowers and clean up yard waste.  Having a company handle your lawn care does not mean you can have total hands off approach.  Here are some tips to help guide you when you are out in your yard.

 

The first tip I give to anyone attempting a project on their own without the professionals is to purchase all the materials for the project at hand upfront.  This is something professional landscapers do also.  There is nothing worse than finding out you are missing a crucial part of the project mid way through.  Planning can also save you money as you tend to get better pricing from larger stores.  When you are missing something you tend to run to the local hardware where the markup is double.

 

As you work through each section and phase you purchase the goods needed to complete that section.  This can prove to also benefit you because you may find after the completion of one section that the yard is complete and not want to move on to another project within the original design.  For example, if you are planning for a rock garden with a natural pond flowing into and notice once the pond is complete that the rock garden would be overkill that you have not wasted time or resources on the second, unneeded phase.  It saves from the hassle of retuning extra supplies or worse cluttering your shed with leftover unused materials.

 

Landscaping with a water element is always appealing and a crowd pleaser.  These are not easy to manipulate on your own and often need the care of a professional to help with this landscape design arena.  If you are tempted to try and install a water feature within your own landscape start small.  Smaller pools, pumps and fountains are easier to handle and maneuver if mistakes are made in the original design.  It will be a smaller mistake to correct with smaller items.  Using water plants around the small pond space can make it appear larger and will allow for easier maintenance.

 

If you are attempting to add in plants, shrubs, flowers, trees or berries it is best to ask the professional that has worked within your space.  These options are often difficult to sustain if not properly planted and cared for.  It is a waste of money for you to add a plant into your landscape without knowing if the soil, sun and water requirements will be met.

 

Landscaping is not something all people are born to do or are even good at.  Some people enjoy tinkering about in the yard.  The curb appeal of your home is one of the most important aspects when it comes to the resale of your home.  Make sure your home is appealing.  Hire a professional landscape company to come in if not every week for regular lawn care than at least twice a year to help prepare the landscape for the summer and winter seasons.  Fall landscape maintenance and spring yard clean up are the most important times of the year for your yard.  Do everything you can to protect your investment going into the harsh winters and hot summers Mother Nature brings the North.

Bladerunners Landscape

Furnace Tune Ups and Yearly Maintenance Save Families Money

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

With regular furnace tune ups your heating and cooling bills can decrease substantially.  I am sure you have felt the pinch most of us are feeling with the rise of home heating bills.  The national average per year families spent to heat their homes was upwards of one thousand dollars.  It is obvious that anything that can be done to decrease this number and minimize your heating costs should be.  One thing to consider is giving your furnace a professional tune up to ensure that it is working efficiently.

Your homes heating system is made up of essentially different components one is the heating sensor or thermostat.  This piece measures the temperature inside of the home environment and determines when the temperature needs to be increased.

When the room’s temperature decreases the thermostat tells the heater it is time for the blower to turn on.  The ignition in the heater creates heat which is distributed while the furnaces blower moves the air throughout the duct work and distributes it into the house. The cool air in the room is cycled into the return ducts that are placed throughout the house and is warmed.  This warm air out, cool air in sequence continues until the temperature in the room is the temperature requested and then sends an indication that the furnace can shut down.

Something to remember is that HVAC furnaces are mechanical systems.  This means that they need to be maintained in order to continue to work at optimal performance.   It is so important that a tune-up is done by a professional HVAC technician to maintain your heating system.

When a furnace expert is out to complete a tune up on your heating system the first thing they will do is take a look at your furnace.  Professional furnace repair technicians will look for soot and residue around the furnace.  They will follow this by inspecting the furnaces thermostat by increasing the temperature.  This will allow the furnace to ignite and allow the technician to check out the flames within the burner.  The technician will check to ensure the flame is steady and burning blue.  If the flame is orange, yellow and/or flickering this can be an early indicator that the furnace combustion is not adequate.

The next step the technician will undertake is to turn the thermostat down to let the furnace cool down.  They will turn of the circuit breaker to the furnace and continue to examine the interior components.  Once the system has cooled the technician will remove the sides of the furnace and suck out the accumulated dust and debris from the system.  They will then use a clean, damp cloth to continue to clean the system.  A rag can be used to clean the blades of the fans and blowers. While the sides are off this is when oil can be added to the shaft to keep things moving as they should be.

If your furnace has a belt the technician will check to ensure there are no breaks or splits in the belt.  They will also ensure the tension on the belt is correct.  If there are any cracks within the belt or if the tension has become loose the belt will be replaced. Once all of this has been completed the furnace is ready to be put back together and the circuit breaker can be turned back on.

The last thing that the technician will do is put a fresh filter in and remind you that it is good practice to change your furnaces filters once a month during the heating season.  It all seems so simple however should be left up to the professionals.  A HVAC contractor is licensed and trained to work inside the complex heating system.  In the long run it save you money have the professional do the job right the first time instead of coming out to fix your mishap.  You won’t be sorry and you will make up the expense in the money you save on your monthly heating bills.

 

Airtronic Heating and Cooling

Maintenance For In Between Professional Furnace Tune ups

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

My favorite memory of my dad and my son revolve around furnace maintenance.  Isn’t that an odd favorite memory?  It’s true though.  My dad was fixing his furnace, as he seemed to do at least one a season, and my son went over and started to tinker with him and hand him tools. Then it happened, frustration.  Thankfully my dad was able to control it when he saw those two eyes peering up at him.

Have you ever felt such frustration when your furnace decides to stop working in the middle of the winter on an incredibly bitter day?  This article can help you avoid frustration by teaching you some basic maintenance techniques that can help stage off aggravation and help to minimize problems that are unexpected.  Although it is best to schedule a professional furnace tune up once a year with a technician the following do it yourself tips help ward off the expensive furnace melt down that is inevitable otherwise.

The first tip whenever doing work on your own furnace without professional assistance is to make sure the power is completely shut off to the furnace.  This ensures the motor does not start while you are tinkering on the furnace.  There are things such as changing the filter that can be done without turning off the furnace however most other maintenance requires caution.  On top of turning off the power it is smart to turn off the fuel supply as well be it gas or oil that your furnace runs off of.  Before you do these steps however make sure you know how to relight the pilot light.  If you don’t know how to do this and you do turn off the power supply you will find yourself calling in the professionals so you won’t have saved yourself any money.

One quick do it yourself tip that will instantly save you money and save energy is by replacing an old model thermostat with a new programmable digital thermostat.  With this type of model thermostat you will be able to program it so that the temperature automatically adjusts the temperature of your home to keep you comfortable when you are there and save money when you are not.

At the very minimum homeowners should change their furnaces air filters in any forced air furnace monthly.  Purchasing a high quality thermostat should allow you a feature to remind you when should change the filter.  It will not matter on the quality of furnace filter chosen to use as long as you remember to regularly change it.  The filter you chose should be based upon the sensitivity to air-borne particles of the members in your family.  If you have pets consider a higher quality filter to help keep down the dander and hair in the air.  You should vacuum the blower and accessible areas of the furnace as well.  Dust will accumulate on the blades of the blower. With regular vacuuming this should be alleviated.

With a regularly schedule furnace tune ups from professionals and these regular maintenance tips you should help yourself avoid many common issues that can arise from maintenance not being kept up on.  It is the same as with a car, professionals do the big stuff but we as the car’s owners keep up on oil changes, washer solvent and tire rotations.  It is a combination of the things professional and homeowners bring to the table that will keep your furnace running smooth.

Airtronic Heating and Cooling

Home Alarms Offer Security For Your Family

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

A security and monitoring system is installed to protect your home from thieves, burglars, trespassers and other dangers including fire.  There are a variety of home alarm systems to decide upon.  When considering one for your home remember that they all offer different operational functions with one thing in common, they are designed to protect your home.  Some of the common types of alarm systems include electrical circuits, motion detectors, infrared alarms and other varieties that are all relatively efficient.  Below is more information about alarms and information to have you select one that best suits your needs.

A monitored system is one that is wired to alert a central call center if the homes alarm is triggered.  In turn the call center contacts the homeowner to check with them if they are okay.  The call center is alerted of an alarm through phone wires.  Clever thieves who are able to locate outdoor phone wires that are exposed could cut them not allowing the call center to be alerted.  When considering a system such as this remember that there is always the option of using cellular or radio back up for your monitored alarm system. This helps ensure that if phone service is cut, or disabled due to weather or equipment failure your backup system will help keep you protected.

One major disadvantage to a monitored alarm system is that once the alarm is activated it takes thirty to forty seconds for the security company to contact the homeowner.  They wait this long to see if the alarm was accidently set off by the homeowner.  The homeowner has a code that they use to deactivate the alarm; if this is not entered and the homeowner not gotten a hold of the security company will alert authorities. The major problem with this type of system is that in the time it takes all of this to occur and experienced thief could have entered the home, caused harm to the family within and stolen a variety of personal possessions.

Another home alarm security system is one that remains unmonitored.  This system provides a loud siren both inside and outside of the home when the alarm is triggered.  This leaves the homeowner and neighbors to contact police and response personal.  Sometimes you will see this type of system include bright flashing lights alone with the siren.  The biggest pro to this variety of alarm is that there are no monitoring fees associated with the alarm.  This system relies heavily on the fact that most thieves and burglars are immediately put off by the sirens and lights.   People that are out to rob homes want to get in and out without being noticed.  This type of alarm does not allow that to happen easily.  Once the alarm is tripped this is difficult.

Monitored or not, home alarms offer security to your family and possessions.  The alarm offers personal security, protection for your personal belongings, discounts on homeowners insurance and increase in the resale value of your home.

 

All Star Alarm

Peace Of Mind For Your Family Found In Home Alarms

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

A security and monitoring system is installed to protect your home from thieves, burglars, trespassers and other dangers including fire.  There are a variety of home alarm systems to decide upon.  When considering one for your home remember that they all offer different operational functions with one thing in common, they are designed to protect your home.  Some of the common types of alarm systems include electrical circuits, motion detectors, infrared alarms and other varieties that are all relatively efficient.  Below is more information about alarms and information to have you select one that best suits your needs.

A monitored system is one that is wired to alert a central call center if the homes alarm is triggered.  In turn the call center contacts the homeowner to check with them if they are okay.  The call center is alerted of an alarm through phone wires.  Clever thieves who are able to locate outdoor phone wires that are exposed could cut them not allowing the call center to be alerted.  When considering a system such as this remember that there is always the option of using cellular or radio back up for your monitored alarm system. This helps ensure that if phone service is cut, or disabled due to weather or equipment failure your backup system will help keep you protected.

One major disadvantage to a monitored alarm system is that once the alarm is activated it takes thirty to forty seconds for the security company to contact the homeowner.  They wait this long to see if the alarm was accidently set off by the homeowner.  The homeowner has a code that they use to deactivate the alarm; if this is not entered and the homeowner not gotten a hold of the security company will alert authorities. The major problem with this type of system is that in the time it takes all of this to occur and experienced thief could have entered the home, caused harm to the family within and stolen a variety of personal possessions.

Another home alarm security system is one that remains unmonitored.  This system provides a loud siren both inside and outside of the home when the alarm is triggered.  This leaves the homeowner and neighbors to contact police and response personal.  Sometimes you will see this type of system include bright flashing lights alone with the siren.  The biggest pro to this variety of alarm is that there are no monitoring fees associated with the alarm.  This system relies heavily on the fact that most thieves and burglars are immediately put off by the sirens and lights.   People that are out to rob homes want to get in and out without being noticed.  This type of alarm does not allow that to happen easily.  Once the alarm is tripped this is difficult.

Monitored or not, home alarms offer security to your family and possessions.  The alarm offers personal security, protection for your personal belongings, discounts on homeowners insurance and increase in the resale value of your home.

 

All Star Alarm

Sending A Message With Jewelry

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Jewelry is one of those words that automatically invoke a variety of feelings.  Jewelry has a wonderful way of expressing feelings not easily spoken.  It celebrates achievements, engagements, marriage and the overall feeling of love in its purest form.  No matter the piece selected or size of the gemstone involved, the piece will be a cherished gift and worn to celebrate the feeling that the recipient had the moment the piece was given.  When looking to purchase a piece of jewelry no matter your price point here are some suggestions on what to look for in the piece itself and the store your purchase it from.

One very important tip to remember when buying jewelry is that purchasing from high-end jewelry stores only buys you the name not a better quality piece.  Resist the temptation to purchase from a supposed high class establishment.  Local jewelers provide quality prices without the high markup involved with purchasing the same pieces at companies that are offering a name brand.  Think about this; how many people that will see or wear the jewelry being purchased and immediately know or be concerned with where it was purchased?

When purchasing jewelry for you or as a gift for someone consider the person before going into the jewelers.  It is easy to get carried away and overwhelmed when presented with stones, metals and glitz and glamour.  Also, thinking ahead allows you to come up with a budget, a stone selection and style to build from when coming in to make a purchase.

All three of those objectives are important when considering purchasing jewelry for yourself or someone. Let’s first discuss a budget. When purchasing engagement rings or wedding jewelry in general a consensus was came to that a gentleman should spend the equivalent of two months on a ring for his bride to be. This has been thrown out the window in today’s society.  You buy what you can afford and what is desired.  Many brides are leaning towards vintage pieces while others look towards custom jewelry.  This is why it is important to set a budget that allows you to stay debt free when making a purchase.

The stone selection is another important matter when choosing jewelry.  The right stone should enhance the skin tone of the person wearing the piece while making a statement about the recipient’s personality. Think about choosing a neutral piece that the recipient can wear all the time. We all know that having a beautiful piece of jewelry is worthless if you cannot wear it.

As for the style of the jewelry this is a huge part of the consideration process.  A person who is very modern and likes the look of clean straight lines might not appreciate a vintage piece and the opposite is true also.  When buying jewelry consider favorite pieces already worn by the receiver.  Are they into custom jewelry, large pieces, ornate jewelry or something small, simple and classic?

Jewelry is an ideal gift for so many different occasions. Every piece in a recipient’s collection means something considerable to them. Something as important as jewelry should be purchased with thought about the recipient.  It is a gift that means a lot for the giver to give and the receiver to receive.

DaRoche Jewelers

A Shopper’s Guide to Purchase Jewelry Online or In-Store

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When you are in the market to purchase a piece of jewelry for yourself or someone you love what are the steps you take to ensure you are getting exactly what you desire, at the right price? The very first thing consumers should take into consideration is that shopping around and take a look at all of the options in regards to places you are able to purchase jewelry.  Not every piece needs to be purchased at a large store with trendy mark-ups.  Consider options online and locally to find a piece you will adore for yourself or a gift.  Another tip is to ask family and friends for reputable jewelry stores in your area.  Sometimes there are places that sell jewelry that you would have never considered.

When you find a jewelry store that you are interested in doing business with there are several things to think about.  The first thing you need to do is check out the refund and return policy.  This is an important step.  If you are going to spend this amount of money on a piece as a gift or for yourself you will want to make sure that if you get it home and you find it is not exactly what you wanted or the recipient you want to be able to get a refund or replacement.  Think about if you buy an engagement ring for you soon to be bride that she does not whole heartedly love.  Wouldn’t you want her to be able to get a refund or replacement that fits her style?  She is going to be wearing the piece for a lifetime.

Ask lots of questions! Ask questions about the marking on the metals.  All gold should be marked stating whether the piece is ten carat, twenty four carat etc.  Ask if the pearls that are sold are natural, cultured or imitation.  You are not getting a deal if a pair of imitation pearls from one store is the same price as natural pearls from another. The same is true for gemstones.  You will want to know if you are purchasing a natural, laboratory-created or imitation gemstone before you purchase.  You will also want to know if the gemstone has been treated and whether the change is something permanent or that will need continued special care.

When you make your final purchase it is important that the sales receipt includes all of the information you relied on when deciding on what piece to purchase.  It is important to have the gems weight and size included as well as grading information and information regarding the metals used to create the piece.

If you are choosing to shop online there are some other important things to consider. It is important to know who you are buying from.  Many companies online are local companies that have online stores acting as subsidiaries.  These stores have store fronts where they also provide jewelry for sale.  Others act as outlets selling the jewelry that was not necessarily a huge seller in the store or that was over produced.  You can check reviews, with the better business bureau and other retail consumer outlets before making a purchase to ensure you are dealing with a reputable business.  Often you can avoid the mark up involved with store fronts by buying online.

Buying a piece of jewelry is fun and exciting.  It is often an expensive purchase. Whether you are considering a piece for yourself as a special treat or for someone special take time to research the terms used within the industry.  You will want to be able to understand exactly what you are purchasing to get the best quality and value.  This is true whether you are purchasing diamonds, in the form of earring or engagement rings from a traditional store, online or a catalog.

 

When you are in the market to purchase a piece of jewelry for yourself or someone you love what are the steps you take to ensure you are getting exactly what you desire, at the right price? The very first thing consumers should take into consideration is that shopping around and take a look at all of the options in regards to places you are able to purchase jewelry.  Not every piece needs to be purchased at a large store with trendy mark-ups.  Consider options online and locally to find a piece you will adore for yourself or a gift.  Another tip is to ask family and friends for reputable jewelry stores in your area.  Sometimes there are places that sell jewelry that you would have never considered.

When you find a jewelry store that you are interested in doing business with there are several things to think about.  The first thing you need to do is check out the refund and return policy.  This is an important step.  If you are going to spend this amount of money on a piece as a gift or for yourself you will want to make sure that if you get it home and you find it is not exactly what you wanted or the recipient you want to be able to get a refund or replacement.  Think about if you buy an engagement ring for you soon to be bride that she does not whole heartedly love.  Wouldn’t you want her to be able to get a refund or replacement that fits her style?  She is going to be wearing the piece for a lifetime.

Ask lots of questions! Ask questions about the marking on the metals.  All gold should be marked stating whether the piece is ten carat, twenty four carat etc.  Ask if the pearls that are sold are natural, cultured or imitation.  You are not getting a deal if a pair of imitation pearls from one store is the same price as natural pearls from another. The same is true for gemstones.  You will want to know if you are purchasing a natural, laboratory-created or imitation gemstone before you purchase.  You will also want to know if the gemstone has been treated and whether the change is something permanent or that will need continued special care.

When you make your final purchase it is important that the sales receipt includes all of the information you relied on when deciding on what piece to purchase.  It is important to have the gems weight and size included as well as grading information and information regarding the metals used to create the piece.

If you are choosing to shop online there are some other important things to consider. It is important to know who you are buying from.  Many companies online are local companies that have online stores acting as subsidiaries.  These stores have store fronts where they also provide jewelry for sale.  Others act as outlets selling the jewelry that was not necessarily a huge seller in the store or that was over produced.  You can check reviews, with the better business bureau and other retail consumer outlets before making a purchase to ensure you are dealing with a reputable business.  Often you can avoid the mark up involved with store fronts by buying online.

Buying a piece of jewelry is fun and exciting.  It is often an expensive purchase. Whether you are considering a piece for yourself as a special treat or for someone special take time to research the terms used within the industry.  You will want to be able to understand exactly what you are purchasing to get the best quality and value.  This is true whether you are purchasing diamonds, in the form of earring or engagement rings from a traditional store, online or a catalog.

 

DaRoche Jewelers