Jewelers Vigilance Committee

We are a proud to be a member of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee

What is the Jewelers Vigilante Committee and why is it important to purchase from a jeweler who is a member of the JVC?

Protection. Assurance.  Accountability.

The Jewelers Vigilance Committee was created in 1912 to provide education and self regulation for the jewelry industry. The JVC is a not-for-profit legal trade association whose mission is to ensure the highest ethical standards are maintained in the Jewelry Industry.  The JVC is considered the industry's watchdog for ethics and integrity and provides resources and assistance for the jewelry industry as a whole, consumers and advocates and even acts as an industry representative before government. The JVC was formed to create a higher standard that all jewelers must live by.

What exactly does the Jewelers Vigilance Committee do?

What is to prevent someone from selling you a cheap imitation? Would you be able to tell by yourself? Possibly not. In order to protect you, someone with the knowledge, capability, and resources to do so must be involved. This is the idea behind the Jewelers Vigilance Committee.

The Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) polices itself with a strict set of standards for how a retail store can sell jewelry. When a company displays the JVC emblem in their store, they have chosen to operate by a higher standard. Every piece of jewelry that they sell must go through tests and must be what it is advertised to be.

The JVC randomly monitors its' member to make ensure complaince.  If they are not in compliance, the JVC may take legal action as well as involve the proper authorities.  This provides a level of industry specific accountability that is unmatched in many industries JVC membership means that you sell a quality product that meets all of the required specifications. You represent your products honestly and accurately, and you are accountable.

JVC Buying Guide

In February 2007, the JVC Buying Guide was released to education and provide guidance to consumers. A few highlights from the JVC buying guide are as follows:

• Knowing the jeweler is reputable, regardless if the purchase is from a jewelry store, online or from a television shopping channel.
• Understanding the terms of their purchase.
• Inquiring about the return or refund policy of the jewelry.
• Requesting a warranty or guarantee when buying expensive jewelry.
• Getting an appraisal with your jewelry purchase.
• Being savvy about marketing techniques offering products at wholesale prices. New York State Law prohibits the use of the word “wholesale” in retail advertisements as it is misleading to consumers.
• Protecting your investment. Look into insurance to cover the loss or theft of any expensive jewelry. You may be able to add jewelry to a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.
• Cleaning and caring for the jewelry you have chosen.
• Keeping your jewelry and appraisal documents in a safe place.