When you are spending close to your life savings on genuine jewellery, leave no room for regrets. Your complacency and ignorance could leave you more dissatisfied than happy with your purchase. Never consider your jewellery buying spree finished until you exit the shop with all of the following items in tow.

• THE ITEM ITSELF. Go ahead. Laugh out loud, but this blunder does happen to some people. Out of carelessness, forgetfulness or excitement, you eagerly bolt for the doors, bringing with you a flashy jewellery bag or box but leaving behind what you actually paid for inside the store: your jewellery piece. You are not donating something to charity here; therefore, it is important to have presence of mind. Do not count on the amicableness of the store personnel; some can be very shrewd and unfriendly and may even disbelieve your claims, especially when you discover and report the “lost item” on the following day yet.

• AN OFFICIAL RECEIPT. Whether you pay by credit card or in cash, you will receive an official receipt for all your purchases. Make sure you exit the store with one lest you be accused of stealing, which can be a very embarrassing scenario for you. An official receipt is your solid proof that you did pay for the item already. Since an official receipt is as good as cash, its loss forfeits your right to have the jewellery piece exchanged for another item, replaced or covered by the warranty.

• PRODUCT INFORMATION. Makers of fine and genuine jewellery pride themselves with the information they provide on the jewellery piece they are selling. In a product information sheet, you can find details such as the material being used in the jewellery, the type and quality of the stones, and tips on how to wear, clean and take care of your jewellery piece. You may find detailed product information in a classy brochure that goes with your purchase. In other instances, you may find it printed in a very small and folded piece of paper which is inserted in a complementary jewellery box.

• WARRANTY CARD. A product warranty somewhat reduces your risk of making a bad purchase. When presented in tandem with your official receipt, your warranty card entitles you to return your jewellery and get a refund on your purchase. Depending on the maker of the product and on the jeweller himself, the terms of the warranty vary such as the period covered (number of days, weeks or months), extent of the refund (full or partial) and other freebies (appraisals, cleaning and repair services). Purchases without warranties are risky. In fact, you should inquire about and ask for one before even closing any deals with the jeweller.

• CALLING CARD. Put on your best social graces and ask your jeweller for his calling card. In case you have questions about your recent purchase and about the jeweller's policies that aren't mentioned in the warranty card, you can easily give him a phone call.