| By :
Martin Hofschroer
People looking at designer jewellery this festive period are being advised to follow several shopping tips to ensure a happy Christmas. With many people expected to splash out on designer jewellery for their loved ones over Christmas, it is important that shoppers are able to spot scams such as fake products and websites. Those looking for gold, silver and platinum jewellery should ensure that the item has a hallmark as Trading Standards reported over 3,000 unhallmarked articles in 2009. Many people will be buying designer jewellery for the first time this Christmas so it is important that they are vigilant against cons and that they do their research before making a purchase. Marion Wilson, sales and marketing director at the Birmingham Assay Office, said that people should treat buying designer jewellery as the same as purchasing any 'big ticket' item such as a car. She said: "Don't be afraid to talk to your jeweller and ask questions, they will be pleased to share their expertise." December is an incredibly busy time for the British jewellery sector as the industry generates over 20 per cent of its annual sales in the six weeks leading up to Christmas day. The Birmingham Assay Office is advising people buying diamonds to look at the four C's, which are clarity, colour, cut and carat weight as these key factors will determine the true value of the item. People are being urged to buy designer jewellery that suits the wearer's taste as current fashions may not be to their liking and could result in the charm or trinket becoming an unwanted present. Designer jewellery should also be added to household insurance as it can prove a costly item to replace if it is not documented and a jeweller should be able to provide a valuation certificate. Shoppers are being reminded that they can beat the impending VAT increase by buying designer jewellery online before January 4th 2011. Those who buy designer jewellery prior to the January deadline will escape the forthcoming rise in Valued Added Tax which is set to climb from 17.5 per cent to 20 per cent after the New Year. This means that designer jewellery costing £3000 will be £75 more expensive after the cut-off date so shoppers are being told not to delay and buy their designer jewellery today. The Daily Telegraph reported that consumers buying designer jewellery in order to beat next month's VAT rise are bolstering retail sales in the run-up to Christmas.
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