29 Top Jewelry & Watches Companies

What to check before buying jewelry or a watch

Jewelry prices depend heavily on materials that are hard to judge from a photo. Read the product details closely and ask for documents on higher-value pieces.

• Metal: learn the terms. Solid gold is marked by karat, sterling silver is 92.5% silver, while plated, filled and vermeil pieces have a thin gold layer over another metal that can wear over time.
• Stones: ask if a diamond or gemstone is natural or lab-grown, and if it comes with a grading report from a named independent laboratory.
• Custom work: engraved, resized or made-to-order pieces are often not returnable. Confirm before you personalize.
• Watches: buying from an authorized dealer usually means the manufacturer's warranty applies. Grey-market and pre-owned watches may carry only the seller's warranty.
• Shipping: high-value orders should be insured in transit and need a signature on delivery.
• Financing: in-store credit plans can carry high interest after a promotional period.

Problems buyers report

Common complaints include plating that fades within months, "certified" stones with no laboratory named, and returns refused after resizing. Keep receipts, certificates and photos of the piece when it arrives. On CandorRated, company pages show who runs the website, how long the domain has existed, contact details found and reviews, which helps when a brand is new or sells only online.

Frequently asked questions

Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?

Yes, they have the same basic composition as mined diamonds. They should always be clearly described as lab-grown.

Does a grey-market watch have a warranty?

Often only from the seller, not the brand. Ask who provides it and for how long.