Where to File Complaints

How can you complain about bad jewelry deals?

The Jewelers Vigilance Committee and local Better Business Bureau are two groups that can help with complaints against jewelry dealers.

Each may intervene on your behalf, though both suggest trying to work things out with the retailer first.

The BBB said it received 1,810 complaints nationwide in 1992, the latest year for which data is available. Of those, 85% were resolved.

The committee said it resolved nearly two-thirds of the 400 complaints it handled last year. The biggest concern: false pricing and phony sales.

Joel Windham, the committee’s general counsel, said individuals should document their cases with copies of invoices, sales receipts or appraiser’s reports. All complaints must be put in writing. Mail them to the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, 401 E. 34th St., Suite N13A, New York, NY 10016.