If you’re considering high-end luxury items for your holiday gift-giving this year, Albuquerque City Lifestyle wanted to give you some buying tips to bring more value to your purchases. To that end, we spoke to John Thomas, an Albuquerque jeweler with extensive experience in luxury goods. John’s shop is known for its high-tech, real-time approach to designing custom jewelry, as well as John’s expertise in international diamond buying.
John told us, “First, check the Google reviews to get a sense of how reputable the jeweler is. If you don’t have personal expertise with high-end watches, jewelry, or expensive leather goods, then you want to make sure that the shop owners and staff are forthcoming and knowledgeable. It’s very important to check what their customers are saying online.”
“Second, ask questions about the warranty and get a written copy. Most shops will give you an initial free one-year warranty but charge you for additional coverage. The issue with that is most jewelry doesn’t usually incur problems in the first year. Also, many extended warranties require a regular six-month inspection to keep the warranty active. Life tends to get in the way … you miss the inspection once, and your warranty is void. Also, what happens if the shop closes or is sold, or you move out of the area? What happens to your warranty?” One of the reasons John’s business is so well regarded is that he is known for providing a free lifetime warranty that is backed by a national network. Don’t underestimate the importance of the warranty if you’re buying luxury goods this holiday season. You may become enthralled with an item and neglect the crucial “paperwork” advisable for a sizeable purchase.
John says, “Another way to find better prices is the previously owned market. Retailers with higher-end designer brands are scarce in New Mexico. Luxury items like Swiss watches, fine jewelry, and designer leather items can be a real bargain if they are pre-owned.”
John tells us, “Purchasing pre-owned items is where the Google Reviews come in handy. The jeweler must verify the authenticity of the piece, so their reputation in the community is an important thing to consider. Having the original packaging is a good sign. We find that luxury watches often have repairs with third-party parts rather than original factory parts. If that’s the case, it should be reflected in the price. If you ever decide to sell the watch, it will decrease the resale value. Also, again, the repair warranty should be carefully examined.”
John sums up the process, “Making sure you're buying from somewhere reputable. Get it in writing and make sure they'll stand behind the product. Those are the most important steps to getting your value.”
John Thomas and his wife Janelle are the owners of John Thomas Jewelers at 2440 Louisiana Blvd NE. Suite 310. 505.448.8400
* The Rolex's pictured are preowned. We are not an authorized dealer.
“Another way to find better prices is the previously owned market.