WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- Few purchases are as emotional as fine
jewelry. But, shop with your head and you're less likely to
overpay.  Consumer Reports Money Advisor Amanda Walker says you
can get a great deal on jewelry and avoid costly rip offs.
"Fine jewelry is generally one of a kind, so you can't shop for
the best deal like you can with a vacuum or a TV. So, you need
to know what to look for, especially, if you shop online," says
Walker.  So ask how pure is the gold in a piece, maybe it isn't
even real. Gems like Emeralds, can often be enhanced by filling
them with oil. And, over time that oil can leak.  A diamond can
appear more brilliant through what's called fractured filling.
But, this also makes diamonds more likely to shatter. So, you
have to be careful when they're repaired and cleaned.  Walker
says, "You should ask if a gemstone or a diamond is imitation,
treated or synthetic. And, if the jeweler can't or won't tell
you, that's your cue to shop somewhere else."  Buying gold, look
for a karat mark