When accepting jewelry for repair, what is an important first step you should take?

Inspecting the jewelry carefully in the customer's presence is a crucial first step when accepting items for repair. This practice establishes a transparent and trustworthy relationship with the customer, allowing them to understand the condition of their item before any work begins. During the inspection, both the customer and the jeweler can discuss any visible damage, wear, or unique characteristics of the piece. This can also minimize misunderstandings about the state of the jewelry and help clarify what repairs might be necessary. Additionally, documenting any findings during this inspection can be invaluable later, especially if discrepancies arise after the repair process.

While photographing the jewelry, providing an estimated cost of repair, and filling out a detailed form are also important steps in the process, they are typically carried out after the initial inspection. The primary purpose of the inspection is to ensure that both the jeweler and the customer have a mutual understanding of the piece before proceeding further.