Advice for spurned Valentine's lovers

Spurned Valentine's lovers are being given some top tips on how to get a refund on an engagement ring or other jewellery, if they are no longer needed after February 14th. Last year the government's advice service, Consumer Direct, received a number of calls from people wanting advice on returning expensive jewellery.

However, lovers planning to pop the question this year are being warned to take precautions so they do not get caught out if the answer is no. "If you take an unwanted engagement ring back to the shop, I'm sorry to say you have no rights to an automatic refund or exchange unless you have made an agreement with the jeweller, so you could lose a lot of money," explained Michele Shambrook, of Consumer Direct, the government's advice service. "We'd recommend getting this in writing or making sure that it's written on the receipt."

Another tip is to buy the item online, as this normally means it can be returned up to seven days after delivery. "However, traders can charge return postage, and there are exemptions for goods that are made to order, engraved, or altered to fit," warned Consumer Direct. And with engagement ring often being highly expensive purchases, the agency also recommends taking extra care to research whether the company is reputable and to find out their returns policy before buying. Once you receive the item you should also check for the appropriate hallmark on metal jewellery or a certificate for a diamond purchase, usually available for diamonds of half a carat or more.

"Make sure the jeweller writes on the sales receipt any information you relied on when making your purchase, such as the gem's weight or size," Consumer Direct added. "If you're buying jewellery costing over £100, consider using a credit card, as this may offer you extra protection should problems arise. "If you're shopping online for jewellery look for an address to write to or a phone number to call if you have a question, a problem or need help