rap #334 12/16/08
FREEHOLDER VICARI SAYS SELLERS SHOULD USE COMMON SENSE WHILE ATTENDING GOLD & SILVER PARTIES
THEY ARE THE newest trend – like 21st century Tupperware parties. Only at Gold & Silver parties, the guests do
the selling, not the buying.
As the national economy continues to falter, gold and silver jewelry selling parties, usually hosted in homes,
are becoming more and more popular.
“It’s like a Tupperware party in reverse,” Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari said. “Groups of friends gather
to sell their old jewelry and they leave the party with a little extra money in their pockets.”
While Vicari said the county has not received a complaint about the growing transactions at the parties, it still
pays to keep your eyes open.
“Our Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs has some commonsense tips to make sure all of the buying and
selling is legitimate,” Vicari said.
First, always check that the scale the buyer uses to weigh the jewelry has been tested, certified and registered
with the state.
“Each scale should include a dated blue sticker that says the scale is working properly,” Vicari said. “If you
don’t see the sticker, don’t be afraid to question the buyer.”
The stickers are issued by county consumer affairs offices and are the same throughout the state.
Vicari, who is also liaison to the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs, said the department’s Division
of Weights and Measures certified more than 800 scales for various businesses in 2008, including about half-a-dozen for
gold and silver parties.
“In previous years, we almost never heard of anyone bringing a scale in for a jewelry party,” he said. “Now,
it’s fairly common.”
Vicari said the parties are a legitimate way for both the buyer and the sellers to make money.
“People make some money selling their old gold jewelry, and, if the price of silver and gold continues to rise,
the buyer is going to end up making a profit as well,” he said. “Plus, it’s a chance to get together with friends for a
fun night out.”
Anyone with a question or a complaint about a jewelry party can contact the Ocean County Department of Consumer
Affairs at 732-929-2105.
Information is also available online at www.co.ocean.nj.us/consumer on the Ocean County website.
