For Immediate Release

Mineola, NY
Nassau County Commissioner of Consumer Affairs Roger C. Bogsted announced a crackdown on the sale of under-karated gold jewelry in Nassau County. Six jewelry stores were caught selling merchandise that tested below the Federal Trade Commission's 13.9 karat standard.

"Merchants who sell these under-karated items, and the manufacturers who produce them are blatantly stealing from consumers," Bogsted said. "They are also undercutting the sales of legitimate jewelers by passing off fakes as bargain-priced 14 karat jewelry." Of the 28 pieces of jewelry the investigators bought from 22 locations, 6 pieces were analyzed and found to be significantly under-karated. These stores have been charged with Unconscionable and Deceptive Trade Practices. Penalties range from $2500 for first time offenders to $5,000 for repeat offenders. Commissioner Bogsted advised that shoppers should be wary of items that do not bear any trademark or quality stamp, have rough edges, or a green cast.

"The results of this investigation should serve to alert consumers," Bogsted said. "If you're shopping for good jewelry, do business with stores that have a solid reputation and stand behind the quality of their product."

Contact: James Reed
County of Nassau, Office of Consumer Affairs
Voice 516-571-3284
Fax 516-571-5446
Email jreed@nassaucountyny.gov

 

The Office of Consumer Affairs’ vision, in partnership with the citizens and businesses of Nassau County, and federal, state, and local enforcement agencies, is to eliminate fraudulent business practices; protect the county and its citizens; strengthen the County’s economic base; engender community and business trust; expand community outreach; and enhance the quality of life of the Nassau County Community.

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