Decoding a "Hot" Sticker on Returned Jewelry: What Does It Mean?

Question
I took a piece of jewelry back to the store i got it from. When it came back it had a sticker on it ,that i aws not supposed to see that said "hot" on it in big red letters. do you know what that might mean?

Answer
Dear Deborah,
Unfortunately I have no idea what that sticker is for. There are no standard stickers in the trade that I know of that  say "hot".You should call the store and ask them.If it is a pawn shop they have to disclose if they believe the ring is a stolen piece of merchandise. My guess is that it was simply  something the store uses to get you back in and stir up more sales.. Sorry I've never heard of  or seen that  sticker  before. If it is a sales tactic I would be wary of the store-alarmist things like that  lead one to wonder why someone would  place any sticker at all on a piece of  jewelry-most  fine jewelers remove any and all tags or stickers before  wrapping the  parcel or box for  the customer..
Best regards,Ari