Online Jewelry Buying

Online Jewelry Buying - Are you buying your jewelry from a trusted source?

Internet is a huge marketplace and consumers can find precisely the product they want rather than just what is available in the shops. Products can be purchased in a convenient and hassle-free manner through online shopping.

However, when coming to online jewelry buying, the questions that comes first in mind are, is it really safe to buy through online channel and is there any surety that you will get the value for your money?

Do you know what precautions one must take while going for online jewelry purchase?

Well, to answer these questions, I will discuss the following in this article:

• Points you must consider while selecting an online jewelry store.
• Pros and Cons of online jewelry buying

Why Online Jewelry Buying?

It is quite a common concern about buying something as expensive as diamond or jewelry from some online store. It is not easy to buy such a valuable item without actually touching and feeling it. Skeptics may ask how someone can buy a diamond engagement ring on the Internet without actually seeing it.

Well, this is the age of internet and everything can be sold and purchased through this channel. Also, in today’s neck-deep competitive environment, online jewelry stores are constantly offering new products at teasing prices to be on top of competitors and retail stores. There are many honest and professional online jewelry stores offering diamonds and fine jewelry at prices that are substantially less than traditional retail stores.

Due to low inventory and other over-head costs, online jewelers are able to offer lower price and wider variety of quality products compared to local retail jewelers. You can also find more selection and price comparison options at online jewelry stores.

However, having said that you should be wary of several diamond scams that had surfaced, simply because many people do not know much about diamonds. So, it is necessary to consider some important points before stepping into online jewelry buying.

You may also like to read Diamond Buying Tips.

Online Jewelry Buying – Things to Remember

Cost – Even among online stores, costs can vary. So, do a proper research on internet before taking the final call.

Inventory – If a store has large collection of diamonds (or any other gem) and number of setting options, then as a buyer you will have lot of options to choose. So, you should make it consideration point while going for a particular online store.

Specifications – Check whether diamonds (if to be purchased) are certified by leading labs like GIA and AGS and complete specification of jewelry is provided.

Shipment – You must read the shipping policy and check whether items to be shipped are sent through insured carriers and that shipments are insured for the full value of content.

Return Policy – What if you receive the jewelry and are dissatisfied? Review the company's return policy before you buy and you should know what rights you have if you want to return your purchased jewelry. Keep printouts of the web pages with details about the transaction, including refund and return policies if you're not satisfied. If a store hasn’t posted the Return Policy on its site, then I will not recommend going ahead.

There should be sufficient no. of days in return policy, so that you get enough time to gather opinion on the jewelry item. Make sure return period does not include shipping period. Most of the online stores offer 30 days return period (James Allen offers 60 days). You should be entitled for full refund or exchange if you return the item within the specified period.

Customers' Feedback – Read feedback given by existing customers and accordingly decide whether to purchase from a particular store or not. There are various online review forums where you can read what customers have to say about the given jeweler, like - Zoara's iVouch Customers Reviews.

Customer Service – Support staff must be knowledgeable enough to resolve your queries in less turn-around time. A good store will feel glad enough to answer your questions.

Look at the information provided by the Website relating to the diamonds, gold and other materials, etc. There should be good quality pictures of the merchandise and the descriptions should be helpful and accurate. If possible seek feedback on the website or contact via the email address provided.

Security – No customer would like breach in their privacy. Good online store will value your personal information and will not share it with third-party entities. They will have enough security measures in place to protect you from cyber crime. It should provide safe online transaction feature through state of the art technology.

Check if online jeweler is the member of organizations like the Better Business Bureau and/or Hacker Safe (for e.g., have a look at Blue Nile BBB and James Allen BBB business reviews).

In addition, make sure that the company is willing to accept credit cards so that you will have an extra level of protection if things go wrong. With a credit card, if there is a problem with the transaction, the credit card provider will pitch in to help you.

Never ever make use of a debit card for making online purchases. There are certain protection facilities which are offered by credit card providers against identity theft, while this is not so with debit cards.

Right Fit - Store may not offer to refund the jewelry piece if it doesn't fit or diamond size seems smaller. So, clarify this point and take necessary precaution.

Verify with local jeweler - Visit your local jewelry store to look at and try on something similar to what you have short-listed at online store. This will give you an idea of price, size and other features of the jewelry piece.

In order to get concise education and guides on diamond shopping with personalized advice, check Buy Diamonds Online.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Online Jewelry Buying

Just like anything, there are pros and cons associated with online jewelry buying as well.

Advantages

• You do not need to personally go to the store bringing cash or credit card. Just purchase your diamond online and have it sent to you.
• There is vast selection option with ease of 24/7 shopping and the ability to rapidly compare prices. With just a few clicks, you can witness so many designs.
• Online jewelry sites do not have to pay overhead costs, so they can afford to offer items at much lower cost. They claim to discount their diamonds, and offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Disadvantages

• You can't compare the diamonds side-by-side. You will not have option to turn over or around to have better view of jewelry item. Although, you may get to see 3D pictures but still, you will not have the luxury to try it before buying.
• You will not have the bargaining power for lower price unless it is an auction site.
• Online shipments can get lost or damaged on the way to your house. To avoid having problems with lost shipments, read your online jewelry store's policy on lost or damaged merchandise and make sure that they have some kind of insurance or warranty that covers it.

After your online purchase, you can take your jewelry to your local jeweler or independent appraiser and ask for an independent jewelry appraisal. This will give you further reassurance of the value of your purchase. In case, jewelry is found to be inferior, it should be returned immediately.

In the end, I would suggest that take the decision only after doing proper research and as a first timer go for reputed jewelers in order to get peace of mind and assurance of not getting duped. It is a common belief that most of the non-mainstream websites are corrupt and one should do online shopping with secure and trustworthy sites only.

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