When it comes to buying fine jewelry and diamonds online, it pays to be careful. If you don't know what to look for, then it is easy to make a mistake. That's when a bad purchase can make the happiest of shoppers unhappy.
Jewelry sellers online aren’t all equal and legitimate, despite what people think. If you follow our advice, then it is very safe to purchase jewelry online. Don’t skip a step and don’t buy impulsively, unless it is for a last-minute gift!
- View Product Photos: There must be product photos clearly displayed. If you can’t see the product up close and review each detail to your satisfaction then either request additional images from the online store or walk away.
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Always make sure you trust the brand: Jewelry isn’t inexpensive – so why buy a brand you don’t know or trust. If the online store sells name brands and backs them up with a return policy, you have nothing to lose. For example, we only sell Gem Star LLC diamond jewelry and Swarovsky… two names that won’t let you down.
Swarovski Women's Bracelet Gem Star Diamond Heart Pendant - Clear Description: Aside from the jewelry photos, make sure the description is ample and gives you the confidence to know what you are buying.
- Learn the 4Cs if buying diamonds: When you’re buying a diamond online, it’s helpful to know some of the tricks of the trade. The 4Cs was developed to standardize the diamond industry that was previously working off inconsistent and inaccurate rating scales. So think about each of these characteristics when you’re shopping:
Clarity: Since diamonds are mined from deep underground the pressure creates inclusions and blemishes. So it makes sense then that the fewer the blemishes and inclusions, the more rare and expensive the diamond.
Cut: The cut is what makes the diamond’s magnificent ability to reflect light possible. It is based on characteristics such as girdle thickness, star length, crown angle, etc. The quality of the cut also has much to do with the diamond’s value.
Color: The most pure diamond is absent of color. Interesting, isn’t it? There is a grading system that determines the color from D (the most absent of color) all the way to Z (the diamonds that appear to be more yellow or brown).
Carat Weight: The easiest to understand, a diamond’s weight is measured against a metric carat, which is 200 milligrams. So rather than provide its weight in milligrams, it is listed as .50 carat, 1.0 carat, and so on.
- Make sure what you order is what you get: If you order a diamond ring or pendant, it has likely been graded by the GIA system. GIA grades diamonds with a unique signature number that are generally laser inscribed. If the piece of jewelry does not include a GIA diamond, simply review the piece upon delivery against the original order. If there are any problems or surprises, contact the online company for a return or exchange. An online company with high review marks can be trusted to handle any unexpected problem.
- Excellent reviews: There is no reason to spend time or money shopping in an online store that does not have a 4 stars and higher review. Period. It’s always worth researching the comments left by previous patrons. Sometimes the low reviews are based on very little and can be discounted. The content of the reviews will tell you if you see a recurring issue or pleasant advantage!
All-in-all buying fine jewelry and diamonds online can be as safe when you know what to look for. Remember this: When you shop in any physical, brick and mortar store you are paying for the lease, utilities, sales people and more – all rolled into the higher prices.
