5 Tips for Purchasing Jewelry online

By Claire Simon

Purchasing jewelry online offers may advantages, the biggest being saving a ton of money. However while the reward increases, the risk increases as well. There are simple precautions you can take to safeguard yourself against not-so-honest online retailers and ensure you get exactly what you pay for. Below are 5 simple methods to ensure a safe experience when buying diamond jewelry online:

1- Know the exact details of the item you are purchasing. Many online jewelry retailers do not provide enough information about the product they are selling. Factors such as Total Carat Weight, Diamond Color and Clarity, the number of diamonds included in the item, the quality of gold or metal, etc. should all be clearly identified. If you are missing just one of these pieces of information, you may not end up with the item you believe you are purchasing.
2- Always check the return policy. You should always have an option to return the item, even if you just don't like it. Note the specifics of the Return Policy, as some retailers only allow returns if the item is damaged, some charge a restocking fee and many online retailers will only provide 5-7 days to return the ring. The optimal policy will allow you to return the item within 30 days with no questions asked.
3- Does the company offer any type of warranty? What happens if a diamond falls out 2 days after you receive the jewelry? It is then most likely a manufacturer's defect and you should not be held responsible to pay for the repair. Make sure the company offers some sort of free protection plan or warranty to cover manufacturer's defects.
4- Is the online retailer a member of the Better Business Bureau? Don't just assume they are if they show the seal! A one minute online inquiry with the BBB will show if the company is an accredited member and if they've received any complaints within the last 12 months. Also look to see if the company belongs to any industry organizations. Any reputable jewelry retailer will have membership to jewelry organizations.
5- Is the site secure? Make sure the site uses SSL encryption software and has a privacy policy in tact. They should state clearly that they do not share or sell your personal information with any outside sources. Also make sure the online jewelry retailer has partnered with a company that monitors each transaction and guarantees each purchase to be 100% safe and secure. If they don't state the security features prominently, most likely it's because they don't have it! Purchasing jewelry online can save you a lot of money and afford you a beautiful piece of jewelry. Be cautious and follow the above practices and you should have a safe online shopping experience!