Buying jewellery online can be an entirely different experience for the ones among you who are tired of walking in and out of stores, but to make your experience smooth, you need to warm up to a few parameters. Read on to learn about the A-Z of buying jewellery online.
When it comes to buying jewellery online, there are quite a few concerns that people face even though there are benefits for the same. While shopping online, you can lay your hands on some fine jewellery for rates that are 50 percent lesser than what you would expect in retail shops. However, an obvious question about the authenticity of the stone is bound to arise in the buyers mind.
For this reason, it is always a good idea to do your homework before making an online purchase. After you have educated yourself on the art of buying diamonds, here is a checklist that would be of immense help to you while buying jewels online. Learning about the pros of buying diamonds online is vital before you indulge in the act.
The Pros of Buying Precious Stones Online
Buying jewellery online is ideal as it does not burn a hole in your pocket and makes the shopping process easier. Whether you are an e-shopping veteran or a first timer, e-shopping has its own charm and advantages.
Speed: Select; click; enter information. This is how easy buying diamonds over the internet can be, and all this when you're just sitting at home.
Convenience: Online shopping eliminates the pain of waiting in traffic, struggling to get a parking space, enduring pushy salesmen and other factors that can exhaust you completely.
Selection: The options available online for purchasing are way wider than what you would find in stores. Shopping online also helps you compare diamonds from different brands and see their pros and cons.
Parameters That Should Make it to Your Checklist
The following checklist will be of great help while choosing the right online store for your shopping plan, because you'll need to gauge the authenticity of the jewels sold and the terms and conditions involved with the purchase.
Customer Service
This can be a major life saver when doubts plague your mind regarding the purchase. The advantage of shopping online will be incomplete without a customer care. Check whether the store from where you are buying the diamond has a customer care service. This matters a lot as you can just pick up your phone and dial if you have any problem.
Return Policy
Read through the site's return policy meticulously. It is vital to know and understand the policy before you buy the stone. Some sites may have a 30-day money back policy, but they might have included a re-stocking fee. It is ideal to go for a site that has a 30-day policy.
If a site doesn't have a return policy mentioned; it would be best to move on without spending much time there.
Nature of Shipment
This might not be a critical issue for cheaper pieces of jewellery, but if you are making a huge purchase online, you should go for a store that provides insurance during shipments. This is one factor that can make a big difference.
Diamond Certificates
A variety of labs offer diamond certificates. However, GIA and AGS are the two renowned labs whose certifications are accepted all across the globe. Ensure that the store that you choose sells diamonds that comply with these standards.
Privacy Policy
If the purchase requires you to give out your personal details, make sure that the site has a privacy policy. This is the only way in which you can safeguard your personal information, which can otherwise lead to problems like identity theft.
Product Images
It is always preferable to go for jewellery items that have good images. High definition images are used by professional jewellers and have their brand indented on it too. So, the next time you buy a piece of jewellery online, see if the image appeals to you as it would give you a fair idea about the product too.
Pricing
Check the pricing of the product you want to buy on many online platforms; this gives you a fair idea about the price difference for the same product. The price for branded jewellery varies from one website to other. Make sure that you are not spending more than you are supposed to.
Conducting your research before making a purchase and comprehensively going through the above parameters can help you in the long run. You can go for a site through word-of-mouth too, as good sites are often reputed and known for their efficient services.