5 Tips For Buying Jewelry Online
While jewelry sales at brick-and-mortar locations far outnumber online jewelry purchases, the trend for online jewelry shopping is quickly gaining popularity. Purchasing jewelry online offers may advantages, the biggest being saving a ton of money. While the reward increases, the risk increases as well. When purchasing diamond jewelry online you should feel safe and secure about the retailer you’re purchasing with and the transaction security. There are simple precautions you can take to safeguard yourself against not-so-honest online retailers and ensure you get exactly what you paid 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 all the necessary 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. Even if you have all the specifications of the item and are quite confident it is exactly what you want, you should always have the option to return it. Be sure to examine the Return Policy closely and ensure you can return the item even if you just don’t like it. Some online 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 repair it. 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 1 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. 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!
Claire Simon is a recognized authority in the jewelry industry. Her web site, EternityWeddingBands.com offers an extensive collection of high quality diamond wedding bands and jewlery at low prices.
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