The progress of Internet technology has revolutionized modern shopping. Gone are the days when you had to hop from one store to the next to sample their latest products. Today, you only need to go online to find everything you need. For jewelry lovers, online shopping is a godsend, because they can follow trends, get best price bargains and shop from the biggest jewelry stores online.
If you plan to upgrade your jewelry collection or if you want to surprise someone with diamond eternity rings, the Internet offers you a convenient, cheaper and more exciting shopping platform than traditional brick and mortar jewelry stores could.
With such a wide range of jewelry items, you can always find something to go with your outfit. However, online jewelry shopping can be fraught with risks including fraud, poor quality jewelry, and slow shipping among other problems. This article explores how to overcome these challenges when shopping for jewelry online. Keep reading.
1. Know Your Jewelry Well
Whatever the type of jewelry you wish to buy online, you have to do your research to determine how it is valued, priced and packaged among other things. If you want to get the best diamond ring for your loved one, do get hung up on the overall appearance of the ring, instead learn about the 4Cs of diamond quality; i.e. cut, carat, clarity and color. When you understand how each of these factors determines the overall quality, appearance and price of a diamond, it is easier to buy the best jewelry and get good value for money.
2. Determine Your Jewelry Needs
The last thing you want to do is approach the online market without an idea of the jewelry you need. The options out there are diverse and it is easy to get confused along the way. It is thus important to review the item you need paying attention to factors like its size, style, design, color and setting before hitting the online stores. This will make your work easier and save you from impulse buying.
3. Buy From a Reputable Jeweler
With no strict regulation, many unscrupulous individuals have set up shop to defraud unsuspecting online jewelry buyers. To avoid their trap, you have to shop from a reputable, established store. Read reviews and testimonials, ask for referrals and recommendations and do a thorough background check of your jeweler. An American Gem Society (AGS)-certified jewelry store is a good place to start.
4. Comb Through the Fine Print
Now that you cannot see or feel the diamond ring you want to buy, you have to go through the descriptions with a fine-tooth comb. If you buy from a certified jewelry store, the description given will fit the item you wish to buy. Make sure you understand every detail and when in doubt, do your research or seek clarifications from the seller.
5. Set a Budget
If you want to buy diamond jewelry, you have to appreciate that their price can make a dent in your finances. As such, you have to review your financial situation and set a realistic budget for any jewelry you wish to buy. When you hit online jewelry stores, make sure you have a fixed budget to avoid ruining your finances by buying impulsively.
6. Visit a Local Jewelry Store
While online shopping offers multiple advantages over brick and mortar stores, it is advisable to get a feel of the real jewelry item before you place an order for it online. Visit an established local jewelry store and have a look at the jewelry piece on offer. This gives you a good idea of what you should order online. You can also get invaluable insight from your local jeweler before going online.
7. Always ask for Jewelry Grading Certification
If you want to buy exquisite jewelry online and get good value for money, insist on third-party grading reports. Some of the renowned diamond certification organizations include the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), American Gemological Society (AGS) and EGL (European Gemological Laboratory), The World Gold Council, the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) among others.
8. Go For Customized Jewelry
One of the biggest problems jewelry buyers encounter while shopping online, is finding a piece that suits their style. In the end, many have to compromise with their expectations and this leads to poor satisfaction levels. However, you can overcome this challenge by customizing your ring. If for instance, you want a diamond ring, buy the stone and have your jeweler create the setting from scratch. This way you get the perfect jewelry purchase.
9. Read Carefully Through the Return Policy
Purchasing diamond jewelry is a huge investment and you want to get the perfect item. As such, make sure you go through the return policy on the jewelry store’s website in case the item you purchase does not meet your standards. Some jeweler’s make it expensive and complicated for buyers to return their purchases and you need to get clarification before you commit your hard-earned money towards making a purchase.
10. Compare Until You Drop
Never rush to buy jewelry online. Instead, take advantage of the myriad of products that are displayed, to acquaint yourself with latest trends. Compare the prices on different websites and try talking to individual jewelers to get a discount. Once you have the diamond eternity rings design in mind, talk to multiple sellers and get a quote for the items.
There you have it; buying jewelry online does not have to be hard after all. You only need to set a budget, identify what you need, do your research and find a reputable jeweler. Take your time to learn as much as you can about the particular type of jewelry you want and read reviews and testimonials to identify the best jeweler. Good luck when you go shopping for jewelry online.