7 Helpful Tips for Buying Jewelry Online

Buying jewelry online can be a bit scary because there are many stories of receiving something that you didn't expect. It's important to take steps to make sure you get the best value for your jewelry. You never want to overpay for something especially if it doesn't turn out to be what you wanted. To guide you on the right path we have created these tips for buying jewelry online.

Buying Jewelry Online - 7 Tips

Time to plan a proposal, and you need a beautiful ring for that special someone? Or are you treating yourself to something nice after months of hard work? Jewelry can be the perfect luxury gift for any occasion or wedding, and nowadays, you don’t even have to go to the store to consider your options.

Online purchasing has become enormously popular in the last decade. Buying everything you need from the comfort and safety of your own home and getting it delivered to your doorstep? It sounds too good to be true, yet such is our current reality.

However, it’s one thing to buy something inexpensive through an online retailer - there isn’t much risk in buying a $10 charging cable for your phone. Buying high-end items like fine jewelry, wedding engagement rings, and diamonds are a much more significant investment and therefore incurs higher risk.

Before buying something so expensive, it’s a good idea to read up on best practices, so you don’t end up getting scammed. Luckily, we’ve made a list of important things you should know before buying jewelry online.

1. Do Your Homework

Online shopping presents customers like you with a ton of purchasing options, and you want to make sure the business you end up choosing is reputable and trustworthy. Better Business Bureau is your friend. Their site allows you to search for BBB-accredited businesses that are held to high quality and product standards. There’s no need to be scammed when resources like the BBB are there to help you.

2. Price Comparison

Price is something you have to consider when purchasing jewelry. To ensure you get the best deal, compare prices from different sellers, or see if they price match. You don’t want to spend more than you can afford to.

3. Understand Sizing

Every company is different, and obviously, you’re not there to try on the ring in person. Before you purchase the ring, make sure you have already measured your ring size and understand the sizing used by the site or person you are planning on buying from. If you don’t know your size, you can go to a local jewelry shop to find out. Ring sizes can vary from different countries, so be sure to check and convert the size if needed to get the best fit for yourself or your special someone.

If they don’t have the ring in stock online and you really want that ring, consider purchasing it and get it resized at your local jeweler or contact customer service to see when it would next be in stock.

4. Check for Reviews & Authentication

Though not all reviews are entirely reliable, they can give you some great insight into the product’s quality and the company’s customer service practices. As long as you purchase from a highly trusted seller, it minimizes the risk of overpaying or receiving a fake gem.

Since you are purchasing jewelry online, you want to check what you buy is authentic and not be ripped off. The website may say one thing, but ask to include a grading report certificate and appraisal of the gemstone to ensure you are getting the real deal. Be aware if there is no certificate or warranty included to guarantee the worth.

Although online shopping may be risky, asking for real photos and videos of what you're buying from the seller can make you feel much better and secure.

5. Look at the Return Policy

When purchasing fine jewelry from online diamond stores and jewelers, you obviously can’t see your product in person, and so what you end up with may not be what you expect. Understand the return policy before selecting online diamond jewelers and ring designers. Most reputable online retailers understand the value of a good return policy, and you should be able to find one that serves your interests best.

6. Understand All the Charges

Sales tax and shipping fees will come back to bite you if you aren’t aware of them. If you are buying a piece of jewelry from another country, there could be hidden fees with higher shipping rates added to your bill.

Buying jewelry can be pretty expensive already. Including the sales tax, the overall price might be more than what you expect. Make sure you consider and understand all the costs associated before you send your purchase through.

7. Solidify and Understand Your Contract

Buying online is very different from when you buy from bridal jewelry stores in person. You don’t want to end up dissatisfied when something goes wrong, especially when you are purchasing jewelry for crucial moments, like engagement rings and wedding bands.

It is pretty common to browse quickly through contracts (who actually reads everything?). However, this is definitely not something you want to do when buying jewelry online: you may miss something vital, like a weird return policy or a faulty warranty. If you’re going to spend all that money, don’t take any chances. Understanding the jeweler's policies will save you even more money in return in the long run.

Buying Jewelry: Conclusion

There are many pros to online shopping - convenience, options, delivery, and even the occasional discount. Buying jewelry online has its perks when you do your research and have a plan. If you shop smart, the quality of your purchase and subsequent experience can be stellar.

Written by Samantha Birk and Jillian Smith; Contributor: Stephanie Tse