Things to Consider When You Order Jewellery Online

When you order jewellery online, you’re doing yourself a big favor. You’re giving yourself the convenience and bargains that can’t be matched in a jewelry store. The room for selection and low overhead costs of running an internet store make sure that any unnecessary costs don’t get passed down to you as the consumer. However there are some things you want to consider before buying any jewelry online. While buying jewellery online has many benefits, there are also drawbacks that can easily be managed, you just need to be prepared for them.

Customer Service

Does the online jewellery store have a customer service line? Although it might be attractive to avoid salespeople all together, you may have questions about the gem, the shipping or anything else that needs to be answered. Imagine being stuck paying thousands of dollars for a gem with some kind of problem and no person available to help you resolve it. Legitimate online dealers will have a well-established customer service hotline with people available to answer your questions.

Return Policy

This goes for online stores as well as traditional stores. Make sure you read the store’s return policy VERY carefully. Most stores offer a 30 day return policy but often include a “restocking fee”. Additionally, any jewelry that has been engraved or altered in any way is barred from being returned. Legitimate online jewelry stores post their return policies clearly for their customers. If it is not posted, do not waste your time with that particular store. Know the policies before you buy.

Shipment Policy

Shipment problems when buying online are not common, but it’s not worth taking the risk with a $3000 piece like a wedding ring. Make sure you are using a carrier that insures their shipments and will fully cover the jewellery if it is lost or damaged during shipping.

Diamond Certificates

Diamond certificates are a must have when buying jewellery online or in a traditional store. Diamond certificates tell you where the stone came from and how it was refined. AGS or GIA are the top labs that certify gems. While certifications are not always available, they will ensure the quality of the diamond. A certification does not increase its value, but states its value in writing.

Security and Privacy Policies

Make sure the website you are buying from uses the most up to date security software to protect your personal and financial information from being hacked into or sold to third parties for their use. Also review the privacy policy and make sure they are not selling your information to marketing companies or “partners with similar products”. Legitimate online stores will post their privacy policy and security information.