5 things you should consider before buying jewellery online
With the wealth of online jewellery stores proliferating the internet with their wide range of products at reasonable prices, it's no wonder that more people are choosing to buy jewellery online these days.
Whether it's your first foray into shopping online for jewellery or you're a seasoned purchaser, there are a few things you should consider to ensure you get what you want at the right price. Here are five vital aspects you should ponder over before buying jewellery online.
- Is the retailer trustworthy?
Arguably the most important consideration when you buy jewellery online is whether you trust the retailer completely. Anyone can set up a website and sell jewellery, and without being able to see who is behind the online store, it's difficult to tell whether you would be purchasing from a legitimate and reputable supplier. However, there are a few clues that can assist with this task.
When you buy jewellery online, choose a retailer that comes highly recommended. Ask around for opinions and read online reviews. Avoid reading reviews from a retailer's own website as these could be biased or not genuine, so search for external review sites.
Scour a retailer's website to see if it comes with any credentials or accreditations, or if it's a member of any relevant trade associations or bodies. You can always check these out if you're not sure. Finally, a retailer that is well established and has been in business a long time offers a good indication of trustworthiness.
- Are you getting a genuine product?
Whether you're looking to buy an 18ct diamond ring, a gold chain necklace or a Rolex watch online, you'll want to ensure that what you get is the real deal. The drawback of buying jewellery online is that you can't physically see an item, so inspecting it for authenticity markings isn't an option. However, if you buy jewellery online from a reputable source, you can increase your chances of buying a product that is genuine. Authentic jewellery items will also come with their original documentation so that you'll know it's genuine.
When purchasing jewellery online, choose a site that displays an item in various photos at different angles so that you can see it close up. The product should come with a detailed description, including any relevant specifications, such as the four 'C's, which include colour, clarity, carat and cut. Get in touch with customer services if you have any further questions you wish to ask about a jewellery item, where a knowledgeable, friendly and helpful response is always a good sign.
- Is the price fair or realistic?
When you decide to buy jewellery online, one of the benefits is that you get a wider choice of options, often at competitive prices. Paying attention to how much you pay for a jewellery item is important, but in order to know if you're getting good value for money, do some research, especially if you don't know much about the price of jewellery in general. You might be tempted to choose an online retailer who offers the lowest prices, but when you're buying an exquisite item of jewellery, price shouldn't be the only determining factor. In fact, if the price is unrealistically cheap, there's a chance it might not be a genuine item.
- What is the returns policy?
Since you can't physically touch an item or try it on when you buy jewellery online, there's a chance that when it arrives in the post it doesn't fit or isn't quite what you had in mind. When you're spending a lot of money on an item of jewellery, it's imperative you make the right purchase decision, so having the option to return it for another item or get your money back in full is crucial.
Always read an online jeweller's terms and conditions before you hit the checkout button, so that you can feel reassured that your money is safe if you aren't satisfied with your purchase. A reputable online jewellery store should also include a warranty with its products.
- What about customer/after care?
Sometimes, when you buy a luxury item of jewellery, the purchase is just the start of your journey. You may need other services afterwards, such as regular maintenance or repairs to keep the item in pristine condition. If this is relevant to you when you buy jewellery online, you might wish to choose a retailer that offers good customer care or after care services. At the very least, there should be someone knowledgeable that you can easily get hold of after you've bought your jewellery item, who may be able to answer any queries you have about its care. Look into these aspects before you make your purchase.
