Buying Diamonds Over Internet

Introduction to Diamond Rings

Written by Administrator

Saturday, 19 May 2007

Want To Buy Diamonds On-line?

Obviously, you may have a few reservations about buying such a valuable item as a diamond on-line. However, purchasing jewelry on-line has become a huge and hot market. These days technology makes purchasing such items and spending large amounts on money on the internet, a lot safer and secure.

This ebook is educating you about diamonds themselves and perhaps you’ve been to a few jewelers and done some research already and now you’d like to learn more about purchasing a diamond on-line. And let’s be honest, the chances of finding a better price on-line is greater. If you think about it, you are opening up the whole world as your potential market. It’s no longer just the high street or the local shopping mall and that’s obviously good for you as a consumer.

You should consider all the options when purchasing your diamond and one of those options is the internet. Don’t disregard it. As briefly alluded to above the internet offers several advantages and benefits over traditional retailers. Here’s a slightly more in-depth look at the main ones:

Speed

Having done all you research and leg work at the shopping mall in several of the main brand jewelry stores, you’ve decided on what it is you exactly want. You go home, log onto the internet, click your mouse and make your selection. Job done! You
could even turn that around. Search the internet to pick out the cut, color and settings you like the look of, then go to the local stores and try on those types to see if you still like them. See next point.

Pure Convenience

You may not even have to trawl around all those jewelry stores at the shopping mall on a busy Saturday afternoon, (sounds awful doesn’t it!). Why not do all your comparing on-line. No sitting in traffic. No just missing out on that last parking space you’ve been waiting an eternity for. No “in-your-face” salesman who couldn’t care less about what you want, he just wants your money and now! Or worse still, he just couldn’t care less, even he’d rather be somewhere else. Service, it’s a dieing art, in fact it may all ready dead in my experience! No screaming kids having a fit and embarrassing their parents. Ok, so I’m laying it on a bit thick, but let’s face it, we’ve all been there and experienced what I’m talking about. Doesn’t being sat in front of your own computer in your own home with a cup of coffee sounds more appealing?

Variety

How many jewelry stores are there in your local shopping mall or on the high street anyway? And if they’re anything like mine, all them have the same stock. The internet explodes your market to the entire world. Plus each on-line store has the ability to offer you a far greater selection than any bricks and mortar retail shop. Their shelves and display cabinets to not get filled up, they are potentially limitless. With this sort of choice, just imagine what unique gems you might be able to unearth. Also, just because a diamond, or any other gemstone for that matter, is being sold on the internet does not mean it is of an inferior quality. Some people still think that internet = cheap and nasty. It does not!

Lower Prices

As for the same reasons above, an on-line retailer has the advantage with lower overhead costs. Those savings help you because the on-line store can pass those savings onto you. Here’s a little tip. If, after you’ve done your research, you think the price is low and I mean, too low, you know the saying, “that’s too good to be true!” well, yes it probably is and will likely be a scam.

Educate Yourself

This ebook is an excellent place to start to learn and teaches you a huge amount about the world of diamonds all conveniently in one place (even though I say so myself!) but just imagine how much more information must be out there on the internet just waiting to be discovered. That’s not to say this ebook isn’t comprehensive, it is, but as with anything, you’re as able to take this and learn as much as you want to.

You may still decide that you’d prefer to battle the Saturday hoards but just think how much you’ve learned from this ebook alone and how much more knowledge you could have when talking to the jeweler. Again, as with anything in life, it’s only human nature to like someone more when they talk your language, when they think you’re knowledgeable and that they can have an educated conservation with you about their passion. You never know, it may get you a better deal!

Customer Service

As mentioned, maybe one of the reasons you decide to shop on-line is because you want to avoid salespeople. However check if the on-line store you are dealing with has a phone number or a live help facility. At the very least it must have an email contact facility. You may want to ask a few questions and you may not even want to wait for a reply to an email. Also, why not do a little research to try to find some customer reviews on the retailer you’re interested in. You could also check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Online to see if they have received any complaints.

Escrow

If buying a particularly expensive item, why not consider a reputable escrow service. A simple Google, or search engine, search for “escrow” or “escrow services” will give you some good examples. The escrow service could even have the diamond appraised for you whilst it is in their possession, simply ask if they would do this for you. If you don’t know how an escrow service works, here’s a quick summary: the retail store (on or off-line) sends the diamond to the escrow company. At the same time you, as the buyer, send the money for the diamond to the same escrow company. The escrow company has the diamond appraised. When everyone is happy, it then
sends you the diamond and the seller the money. Choosing a good reputable escrow service is an excellent way of protecting yourself.

Terms & Conditions

Always read fully and understand the on-line store’s Terms & Conditions. Know where you stand. In particular look at the following, some are common sense but are very forgettable:

Privacy Policy

Most on-line stores will collect at least some personal data, even if it is just an email address. They should have their "privacy policy" posted on the site. Review the policy and satisfy yourself that, if you prefer, your private information will not be sold
to third parties, specifically companies that may want to contact you with their own offers.

Their Transactions Are Secure

Just about all web sites now guarantee that all personal information provided for payment or registration purposes, is automatically encrypted by the latest security software (128bit). This should eliminate the risk of data interception, manipulation or recipient impersonation by unauthorized parties. Chances are you will have bought many things on-line before and know the process and how safe it is these days. It is a huge industry, just be happy that your diamond ring purchase is a safe as anything you would buy over the internet and there is no reason why it shouldn’t.

Return Policy

It is very important to carefully read the on-line retailer’s Return Policy. Ensure you are completely clear as to their policy and satisfy yourself that you understand it before placing your order. On-line jewelry stores usually have this policy front and
centre. It’s a good selling point and they are all trying to beat each other and offer the best deal. After all, they all want your business so they have to try to stand out from the other countless stores you can potentially look at. It’s just another good advantage for you as the consumer.

One specific aspect to look for though, is have you had the item altered or personalised? If so you may not be able to return it. Better to check before you buy. Plus you should look for a site that quotes a minimum 30-Day Return Policy.

No Return Policy on the website you’re reviewing? Time to move on to the next candidate on the search engine’s results! You’ve got to ask yourself, “Why isn’t there one?” And don’t worry, 99.9% of them will have one.

Shipping / Postage

If you’re buying an expensive item on-line like a diamond, it is only natural to want to know what methods the on-line store uses too ship your item to you. Do they use insured carriers like the major courier firms or a corresponding service offered by the Post Office. Ensure your item is insured to its full value and if not ask for it to be increased. Do they ship to an escrow service? (See above.)

Lost or Damage Policy

Ensure the on-line store is happy to refund or replace your item should it be unfortunate enough to be lost or damaged in transit. If they are using the main courier services etc. (which they should be) they should be happy to. Again, if not, you should maybe be asking yourself, “Why not?”

Diamond Certificates

Not all purchases will require a certificate, you will be able to buy fantastic stones without one. But it doesn’t hurt to look to see what the on-line retailer’s policy is with regard to them. One way to look at it is a certificate doesn’t necessarily lessen the value of a perfectly good diamond, although one from a major recognised laboratory could add value. Satisfy yourself that you are happy with their particular policy.

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