Even before the coronavirus pandemic, most of us were doing an increasing amount of shopping online. It might have been our weekly groceries, for clothes or household goods but one area has also been viewed as carrying an element of risk is fine jewelry. However, are these fears warranted, or are we just limiting our choice in what we can buy, often missing out on bargains and not getting the opportunity to choose unique and bespoke items?
Of course, you must use a reputable online jeweller, one that will give you the gemstone weight as advertised and pieces that contain the intricate detail shown in the images. We are all aware of the dangers of buying things online, giving away our personal data, including bank or credit card details. Still, by doing a little research and checking the credentials of the website, you are unlikely to be exposed to too much risk.
Here are our tips for buying jewelry online.
- Research the website
Before you even think about putting your card details into the website, you want to be sure that it has the right safety certificates meaning that your data is encrypted and can’t be accessed by others. You then need to find out if the owners of the website are who they claim to be. Google searches will give you a good indication if they are reputable with many “scam” websites quickly being flagged up.
The next step is to read official reviews of the website. What has their feedback been like? If negative comments have been posted, what was the response of the website owners? Getting less than positive feedback sometimes can be a good thing; it is how it is dealt with that will give you a better indication about those running the website and how ethical, and honest they are. Those that address any issues and don’t shy away from problems are probably the companies that you can trust.
- Research their products
When you see an image of a piece of jewelry that you love, it is vital that you read the complete product description. The image may not be of what you are buying and maybe a stock image. Make sure you read every detail to avoid any nasty shocks. Honest sellers will be more than happy to tell you everything about the product as well as answer any questions that you may have.
- Shipping and returns policies
Most of us do our shopping on a global level, thinking nothing of ordering something from the other side of the world. While most of the time, this doesn’t present any problem, if you are purchasing something expensive, such as an item of jewelry, you need to make sure that is adequately insured. In addition, you should also familiarise yourself with the company’s returns policy. Some less reputable website may only accept returns on selected products or state that you have seven days to return after the date of purchase making returns almost impossible.
Honest and well-known jewellers such as Iconic will have a transparent and fair returns policy. All of our products are fully insured, and we only ship jewelry with the world’s leading logistics companies giving you that added peace of mind.
- Appraisals or a Certificate of Origin
Leading jewellers will be happy to offer an accurate valuation of the items that they sell and will put this in writing, often known as an “appraisal”. It will clearly state the attributes of any gemstones that are included in your pieces such as their carat weighting, their clarity, colour and cut. It should also list any other materials which have been used along with any other key features and specifications. In most cases, the appraisal will also act as proof of ownership which will once again provide you with that extra reassurance.
You may also ask for a Certificate of Origin which will detail where a stone comes from including the mine and country. It will act as proof that it has been ethically sourced and that the gemstone is what it claims to be. Although some insurers disregard this document, it is well worth keeping for your records.
- Warranties or guarantees
Does the vendor or the manufacturer offer any form of warranty or guarantee with the item of jewelry that you wish to purchase? We would always recommend that you only buy products that come with a full warranty which is valid for at least 12 months. It should cover any faults to the items. It may include loose gemstones as well as any defects with the gems which would significantly impact on their value.
Without any guarantee, you will be liable for any repairs and no recourse should the item be faulty or not to the standard you expect or as described. Details of our different guarantees can be found on our website.
- Sizings and availability
When you walk into a high street jewelry store, you will have your fingers accurately measured by professionals as well as having the option to try different length chains. One of the downsides of buying jewelry online is that you can’t check the sizes prior to purchase. Most online jewellers will be happy to send you a free plastic ring sizer, or you could download a sizing chart and do the measurements yourself. Sizes for rings vary from country to country, so make sure you understand the size measurements in the website’s country unless otherwise stated.
When it comes to ordering chains or watches online, there are again plenty of guides available on the internet. For chain neck sizes and your figure are important when selecting the right item for you. With watches, choosing something that is appropriately sized your wrist is essential, not only for aesthetic reasons but also to prevent damage. While ring and chains can have their sizes altered after the event, it will weaken them, so it is worth getting the measurement right the first time. If you are unsure, we would recommend consulting an expert.
