Today, purchasing products over the Internet is a common phenomena. After all, the Internet not only offers you entertainment, but it also provides you with a means of sifting through many options. If you are looking for a wide array of choices as well as competitive rates, you are better off shopping online.
If you are looking for a cheaper alternative for purchasing diamonds, you might have to consider visiting the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas, pay the digging fee and find your perfect diamond. As expected, there’s always a certain amount of risk when shopping online and diamonds are not spared. Here are six steps that will help you make the right choice for a pleasant online diamond shopping experience.
Step 1: Research Diamonds
Every product you see on the Internet has its own language, and the same applies to diamonds. When online shopping for these gems, you need to be familiar with the Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat (4Cs) language. Use these factors to determine a diamond’s full value.
Plus, diamonds are certified by the American Gemology Society (AGS), Gemological Institute of America (GIA), or the International Gemology Institute (IGI). Any diamond out there should have a grading reporting certificate from either of these organizations. In case it doesn’t have, you should practice caution or avoid buying the diamonds altogether.
Step 2: Work with Trusted Sites
As much as you want to purchase something that won’t break your account, you still need to be very careful when shopping online. Since there are so many unruly platforms out there, you are better off sticking to the most popular ones that have their businesses and integrity to protect.
For starters, begin your journey towards buying by searching online for jewelry stores that sell diamonds. Next, narrow down your list by checking on the vendors’ association with professional organizations like Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT). The site should also have accreditation from ethical business practices organizations like Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Step 3: Compare Available Options
Once you have picked out a store and chosen a particular diamond, you can save more money by cross checking its value against similar stones at other platforms. This step helps ensure that you are actually getting value from your investment.
Step 4: Check on Policy
Did you know that there are diamonds coming from conflict regions that you should avoid? These diamonds are popularly known as blood diamonds or conflict diamond. Before buying, make sure that the online store has a policy that states they don’t sell these diamonds.
At the same time, make sure that there is a clear return policy. The return policy should have a clear explanation of what happens in case a diamond doesn’t meet required standards when appraised by independent appraisers.
Step 5: Independent Appraisal
The appraiser should be independent and without affiliations to the store where you bought your diamonds. In fact, they are not to exchange or sell, they should just offer their professional advice. As the buyer, you should choose an appraiser, and never accept free appraisal services offered by stores.
Step 6: Inspect Before Signing
When your package arrives, make sure that you inspect it for signs of tampering. Once you sign, the jeweler and his insurance cover are no longer liable for that package. If there are signs of tampering with the package, the best thing is not to accept it and contact the online store for information immediately.
While this list is not exhaustive, these few steps will help make shopping at an online diamond store fun! They are critical because they help you make the best decisions.
