How to Buy Diamonds Online
Take steps to protect yourself
when purchasing diamonds online.
With all of the potential for scams concerning diamonds, buying
diamonds online almost seems unthinkable! However, you actually
can purchase diamonds online, without any problems as long
as you are careful.
First, think about your reasons for wanting to purchase the diamond
online, as opposed to making a purchase from a local jewelry store.
The most common reason is price. Due to low overhead costs, online
jewelers and wholesalers are able to offer lower prices. However,
you must be careful sometimes a price that is too low is
a sure indication of a scam.
One of the best things about purchasing online is the unlimited
selection. When shopping offline, you are limited to the selection
in the stores in your general area. Online, there are no limits.
But again, you must use a great deal of care and consideration before
handing your money over to someone that you cannot see and have
never met!
Before shopping, learn as much as you can about diamonds
especially cut, color, clarity and carat weights. When you are knowledgeable
about diamonds, it will be harder for a con artist to rip you off.
Once you know more about diamonds, you will be ready to start shopping.
Take your time. Dont purchase the first diamond that you
see that interests you. Instead, look for similar diamonds for sale.
Do some comparison shopping to find the lowest prices. Once you
have found the lowest price, start doing your investigation. You
know about diamonds, youve found a diamond that you love,
and youve found the lowest price but you are still
quite a ways away from actually purchasing that diamond!
Ask about the sellers credentials, such as professional jewelry
associations that they belong to. View and print the sellers
return, refund, and upgrade policies. Also inquire about additional
services, such as settings and mountings, sizing, and free shipping.
Do a search for customer reviews on this particular company around
the Internet. Also check with the BBB Online to see if there have
been any complaints.
Ask for a diamond grading report from an independent laboratory
such as GIA, HRD, EGL or AGS. You should see this before making
a purchase. Finally, use a reputable escrow service for high dollar
diamonds preferably one that will have the diamond appraised
while it is in their possession. The seller sends the diamond to
the escrow service, and you send the money to pay for the diamond
to the escrow service. The escrow service has the diamond appraised,
sends the diamond to you, and sends the money to the seller. This
is the surest way to protect yourself
again, make sure that
you use a reputable escrow service!
|