Shopping Fine Jewelry Online

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Shopping Fine Jewelry Online

Online shopping is so convenient that you can find practically anything with the click of a mouse. You might discover that the choices you have for fine jewelry when shopping online gives a wealth of choices and price ranges for comparison shopping. But shopping for jewelry online is still not an obvious choice for many people.

You might think that it is easier to shop for fine jewelry in a local store because you can see and touch the jewelry. And if you happen to be a gemologist or a jeweler, that makes perfect sense. But most people are not!

If you are a typical jewelry shopper, you are relying on information given to you by the jeweler. This is exactly the same situation you would be in if you visited and an online jewelry shop. And you can get the best bargains when shopping for fine jewelry online! Why waste time driving all over town when you can save money right from your computer?

When shopping online, however, you must take time to safeguard yourself. Begin by looking over the site carefully.

• Read the item descriptions carefully. Look for the kind of information that helps make a buying decision. When buying diamond jewelry, look for information on the cut, color, clarity and carat. For gold jewelry, check whether the piece is 22k, 18k or 14k and whether it is gold filled or gold plated.
• Read the dimensions. A quality jewelry site uses close-up views of each jewelry item. This can make items seem much larger and chunkier than in real life. Check dimensions on a ruler. Is this what you want? If you are not sure whether you want a 22 inch or 18 inch gold chain necklace, measure a piece of ribbon in both lengths and tie it around your neck to see how it looks. Do the same for bracelets.
• Check for Warranties and Certificates of Authenticity. Does the online jewelry site offer warranties for any or all pieces? And is a Certificate of Authenticity is available for more expensive items? Get as much detailed descriptive information as you can to identify your fine jewelry purchases and add them to your insurance policy. Email the site to ask about them if necessary.
• Check the Returns Policy. Make sure there is a returns policy before placing an order. You will not see the jewelry until it arrives by mail, and you may find that is not exactly what you wanted. Even if the jewelry is exactly as shown on the web, you may just not like the style when you try it on. And if you do find you need to return an item, make sure you do it within the time limit.

Make sure you send back any returns with ample insurance on the shipment. Keep a record of the shipment and the insurance receipt until you either receive a replacement piece or get the refund applied to your credit card.