While visiting a local jewelry shop in person has its charm, online jewelry shopping can sometimes be the most effective way to find the piece you want. However, with numerous websites and advertisements appearing after a quick Google search, how do you determine which ones are trustworthy? And if you can’t try pieces on virtually, how do you know if they’ll suit you?
Don’t let the challenges of online shopping deter you from purchasing the fine jewelry you deserve. Check out our top tips and tricks to learn how to find the best online jewelry store for your needs.
Can You Buy Designer Jewelry Online?
The short answer is yes! While it depends on the jewelry store you choose, almost any item available in-store is also offered online, from birthstone jewelry to engagement rings and everything in between.
However, just because you can buy fine jewelry online doesn’t mean you should trust every website. There are numerous companies looking to scam unsuspecting buyers. It’s crucial to conduct thorough research and follow our helpful tips when shopping for jewelry online.
Key Elements of a Trustworthy Online Jewelry Shop
- Transparency: Clear information about products, pricing, and policies.
- Authenticity: Verification of genuine materials and designer pieces.
- Contact Information: Easily accessible ways to reach customer service.
- Variety: A wide selection of styles and designs to choose from.
- Quality Reviews: Positive feedback and ratings from previous customers.
Why Should You Buy Fine Jewelry Online?
For many, accessibility is the key factor when shopping for fine jewelry. Online jewelry shopping offers unmatched convenience, allowing you to browse for hours right from the comfort of your home. It’s a particularly great alternative if your schedule doesn’t align with a store’s operating hours.
Online jewelry retailers typically offer a larger selection compared to physical stores. Since items ordered online may come from a larger warehouse or flagship location, you’ll have more options to explore. If your local store only has limited varieties, you can browse the website to see all available metals, diamond cuts, stone colors, and sizes.
Buying jewelry online can also be more cost-effective, as these businesses often have lower overhead costs and provide exclusive discounts and deals throughout the year. If you find a piece you like in a store, you can check online to see if the price drops to fit your budget before purchasing. Additionally, these websites will indicate if an item is out of stock, eliminating the need to ask a store employee.
What Kind of Jewelry Can You Buy Online?
The ideal online jewelry store for your style should offer a diverse range of designers and options, including:
- Necklaces
- Pendants
- Rings
- Bracelets
- Earrings
11 Tips for Choosing the Best Online Jewelry Store
If you’re planning to buy fine jewelry online, it’s essential to recognize the signs of a trustworthy business. Here are our expert tips to help you find the best online jewelry store for your needs:
Tip #1: Research the Seller
We’ve all made impulsive purchases before, but before you click “add to cart” on a fine jewelry item, take a moment to reconsider. It’s crucial to research the business before making such an important investment. Authentic and reliable online jewelry shops will provide easily accessible information, a detailed history, and genuine customer reviews.
Begin by examining their website. Do they have an “About Us” page that presents their team positively and explains their values? Do they make promises that are supported by facts, such as guarantees of the superior quality of their diamonds or lifetime warranties for the fine jewelry they sell? When choosing the best online jewelry store for you and your budget, having more information is always beneficial.
Tip #2: Know What You’re Looking for in Advance
When shopping for fine jewelry online, it’s important to be familiar with the terminology. Knowing exactly what you’re after—whether it’s a unique Sabel birthstone ring, a stack of bangles, or bracelets—will help you navigate away from lower-quality websites. Understanding key terms and researching the average price of similar pieces can help you identify an online jewelry store you can trust.
Before you start shopping for jewelry online, make sure your search is specific. Here’s some key information to know, so you can avoid scams and find exactly what you desire:
- Metals: Understand the differences between sterling silver, yellow gold, platinum, white gold, rose gold, and others.
- Gemstones: Consider both colorful gemstones and classic diamonds.
- Stone Cut: Refers to the proportions, symmetry, and overall polish of a gemstone.
- Shape: Describes the overall shape of a gemstone, such as oval, pear, round, etc.
- Gold Karat: A measure of the purity of gold, considering weight, durability, and color.
- Setting: Refers to the metal base that holds a stone in place, such as the prongs on a diamond ring.
- Clarity: Often assessed by a diamond grading scale, clarity measures a gemstone’s purity based on internal and external flaws and blemishes.
Tip #3: Check Customer Reviews
While it’s easy for anyone to make a business look appealing with clever words, it’s the real-life customer reviews that provide the truth. Well-managed stores selling high-quality fine jewelry will have numerous positive online reviews to support their claims. These reviews reveal whether past customers loved (or disliked) a design enough to share their thoughts.
Reviews can be found on individual product pages or through your preferred search engine. By searching for the company or a specific location on Google, you’ll discover a review section where real customers share their compliments, questions, and concerns. This is the simplest way to identify potential red flags in online jewelry shops.
Tip #4: Review Return and Shipping Policies
Buying fine jewelry is a significant investment, but what if you don’t like the piece once you receive it? Before making a purchase, ensure you thoroughly understand the store’s return and shipping policies. A trustworthy online jewelry shop will display these policies clearly, without hiding details in the fine print.
For return policies, there should be an option to return items online, or ideally, in-store. Depending on the retailer, some may offer full refunds for diamond rings and necklaces, while others might have exclusions for certain designs or offer only store credit. Each store will have its timeframe for returns, whether it’s 30 days, 90 days, or longer.
Quality online jewelry shops will also have reliable shipping systems to ensure your purchase arrives safely. Check if items are shipped with priority overnight shipping to prevent loss and if a signature is required upon delivery. Knowing these details will help you feel secure about your online purchase.
Tip #5: Understand Your Sizing
Knowing your perfect sizes before making a purchase is crucial, but how can you be sure of the fit if you can’t try the jewelry on first? Whether it’s pearl rings, gold chain necklaces, or other pieces, understanding the sizes that work for you will enhance your online jewelry shopping experience.
To ensure a perfect fit, start by looking for size charts on the website or within the product descriptions. High-quality jewelry brands typically adhere to standard measurements, so you can often use an existing piece from your jewelry collection to gauge the right size. If needed, visit your local jeweler for professional sizing or try online methods to find your ring size at home.
For items like tennis bracelets or designer pieces, such as the Roberto Coin 18K white gold solitaire necklace, an inch or two can significantly affect how the piece complements your proportions. To find the best fit, lay your favorite necklace or bracelet out in a straight line and measure it with a flexible measuring tape. Armed with this measurement, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right size when shopping online.
Tip #6: Verify Authentication
While imitation may be flattering, it’s not desirable for the fine jewelry you’ve invested in. To check an item’s authenticity, review the product description or examine the piece once it arrives. Look for specific design details such as maker marks, manufacture identity stamps and serial numbers.
If you suspect that an item you ordered might not be genuine, there are a few tests you can perform. One method is to hover a strong magnet over the piece—if it sticks, it’s likely made from cheap metal rather than gold. Additionally, you can take gemstone or pearl jewelry to an expert for verification to confirm its authenticity or identify it as a counterfeit.
Tip #7: Compare Prices Across Online Jewelry Retailers
Purchasing a once-in-a-lifetime piece, such as a Marquise and Round Diamond Engagement Ring, is a significant decision, so it’s wise to carry out thorough research on the price. Examine multiple reputable online jewelry shops to compare their similar products and pricing, which will help you set your budget and expectations correctly.
However, remember that a lower price on one website doesn’t necessarily make it the best option for you. Ensure that the store aligns with other essential criteria—positive reviews, favorable return policies, and verified authenticity.
Tip #8: Contact the Business
Leading online jewelry stores offer straightforward contact methods—and they should be quick to respond as well! Whether through an online chat or a phone line with a real person on the other end, excellent customer service ensures that all your questions are answered promptly. This level of service can indicate the quality of the business.
Tip #9: Check if They Offer Repair Services
Accidents happen, and professionals understand this. While your jewelry should arrive in perfect condition, everyday life can cause surface-level damage—whether from wearing it in the shower or accidentally bumping it against something. Before purchasing, explore whether the company offers its repair services. This is a strong indication that the store’s jewelers are skilled and knowledgeable.
Tip #10: Does the Purchase Come with Insurance?
When purchasing items like the Sabel Collection White Gold Diamond Stud Earrings online, jewelry insurance is a wise consideration as it protects against potential theft and damage. Reputable online jewelry stores often provide various levels of insurance with your purchase, offering peace of mind for your most valuable designs.
For example, some retailers, offer insurance policies for diamond studs, pendants, and engagement rings, ensuring that your jewelry remains safe and in good condition for years. This Lifetime Guarantee for diamonds sets them apart from lower-quality competitors in the online jewelry market.
Tip #11: Ensure You Receive Official Paperwork
Every fine jewelry purchase, from trendy stacked bracelets to wedding bands, should come with official paperwork and itemized receipts. These documents should include grading reports for each gemstone or diamond in your piece. It’s important to keep these papers for your jewelry insurance and records. If they don’t arrive with your item, contact the company to find out why.
Whether you’re searching for your dream double halo diamond engagement ring or a special bangle set, every fine jewelry purchase should feel special—even when made online. With the prevalence of counterfeits, it’s crucial to know what to look for in a reputable business. Use these 11 tips to find the best online jewelry store that suits your needs.
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