Buying Guides
Buying fine jewelry online can be a wonderful thing. You have a greater selection of items at possibly better prices compared to brick-and-mortar stores. But is it safe? Well, that all depends. Luxury jewelry is an investment so you want to make sure you get what you pay for.
It's best to avoid consumer-to-consumer websites as it is impossible to validate whether or not the merchandise is authentic or guaranteed. Additionally, you'll want to avoid phony businesses and poorly run websites. Before you press "checkout," ask the following questions:
Is the Company Legitimate?
There are a lot of websites out there and not all of them are legitimate. Here's what to look for:
- "About Us" page with a history of the business
- Professional-looking website with high-quality photography
- Proper grammar and well-formatted text
- Company address
- 1-800 phone number with accessible customer service
All of these things point to the company being a legal and reputable business.
Is Their Website Secure?
This is one of the most important aspects to purchasing jewelry safely online. Since you'll be entering personal information, like addresses and credit card numbers, it is vital that the website is secure. Even if the company is legitimate, an unsecure website will leave you vulnerable to identity theft and phishing scams.
Some websites will display a security icon at the bottom of the page. Otherwise, pay attention to the URL during checkout. You should see the letters "https" at the beginning of the URL and a lock symbol. For further information, read through the website's privacy statement or terms of use. This legal document will outline how your information will be used or shared.
Are the Prices Fair?
Prices that are too low are likely too good to be true; and prices that are too high simply aren't worth it. Do your research. Cross compare with other jewelry websites to make sure you're getting a fair deal instead of a gimmick or a scam.
Are They an Authorized Retailer for Designer Jewelry?
Buying designer jewelry online can be risky if you don't know what to look for. Counterfeits are common. Before you purchase, check to see if the company is an authorized retailer for that particular brand. You can usually find this information on the designer's official website. Any previously owned designer items should be advertized as certified pre-owned or vintage and come with a guarantee.
Do They Have Good Reviews?
A company may pass the tests on legitimacy and website security, but how good are their products? Poor quality or falsely advertized jewelry is never worth your time and money. To save yourself the hassle, read through the company's product reviews on their website or check the BBB.
Do They Offer Multiple Forms of Payment?
Before you checkout, make sure they offer different payment options. Do they accept all major credit cards, paypal, and gift certificates? Is so, this shows that they understand the diversity of the market and want to make things convenient for their customers.
Are the Products Guaranteed?
No one wants to spend a great deal of money on something they aren't even sure they'll love. If an item doesn't fit or just isn't what you expected, you should be able to return it. A respectable business will offer a 100% guarantee or risk-free return policy. If they don't, move on.
